I wonder why I am Libertarian

[StoneColdTaxHater]

I joined the Libertarian Party this year and I have to wonder why.

[StoneColdTaxHater]

I joined the Libertarian Party this year and I have to wonder why. I believe in the principle of limited, constitutional government. I have found that unfortunately, many of the members of the LP may be candidates for the tin foil hats! They viscerally hate the government and the 2 major parties. The see conspiracies everywhere. They also seem to be happy to be spoilers in elections rather than work to truly advance their goals. I wll remain with the party but I choose to be more pragmatic.

[cajungirl]

So, were you stoned at the time?

[steve50]

Many join the libertarian party thinking it will be like the rest, pay lip service to the Constitution while "interpeting" it to suit their needs. Most who feel that way are better off with the neocons.

[Blood of Tyrants]

Hope you have on your asbestos underwear. There are MANY here who hold that it is the Libertarian Party's fault that Thune lost in SD. (It couldn't have been the Republican Party's same old undelivered promises that drove people away, could it?)

[Constitution Day]

Welcome to Free Republic!

Let me just say this before people start flaming you to death...

I believe you are the same person who sent me an inquiry on the Old North State (NC) Freepers... I just read it about an hour ago.
I'll be glad to send you something this week.

Regards,

Constitution Day
Edgecombe County

[Mike Darancette]

I'm a libertarian because I can vote a straight party line and not ever worry about having to defend the record of candidate I voted for in office and I can bash whoever is elected because it will not be the Libertarian. /sarcasm

[BranMakMorn]

Hi SCTH,

Ah, nothing like a Monday morning flameathon! Time to get out some marshmallows... the libertarian bashers will be all over this one...

[Dr. Scarpetta]

Libertarians are trying to get Hillary Clinton elected as president to punish the rest of us for not living up to their high standards.

[xdem]

> So, were you stoned at the time

http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=slander

[logic101.net]

Lets not forget that they cost WI and IL their governors.

MARK A SITY

[John Farson]

Lets not forget that they cost WI and IL their governors.

That is a lie. The Republican candidate lost by a huge margin. George Ryan destroyed the credibility of the IL GOP by running as a conservative and governing as a liberal.

[cajungirl]

Hon, I didn't say you were stoned, just asked if you were. That is not slander. I guess I should say I am sorry for being flip but we always get into it over marijuana with the libs around here and your title of the thread was kind of funny, like you didn't remember getting to be a libertarian. So welcome, some of my best friends are libertarians.

[u-89]

Eh, couple of questions chief,
If you're worried about spoilers why did you even consider joining any 3rd party? How would you suggest they advance their goals other than running for office, having opinion journals, websites and a caucus in the rebublican party? And if you're worried about being in a party where some members have loopy ideas have you taken a close look at some of the folks in the Dems and Repubs lately?
cordially,

[StoneColdTaxHater]

I joined a 3rd party because I am dissatisfied with what I see coming from the other 2. Both parties are essentially after the same thing, power over our lives. They just want different types of power. My gripe is that the LP agenda could be sold to a larger audience because I believe most Americans are basically Libertarian where the rubber meets the road. However, the party is resistant to making greater inroads to persuade voters. If people see that some of the LP members are kind of gov't conspiracy kooks they will never give the ideals a second listen. I will continue to work to advance the agenda within our current framework because I beleive there are many people like me who lean LP but don't realize they have an outlet.

[StoneColdTaxHater]

by, the way......I was Stone Cold Sober!!!

[cajungirl]

Oh well, maybe that is the problem. You are in a beer-deprived state!!! That is why you are wondering why you did it.

[u-89]

I believe most Americans are basically Libertarian where the rubber meets the road.

I used to think that too. Just last night I was talking to a fellow who is a taxi driver. He is basically libertarian but thinks we need national health insurance because he can't afford to go to the doctor. Then I pointed out that he has 1500 CD's in his music collection, has a large collection of books, eats expensive cuts of steaks and drinks good wine and beer. When he buys something he always wants the best and all around he can't manage his money. I said that going to the doctor wasn't a high priority with him and because he wants all the other things first he should not expect some else to pick up the tab because he blew his money elsewhere. He didn't want to hear it.

A friend in Utah is also bascially libertarian until it comes to safety laws, particularly child safety and also smoking laws. Then the government should have a say in how you live because it's good for you. When I said people should be free to raise their kids as they please he got upset because people are stupid and don't know what's good for them. He was a very hyperactive child and somehow his parents managed to get him to adulthood unscathed but he didn't want to hear it. These are just two examples of how far down the road we are. I am a libertarian simply because I vote my beliefs not my hopes ie. I don't have hope in either major party seeing the light. If I tell someone I believe in liberty and then vote for either of the 2 major parties I can not defend the inconsistencies of my words from my deeds. Realistically don't expect libertarian ideals to prevail any time soon. The pendulum is swinging in the other direction. Still one should fight for what ones believes and not just join up with the winners just to be on the winning side. That kind of victory is hollow.

[StoneColdTaxHater]

Agreed. I however have some kind of deluded notion that average Joe's can be made to se the light or at least be honest with themselves when they look in the mirror. I too vote LP because the major paerties have taken to nominating "faces" rather than truly qualified people. i.e Elizabeth Dole

[Mr. Blond]

I'm a, let's say Jeffersonian. Sounds better. However, we vote for parties, not philosophies. What libertarians should focus on doing is strengthening the Liberty Caucus within the Republican Party. You have to take your victories where you can get them, and follow Ron Paul's example. You can help push the GOP back to it old platform through immigration, so to speak.

[logic101.net]

Ok, I might be wrong in the IL Gov race, but in WI the Republican lost by 3%, Ed Thompson cost us that office.

MARK A SITY