The LP WIre
- News and Views of the Libertarian Party of Wisconsin -
December 2025
From the Chair
In the Libertarian world, we have our sharpshooters, the folks who are witty, edgy, unafraid to stir the pot. For some, that spark is a strength. But personally, what I value most in this party is something quieter yet far more powerful: how we treat people.
Civility and basic decency aren’t weaknesses. In the political climate we live in today, they’re revolutionary. People are tired of hostility. People are tired of not knowing whether they can trust those who represent them. And if we believe in individual dignity and principled leadership, then we need to live those values out loud, not just argue them.
One story that always comes to mind is A Christmas Carol. Scrooge doesn’t change because someone wins an argument with him. He changes because he’s shown the human impact of his choices and finally sees people. That realization, empathy paired with accountability, is powerful. It’s something we should carry with us year-round.
And with that spirit in mind, I’m proud to say momentum is building. We have Libertarian candidates stepping up across Wisconsin for the 2026 spring elections. This is what growth looks like, not just louder voices, but more people willing to serve, to lead, and to show what principled representation can be.
Our newsletter is also getting a fresh update in format, making it easier to read and more engaging for members. And convention planning is well underway. I’m more excited than ever to return to Treehaven, a place full of energy, connection, and good memories. 2026 is shaping up to be special.
Let’s meet this next chapter with grace, determination, and the quiet confidence of people who lead by example.
Reese Wood - Chair, Libertarian Party of Wisconsin
Response from our LNC Regional Representatives
Last August The WIre asked our LNC representatives 6 questions: What does the party hope to accomplish at the 2026 off year convention in Grand Rapids, Michigan? What might an individual attending the convention hope to get out of it? Is there anything an individual in the Wisconsin state party can do to influence their representatives? Is there anything you have done, during your term in office, that you feel particularly proud of? Do you have a plan for our region’s future? Do you have any thoughts / goals for the future of our party?
No answers have been received.
Events
LPWI Town Hall
Our next Libertarian Party of Wisconsin Town Hall will be on Saturday, December 28 at 2:00 PM. Our Party Chair will be giving an update on party progress, current projects, and what’s ahead for 2026, followed by open Q&A. Bring your questions, ideas, and feedback. Your voice drives this party. Zoom link will be posted on Discord. If not on Discord send request for link to [email protected]
Platform Committee Meeting
The next meeting of the Platform Committee will be held December 29 at 8:00 p.m. on Zoom. If interested contact Tyler Danke at [email protected]
Reminder
To vote at the state party’s annual convention this April a member must have donated to the party at least $60. Most members chose to give $5 or more monthly. Other members chose to give a once yearly amount. However you give that process needs to be set up at least 30 days prior to the convention. If you give yearly please have that money into the party in January.
Lawmakers Move to Ban VPNs, Mandate ID Verification
Wisconsin Lawmakers have introduced A.B.105/S.B.130. This bill bans the use of VPNs and requires ID verification for websites that contain "material harmful to minors." As of 11/18/25, the Assembly has passed this bill and is now headed to the State Senate for a vote, and if passed then to the Governor's desk.
If you do not know what a VPN, short for virtual private network, is, let me explain. A VPN is a server you connect to in order to mask your IP, short for internet protocol, address anywhere you are connecting on the internet. When you connect to the internet without a VPN, any servers you connect to can tell exactly where you are located. When you connect to a VPN, they will get the location of the VPN server, and your real location is protected. On top of that, VPNs also encrypt your connection, protecting your data and making it more difficult for hackers to intercept.
There are many uses for a VPN. Two huge ones include protecting your privacy and protecting your data. Another huge use for VPNs is many businesses require them for employers to access their networks and databases. Certain educational institutions also may require them to access educational resources and databases. Many government agencies themselves use VPNs. As there are more uses, these listed are some of the main ones.
With the way "material harmful to minors" is described in the bill, it is vague. This allows an array of websites to be covered which lawmakers did not intent to cover and will likely continue to expand as the definition will in the future. To give an example, this description is broad enough that an educational website showcasing a detailed diagram of the human body could be required to van VPNs and require ID verification.
