Among the speakers will be nationally known former Sheriff Richard Mack, 2004 Presidential candidate Michael Badnarik, Free & Equal Chair and founder Christina Tobin, and Free & Equal Kentucky caucus leader Ginny Saville.

In addition to their usual presentations on the meaning and practical effect of the Constitution, Mack and Badnarik are discussing the recent allegations from all sides of the political spectrum that the DEA is abusing its powers, using novel interpretations of its authority or in defiance of orders.

Along with their standard presentation, Mack and Badnarik will discuss the controversy surrounding recent DEA actions, which are being criticized on all sides of the political spectrum as abusive.

On March 15, the DEA seized chemicals necessary for lethal injection, a backdoor way to prevent states from implementing the death penalty. Free & Equal previously reported on the DEA’s attempts to undermine state medical marijuana laws in Montana.

Sheriff Mack will discuss the implications this conflict between federal and state law has for local law enforcement. Michael Badnarik will discuss the historical and constitutional relationship between federal government and the states.

“The issue of using the federal bureaucracy to oppose the actions of elected representatives deserves discussion,” said Free & Equal founder and chair Christina Tobin. “Are we accumulating too much power in places voters can’t reach?”

Michael was the Presidential candidate of the Libertarian Party in 2004 and is the residing President of the 2009 Continental Congress.  He currently teaches classes on the Constitution and travels the country in support of Liberty.  His nickname “Heart of Liberty” recalls Michael’s campaign slogan from his Presidential run, “Lighting the fires of Liberty one heart at a time.”

On December 21, 2009, Michael had a heart attack while in Madison, Wisconsin to attend a hearing in support of the use of raw milk.  He was rushed by helicopter to Gunderson Lutheran Hospital in Lacrosse WI, where he was fitted with a temporary pacemaker and a balloon pump to ease stress on his heart.  He had a stent placed inside a blocked artery and was kept in a medically-induced coma for two weeks.  Michael has since been released from the hospital and is now in recovery.

As Michael was in the ICU, Eric Nordstrom proposed a fundraiser to help cover the expenses.  Nordstrom said, “I would never ask for help in this regard and I am sure Michael wouldn’t as well.  All the more reason we help.”

The Free & Equal Elections Foundation has set up the website to establish a fund for Michael’s recent and ongoing medical expenses.  Free & Equal Founder and CEO, Christina Tobin, said, “Michael has always given everything of himself for a just cause, and never because he was seeking a paycheck.  Now it’s time to show the world how free people can take care of each other without government intervention, just as he has taught.”

Nordstrom added, “We are hoping to show the generosity of We the People.  We would like to get the Heart of Liberty back in action and focused on the fight, not on bills!”

All donations received through http://www.heartsofliberty.org/ will be used to pay directly for Michael’s medical bills.  Any excess will be returned to donors or, at their discretion, contributed to a charity of Michael’s choosing.  All records of the Heart of Liberty Fund will be available for inspection upon request.

People may also send checks or money orders to Free & Equal at 407 S Dearborn St, Suite 1170, Chicago IL 60605.  Please be sure to specify that your donation is for the Heart of Liberty Fund.

Free & Equal is a 501(c)(3) organization.  Contributions to the Heart of Liberty Fund are tax deductible.