The Non-Aggression Principle: "We oppose the initiation of force or fraud"

The non-aggression principle is a wonderful tool for libertarian living. It serves as a litmus test of sorts for my own life as well as how I view/assess government practices and policies.

When questioning whether a personal or political decision or action is appropriate and/or permissible, those of us who embrace the non-aggression principle need only to ask ourselves one question "Is this decision/action an initiation of force of fraud"? If the answer is yes, we simply can not do it. If the answer is no, then we can consider it.

The non-aggression principle is reflected in my home state's Libertarian Party of Illinois membership statement: "People have the right to control their own lives as long as they do not initiate the use of force or fraud against others" and similarly at the National LP level where members are asked to validate their membership by certifying that they oppose the initiation of force to achieve political or social goals.

Libertarian Moms who share this concept with their children through conversation and example are not only doing a real service for their children, but for the liberty movement as a whole -- knowing peace, prosperity and personal freedom are directly linked to the understanding and practicing of the non-aggression principle.

Jan Stover, The Libertarian Moms

Sunflower Seed Pancakes ... a Hearty Treat!

When my oldest son was little, he had many food allergies ... so I was always searching for (and concocting) new and tasty recipes.

In the process, I came up with this recipe for Sunflower Seed Pancakes (which we still eat and enjoy today).

Ingredients:
1 and 3/4 cup raw sunflower seed flour ( I buy raw sunflower seeds and grind them myself via our coffee grinder)
3 eggs
2 tablespoons water
1/8 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Mix ingredients and prepare in skillet in the same fashion as more traditional pancakes.
Serve with real maple syrup ... yum!

Recipe makes 6 medium size pancakes.

Note: These are heavy, hearty (almost "meaty") pancakes. If you like a lighter pancake, sift sunflower seed flour before adding other ingredients to it and/or add a bit of wheat flour to the mix (adding additional water accordingly).

Jan

Hubby's Homemade Bread

Nothing beats the smell of fresh baked bread coming from the kitchen (unless it's the wonderful taste of the first slice from the most recent loaf still warm from the oven and slathered in butter).

Here's to hubby's baking skills and his very own recipe for this staff of life.

Hubby's Homemade Bread

For two loaves ...

Ingredients:

5 and 1/2 cups unbleached flour

2 cups tepid water plus 2 tablespoons tepid water

2 teaspoon dry active yeast

1 heaping teaspoon sugar

2 tablespoons oil

Small amount of melted butter

Instructions:

Add sugar and yeast to the 2 tablespoons of water ... let "grow" for a few minutes

Add salt to 2 cups water

In large bowl, mix all ingredients until nice and "gluteny"

Let rise until double in size

Punch down, knead, and split into 2 round loaves

If you plan to add seasonings to your loaves (i.e. dill, onion, etc) this is the time to do so

Let both loaves rise again on a floured cookie sheet

When double in size, brush top of each loaf with melted butter, slightly split top of loaf with edge of spoon.

Bake both loaves for 45 minutes at 375 F

Eat and enjoy!

Jan (according to Don :-)