A friend sent along this reasoned critique of the Libertarian Party that discusses in generalities how we carry ourselves, our overall unwillingness to understand incrementalism and our attitude problem.
The post underscores some things going on in the Libertarian Party of Georgia right now, though the author is talking about Florida. Some folks are too interested in settling personal scores or trying to decide who’ll be in their Libertarian social club, ostensibly what they’d like to turn the party into by weeding out anyone that isn’t agreeable to them. It’s not about taking serious policy positions (and by that I mean stances that aren’t rooted in incoherent conspiracy theories) or driving public policy in a libertarian direction, it’s all about who is the “biggest Libertarian in the room.”
That’s the position some want to take. That’s fine, but enjoy being a big fish in an incredibly small pond.
I have never been involved with the Libertarian Party, but I would consider myself to be a Libertarian. One of the problems I have with the LP is, from the outside looking in, it doesn’t seem to be serious enough to be a viable third party. I point out the GA gov. race this past year. I liked John Monds alot and I was going to vote for him too. When I watched the debate b/t Monds, Deal, and Barnes, Monds would talk about whatever was being asked, then Deal would just agree. It’s too easy for the GOP to cover what the LP stands for no matter if they follow through or actually agree with the stance. Why would a independent voter vote for the LP when the GOP will just slide over and cover the LP stance?
It almost seems that the Libertarian Party tries to marginalize itself. An example is the “War on Drugs”. There is no question that it was an ill-conceived policy. There is no question that it is a poorly executed problem. Yet when Libertarians talk about it, the only take away is that Libertarians like drugs.
Opposition to the War on Drugs should be based on opposition to the restriction of personal liberties. A Libertarian should never even use the word “drugs”. Libertarians need to talk about principles, not programs.
I have libertarian leanings, but am not a Libertarian.
It’s because most of us are clueless when it comes to politics and how to discuss public policy.
Amen to THAT! (And yes, I fully admit even I am still learning.)
oops…poorly executed program, not problem
“Why would a independent voter vote for the LP when the GOP will just slide over and cover the LP stance?”
Because on fiscal issues the GOP only gives our positions lip service, no action… remember, they’re still in charge here in GA.
Also when it comes to social issues, the GOP usually take an opposite position and the Dems give these ideas lip service. Only the LP is consistent when it comes to both Personal and Economic Freedom… both of the other parties believe more government intervention into your lives is the answer to either personal or economic issues… Libertarians believe you know how best to run your lives and therefore believe more government is not the answer,… more liberty is.
Well said Mr. Chairman!