I'm not a member of the Libertarian Party.

I'm an independent voter.

But I am a small "L" libertarian.

I think our political institutions are vastly corrupt and tyrannical.

I've seen all the ways over the years in which the government in Washington violates its own charter, the U.S. Constitution, and hardly even tries to keep up appearances anymore that it is even trying to follow its own laws.

I've seen all the ways in which state and local governments steal money from their states' economies and waste resources.

Google the name Andrew Carnegie, and you'll probably get a definition that heralds the Scottish-American as one of America's fathers of industry. Carnegie founded US Steel, but it wasn't his knowledge of how to make durable metal that led to his success — it was the idea of lateral integration.

From her classroom to the Supreme Court.

Listen to the podcast on SoundCloud or iTunes!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaVYBhZTjRU

Voter turnout soared. Santa Fe voters felt empowered with more choices and with a campaign wildly hailed for its civility and substantive tone. The city’s diversity will be reflected in its elected officials. And Santa Fe has a new mayor who has the support of a landslide majority of the city’s voters rather than a low plurality.

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA - Do you think there is too much foreign influence in government? Is more accountability needed? Well, Alaskan voters are doing something about it.

In his open letter to President Trump, who is visiting California this week, Governor Jerry Brown highlighted the "world-class train system under construction."

That Gov. Brown would publicly laud a project that will likely be 40% over budget and perhaps a decade behind schedule has many scratching their heads.

https://twitter.com/JerryBrownGov/status/973181826545176576

Dear Clarissa,

Well, Sweetie, it’s almost here. Tomorrow is the day that you join young people all over the country and walk out of your classes for 17 minutes to protest the prevalence of gun violence in our society and to honor the 17 lives lost one month ago in Parkland, Florida. As someone who has done a fair bit of protesting in his life, I have a few pieces of advice that, like all of my advice, you are free to do with as you choose.

Collectively, there are thousands of organizations and funders already working to improve our country. So why does our country appear to be a mess?

The weakest part of our country is our willingness to live in a narrative/news stream that confirms our own bias and demonizes others. We could make our collective work exponentially more effective by fostering strong relationships among people of different viewpoints.

We are only three months into 2018, but already big things are happening within the independent movement -- especially in Colorado.

Unite America (formerly the Centrist Project) recently launched with an ambitious goal: to elect enough independents to shift the balance of power in several states and in DC away from the Republican and Democratic Parties, and give a voice back to the people.

This week, T.J. is joined by Debra Hanby, the mother of an opioid addict who found her life’s purpose through her son’s experience.

T.J. is the host of 'Deconstructed,' formerly titled 'A Civil Assessment.' You can follow IVN's podcast channel on iTunes or SoundCloud!