Dimitri Vassilaros is a "triple threat" when it comes to spreading his libertarian beliefs: he has worked on the radio, for newspapers, and on television. Currently writing an opinion column for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, he has also been a popular talk show host on WWVA Radio (Wheeling, West Virginia) and WTAE Radio (Pittsburgh), and a commentator on WTOV-TV (Steubenville, Ohio).

No matter where he works, Vassilaros promotes the view that government has gotten too big and too powerful. In an interview with the Graffiti newspaper in West Virginia (June 1998), Vassilaros explained his political philosophy.

"We [libertarians] believe that less government is better," he said. "The Constitution is our contract with America. We really don't need much beyond that. But everywhere we turn, we see more taxation, more regulation -- and for what? Our children are poorly educated by government-run schools, federal tax dollars are used as pork-barrel incentives, and the government still tries to run our lives from the board rooms to the bedrooms. I think the government should be much more limited."

In his writings, Vassilaros offers colorful libertarian views on numerous issues. Some examples:

• On the war in Iraq: "The only thing more sickening than watching the White House whipping us into war frenzy is watching most of our representatives in the joint session of Congress giving the propaganda a standing ovation after essentially abdicating their constitutional authority to declare war." -- The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (January 30, 2003)

• On historic preservation laws: "Enlightened self-interest is the best way to protect historic property. The free market will determine which property is worth preserving -- and which is not." -- Libertarian Forum (September 1996)

• On the Second Amendment: "The Constitution guarantees citizens of this country the right to bear arms. There is no asterisk at the end of the Second Amendment. We have a right to own guns." -- Graffiti, June 1998)

• On federal campaign finance laws that restrict political advertisements: "The First Amendment might as well be one of those pieces of meat sliced up at a Japanese steak house." -- The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, December 20, 2003)

• On the income tax: "The 16th Amendment should be repealed and replaced with nothing. That would force the government to live within the confines of the Constitution." -- Graffiti (June 1998)

In 1996, Vassilaros became a registered Libertarian, and said later, "There is no significant difference between Republicans and Democrats."

-- Bill Winter

Quotable

"I think the government should be much more limited. We [libertarians] believe that less government is better." -- Dimitri Vassilaros in Graffiti (June 1998)

Books & Tapes

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