Part of the bill says that these websites "may not knowingly retain identifying information of the individual attempting to access the website after the individual’s access has been granted or denied." Many times, websites will use third-party services to process the data of its users, which they have no control over. Even websites which process the data on their own may unknowingly have kept such data, or hackers could intercept your data in transit if you aren't using a VPN. Constantly, hackers are breaching into databases, stealing data, and selling it on the dark web, including pictures of IDs used in age verification systems.
Government intervention is not the solution, it is the problem. Politicians should not look to expand the government and restrict the liberty of its citizens to achieve social goals. That is the opposite of the principles of which the United States was founded on. The government can protect its citizens without relying on privacy-destroying methods.
When government expands, it rarely gives away the powers it grants itself. This bill is just one step in eroding more liberties and privacy from citizens, expanding the surveillance state, and making it easier for surveillance capitalism to thrive. This can easily lead to chat control, age verification to use social media, anti-crypto, and other anti-liberty measures being taken like we are seeing happen in the European Union, such as a complete ban on VPNs in their entirety, all in the name of "protecting the children," the same excuse used repeatedly when taking away citizen's liberties. All of your data, if legislation passes regarding such measures, will be shared with the government if inquired upon. Also, like we saw in the Snowden Files, the government can pressure entities to build a back door to access your data. Any time the government requires you to share personal data to access online services, more virtual places are created for your data to be stolen and shared with third parties and the government.
Looking at the votes taken from the Assembly to pass this bill, six did not vote: Representatives Allen, Doyle, Goodwin, Maxey, Vining, and Zimmermin. Representative Sortwell paired nay and Representative Penterman paired aye. All of the Republicans who did vote voted aye, while the Democrats were nearly halfway split.
Something this situation shows is that lawmakers do not understand the implications of bills like this (or perhaps some do but won't admit what this is leading to). The legislature would benefit from a Gen-Z representative, or at the very least someone who has technical expertise.
Next time you see your legislator, ask them if they know what a virtual private network is. If they say no and they voted yes to ban them, ask them why they did so without understanding what they were voting on.
Wisconsinites, it is time to contact your State Senators and tell them to vote against S.B.130 to protect the liberty and privacy of their constituents.
- Brayden Myer
Brayden Myer is a founding member of the Manitowoc County Patriots. The WIre is pleased to publish his article. [email protected]
Monthly Newsletters to End
“Emails are the 'in' thing. Newsletters apparently take too long to read. Emails make people feel as though they are doing something, and most of the email can be used to ask for money. Forget conveying ideas and dialogue, though.” That was the response the editor received from another newsletter editor upon sharing the news that The LP Wire’s monthly run is coming to an end.
The Communications Committee (ComCom) has suggested fewer newsletters each year and possibly printing the newsletter. The Committee is also open to a new editor. The newsletter policy is posted on the web page.
The LP WIre is only a part of the ComCom’s purview of out reach as it covers the party’s web page, Facebook, X, Instagram, Discord, Know Your Rights cards, and event kits. It is hoped that members will encourage interested people to join in the discussion - and ultimately the party. The ComCom also hopes to get more submissions from the Liberty Movement from outside the party.
The state party’s new, as yet unnamed, weekly or twice weekly emails will begin soon. They will be short, with a focus on upcoming events, affiliate highlights, candidates, volunteers, and calls to action.
Interested in helping? Want to submit content? Send an email to [email protected]
Short Bits
Just do it. https://www.lpwi.org/run_for_office
Jason and Teresa Boris lost their house on 11/11/25 Jason and Teresa were active passionate Lpwi members for a few years. They served as CD 8 rep and alternate. They stepped away from the party to focus on serving on the local school board, starting an assisted living home, referee for sports etc. https://www.gofundme.com/f/zpz3ek-support-a-family-recovering-from-house-fire
The LP WIre is published monthly. Permission to publish has been given by the LPWI Executive Committee. Editor in Chief is Kevin Litten. The editor of this newsletter may be reached by email at [email protected] Submissions are welcome but are subject to editing for applicability and length. Copyright © 2025, permission to copy only given for research, scholarship, criticism, or comment.
This newsletter is intended for Wisconsin Libertarians and interested persons. Articles are welcome. Images are appreciated.
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