Liberty on Tap’s February gathering included a farewell by Ryan Underwood and a presentation by Priscilla Galstaun-Khader regarding Liberty from an American Muslim perspective. The house was packed and it was a nice escape from the bitter cold outside.
Ryan Underwood and his lovely wife, Julia, are moving on to warmer and greener California pastures. Their time with us is coming to a bitter sweet end.
Joanna Francisco expresses well the contribution that Ryan has made to the liberty movement:
“Not everyone is likely aware of the role Ryan has played in the very existence of and growth of the liberty movement in the Tulsa (and OK) area. In addition to the tech support and expertise on rules/strategy, etc. he has set the tone for very much a bottom-up (leaderless) structure in which ALL who wish to be heard or have an idea can simply run with it. They don’t have to get approval from the ‘leaders’ – they just do it. The people in the group provide a sounding board for philosophical consistency, feedback, and brainstorming. This is the most functional ‘organization’ I have ever been a part of. It really allows for personal development and support as we all work for a very noble cause.”
Ryan addressed the crowd and shared his journey in liberty starting back in the 90s where he discovered Lew Rockwell and the Mises Institute online before it was even cool. Those inquiries led him to Ron Paul and what has been coined as the Ron Paul movement and evolved into the greater liberty movement. Ryan has been a cornerstone for local liberty advocates. He was active in the 2008 Ron Paul campaign and created an online Meetup group to bring local supporters together. The outreach moved to other online social networks and by 2011 it had grown immensely as it continues to do so. Ryan opened by acknowledging the contribution his wife, Julia, has made as well with her support, activism, and input. Ryan and Julia have been motivational and great contributors to the local liberty movement. They will be missed but we wish them much success and happiness as they move westward. However, we look forward to their continued cyber presence. Cheers Ryan and Julia!
Priscilla was introduced next. Priscilla is originally from India, though, she points out that she is multi-ethnical. She moved to Oklahoma 14 years ago, is married with three children and works at a private school. Priscilla is an intelligent, kind, articulate, strong ‘lady of liberty’ and an asset to the liberty movement. Her thoughtful, well researched presentation offered a unique perspective. Being a Muslim in a post 9/11 world no doubt has effected her and her family a little differently than it has most of us. However, as she demonstrates, the world as we knew it changed drastically for everyone after that date. Her words were inspiring and thought provoking. Altogether a wonderful presentation and we thank her for her participation. If you missed it and would like to read it, Priscilla has submitted her speech here.
Thank you to all who came to our February meeting. We look forward to seeing you, and perhaps some new faces as well, next month.
Cheers!
Announcements:
February 12th – Wednesday
Citizen Cannabis Lobby Day
State Capitol
9am – 4pm
Schedule
9AM – CHECK IN – 4TH FLOOR, OKLAHOMA STATE CAPITOL VISITS TO LEGISLATOR OFFICES
10AM – PEOPLE LOBBY 101, ROOM 104, STATE CAPITOL
11:30AM – SENATE HEARING ON THE SCIENCE OF MARIJUANA, ROOM 419C, STATE CAPITOL
1PM – (TENTATIVE) PRESS CONFERENCE, 4TH FLOOR PRESS ROOM, STATE CAPITOL
1:15PM – CONVENE IN SENATE GALLERY, 5TH FLOOR, EAST SIDE OF CAPITOL
1:30PM – SENATE CONVENES
2PM – VISITS TO LEGISLATOR OFFICES
4PM – CLOSE OUT – 4TH FLOOR ROTUNDA
February 15th – Saturday
OK Growth and Opportunity Summit
Tulsa Technology Center
3638 South Memorial Drive
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM (CST)
Tulsa, OK
This may be of interest to many of you who want LOWER taxes and SMALLER government. It’s only $12 and includes lunch. You just need to reserve your spot by visiting the link below. It will be a great opportunity to network and share your perspective with closely aligned individuals and legislators.
Website
February 23rd
Rally for Liberty
Green Country Event Center Auditorium
12000 E. 31st St.
Tulsa, OK
1pm-4pm
Facebook
Liberty on Tap 