Holiday Greetings

Small Government News*
Tuesday, December 24, 2002

Official Newsletter of Question 1, the Ballot Initiative to End the Income Tax in Massachusetts; Carla Howell, Libertarian for Governor; and Michael Cloud, Libertarian for U.S. Senate

Subject: Joy and Peace to You

+++ IN THIS ISSUE +++
-- A Holiday Message from Carla Howell and Michael Cloud
-- "`Twas the Night Before Christmas" (an Adaptation)

+++ A HOLIDAY MESSAGE FROM CARLA HOWELL AND MICHAEL CLOUD +++

Dear Friends,
This is a season of love and hope -- and perhaps peace. A time to celebrate our values - and share our love with our friends and families.

We are spending this week with family and friends. With loved ones. Naturally, we thought of you. Of your friends and families. Of your involvement. Of your values and commitment. We want you to know how grateful and honored we are to count you as friends.

To count you as fellow citizens of the community of individual liberty, personal responsibility, and small government. You are one vital reason we've come so far. You helped make a difference.

As we share conversation and good cheer with our family and near friends, we will think of you.

Liberty and Peace on Earth,
Carla Howell
Michael Cloud

+++ `TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS' (an Adaptation) +++
by Tom LaRoche

`Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the House
Not a Representative was stirring, not even a mouse.
The bills were all sent to committee with care,
In hopes that The Speaker soon would be there;

The voters were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of small government danced in their heads;

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the luster of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a grassroots campaign, and eight tiny reindeer?

She was dressed for respect, from her head to her foot,
And her clothes were well pressed, not soiled with soot.
A bundle of petitions she flung on her back,
She looked like a teacher opening her pack.

Her eyes - how they twinkled! Her smile so cheery!
Her cheeks red as roses, she really looked merry!

She spoke not a word, but went straight to her work,
And filed the petitions with each city clerk.
She gave `thumbs up' to these town officials,
And asked for their votes - completing the ritual.

She sprang to her ride, to her team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard her exclaim, ere she drove out of sight,
"Small government is beautiful*, and protects every right!"

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

* "small government is possible", "small government is beautiful",
"Personal Responsibility Sets Us Free" and "Small Government News"
are Service Marks (SM) of Carla Howell and Michael Cloud.

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