Libertarian candidate visits area

A Hollywood movie producer turned Libertarian presidential candidate told a group of free-thinkers Saturday that American citizens should have the right to live their lives without government intervention.

Aaron Russo spoke Saturday to members of the Free State Project at the Homewood Public Library.

The Free State Project is an effort to recruit 20,000 people seeking liberty from overbearing government to move to New Hampshire, according to the organization's Web site. "We are not the property of the government," he said. "The government should never legislate morality."

Russo produced movies such as "Trading Places" and "The Rose." He managed entertainers such as Bette Midler, and produced concerts for performers including Led Zeppelin and the Grateful Dead.

Russo entered politics in 1998 when he ran for governor of Nevada for the Republican party. After that election, Russo became an independent.

He said he is running for president to take power away from the government and give it back to the people.

Russo is an advocate for the legalization of medicinal use of marijuana and for abolishing gun control.

"Jail is not a place for people who smoke marijuana," he said.

Chris Harrison, an organizer of the Free State Project, invited Russo to speak.

"We need someone who's going to do something for the people of this country, rather than the special interests," he said. "I think Russo would do a good job as president."

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