By DAVE HAMRICK
dhamrick@thecitizennews.com

William Norris developed an interest in politics at a tender age from listening to talk radio while riding in a car with his father.

Now, at the ripe old age of 17 — not yet eligible to vote — Norris is working to organize a local chapter of a new (to Fayette) political party.

“I'm trying to get the first public meeting for the Fayette County Libertarian Party organized for March 2,” said Norris.

“When I was young my family traveled a lot, and I listened to Neal Boortz (WSB Radio talk show host) and got turned on to the libertarian philosophy. Then I read `Atlas Shrugged' by Ayn Rand, and that fueled my interest even more. I guess politics has turned into my hobby,” he said.

Norris has been involved in the Clayton and Coweta Libertarian parties for several years, “and I decided it was time to get one started in Fayette,” he said.

He talked to Mark Antieau, a state party activist, and as it turned out dozens of other Fayette residents had made inquiries about bringing a chapter here.

Antieau has set up a charter signing meeting for both the Fayette chapter and a Spalding County chapter. That's Thursday, Feb. 10 at 7 p.m. at Shoney's, 1445 North Expressway.

The first Fayette County meeting will be March 2 at 7 p.m. at Heritage Bank, 440 North Jeff Davis Drive. Jack Cashin, Libertarian candidate for governor in 1998 and state Senate in 1996, will speak on libertarian philosophy and try to motivate listeners to get involved, said Norris.

Libertarian philosophy, said Antieau, was articulated best in the 1960s by Republican presidential candidate Barry Goldwater. “He was quoted as saying government should be out of the bedroom and out of the board room,” said Antieau.

“Much like the founding fathers, we are for basic market principles and also a lot less regulation on our personal lives,” he added.

Free speech, gun rights and decriminalization of drugs are among the party's best known stands. The party also is “officially pro-choice,” said Antieau, though many members are opposed to abortion. “They just think the government shouldn't make that decision. We could become like China, where they're forcing people to have abortions,” if the government is allowed to make abortion policy, he said.

For information on the party, phone Antieau at 770-442-1857, or visit www.ga.lp.org.