Technology-planks-Libertarians

==Internet Tax Freedom Amendments Find Libertarian Party Favor==
===Party says extending tax moratorium necessary for Internet freedom and development===
Washington, D.C. – With a Nov. 1, 2007, deadline looming overhead for extending a moratorium on taxing Internet service providers for Internet access, the Libertarian Party has thrown its support in favor of the current proposal sponsored by Rep. John Conyers, Jr. [D-MI]. Conyers' amendments would extend the moratorium until 2011. Libertarian Party Executive Director, Shane Cory, said the bill would "grant greater freedom in accessing the Internet, which has been the principle agent in the modern era of how people obtain information and express themselves."
"While the Libertarian Party would like to see the moratorium made permanent, the current extension is certainly acceptable," says Cory. "Unimpeded access to the Internet is vital for its expansion and development. We hope to see the Senate pass this bill before the Nov. 1 deadline."
A similar measure in the Senate has stalled; however, the House version of the bill that passed earlier this week was given a first-read in the Senate before being placed on the legislative calendar. 
Should an extension not be granted before the Nov. 1 deadline, many fear states would place taxes on telecommunication companies' Internet access services. Many conservatives want to see the moratorium made permanent, but critics say this would obstruct the ability of states to raise revenue in the future. Additionally, some argue telecommunication companies will be able to slip other Internet programs like Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) communication services into the moratorium, which Conyers' amendments do not protect from taxation.
"It is regrettable that the House bill did not extend tax-protection to Voice over IP services, but the Libertarian Party hopes future bills will address this issue," says Cory. "As with any other business sector: the less taxes, the better. Keeping taxes down on Internet services encourages the industry's growth and development, which in turn, benefits everyone." 
"Because of the Internet's intrinsic value for free expression and the free exchange of ideas, access to it should be unfettered by taxes and other regulation," Cory continued. "The extension of the tax moratorium ensures people have the freedom to access this vital resource in today's world. Hopefully in the next four years, Congressional leaders can find a way to make this moratorium permanent." 
The Libertarian Party is America's third largest political party, founded in 1971 as an alternative to the two main political parties. You can find more information on the Libertarian Party by visiting www.lp.org. The Libertarian Party proudly stands for smaller government, lower taxes and more freedom.
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