Sometimes I like to look back and see what we've accomplished; what we've done well, where we could have done better, and where we failed.

The good times

For the past 2 years, we've been working toward a structured, functional political party. We're behind where I'd like to be, but overall I'm happy with the results. We have functional groups in three congressional districts, with two more coming online, and the final district just beginning the process.

We've had a good number of high quality candidates come forward. Looking back in time, before I was actively involved in the party, we used to have more candidates running for local offices. Now, with the power of the internet, combined with general voter dissatisfaction with the two old parties (or as Joe calls them, the two bad parties), we're at a point where we can expect even better results.

We've made a lot of friends and political allies. Louisville, especially, has made good connections with great liberty-minded groups and we need to do more of this statewide.

The bad times

We have unfortunately squandered a few good opportunities, and had other good opportunities snatched away from us, either by our mistakes, or (more commonly) by circumstances beyond our control. I don't blame anyone for these problems; all of us are volunteers, and as we grow as a party, we will reduce and hopefully all but eliminate such mistakes, going forward.

Getting our share

I think one of the best things, for me, is to watch the younger members of the party grow into political maturity. Our members aged 18 - 24 become politically mature at a much faster rate than most.

For the party, the best part, through the ups and downs, is that we have learned from our mistakes, we have new energetic members, and we continue to do things better. And of course, we make new friends, and have a really good time while we're at it.

It's hard to believe that just 4 years ago, I was politically inactive, burned out from online political sparring and uninvolved in a structured format. Only after seeing Dr. Ron Paul in Bowling Green, courtesy of the Bluegrass Institute, speak about eminent domain, was I again inspired get back involved.

We owe all of the progress to Dr. Paul, and to others like him here in Kentucky, who for years have held the torch of liberty high in the air, even when most people were averting their eyes. It is from the foundations and principles, developed, honed, and proclaimed by those who came before, that we are where we stand today. I thank each and every one of those who stood beside us, whether actively or in secret.

Today, we face the real possibility of making major waves in elections. Angry voters, better and alternate media, and more organization will lead to better campaign staff, better candidates, and better election results. 2010 is the year it really begins.

I hope you will stand beside us, and work with us, to elect our candidates; from a party that has always stood on the principles of our founding fathers.

I cannot promise you a win; not yet, anyway. But with your help, we can make a name for the LPKY, and look forward to victorious election days ahead.