Poll: Republicans embracing libertarian priorities

Politico ^ | 9/11/13 | JAMES HOHMANN

[wmfights]

Two-thirds of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents said they want their member of Congress to “keep their promises and stick to principles” as opposed to “compromise in a bipartisan way to get things done.”

“From Obamacare on down, sticking to principle is where the Republican base is today,” said David Kirby, vice president of opinion research at FreedomWorks. “It’s an example of how off the Republican establishment is from their base.”

Social issues have become less salient to GOP voters: 41 percent said gay marriage is not one of their top 10 issues. Asked about abortion, about one-third said it is one of the top three issues they care about; another third said it is not in the top three but somewhere in the top 10 and the final third said it is not one of their top 10 concerns.

Read more: http://www.politico.com/story/2013/09/poll-republicans-libertarian-96576.html#ixzz2ecUQmr3o

[Orangedog]

We’re anti-authoritarian. I know...freedom scares you.

[Gene Eric]

Putting aside the labels, how far are liberty minded people willing to go in terms of repealing law; repeal that doesn’t put youth at risk?

[Gene Eric]

I agree when the ideals are wholly represented by the Libertarian Party’s platform.

[Responsibility2nd]

Oh. I see. Marriage is some governmental sanctioned attack on “single people”. All you can see from your poor bitter vantage point is the negative consequences of liberal attacks on marriages.

Well, my little liberal pal, you libertarians are just too eager to drive that nail into the coffin with YOUR OWN attacks on marriage.

And YOU are the reason why fag marriages are being sanctioned in state after state and even in our military - all because you libs failed to take a stand FOR traditional marriages.

You wanted government to butt out of marriages? Look at what you got.

[Gene Eric]

>> As goes the American Family - so goes America.

I agree.

[GeronL]

Anti-civilization party

[Bikkuri]

[yorkiemom]

So. What does sticking to principles and keeping promises have to do with libertarian priorities? Another case where the headline and the article do not match.

Didn't make any sense to either. I would think embracing libertarianism IS compromising.

[Orangedog]

You wanted government to butt out of marriages? Look at what you got.

Ummm, still waiting to for government to butt out of marriages. Make that happen then ask me to take a look.

[Olog-hai]

I’m trying to find conservatives in that list.

I also cannot find any connection between Bob Riley and the phrase “Jesus tax”. Except in the liberal publication “Christianity Today”.

[Olog-hai]

There’s a difference between government and authoritarianism. Just like there is a difference between government and anarchy. Are you accusing the Founding Fathers of being authoritarians?

[Olog-hai]

Evasive answer.

[Responsibility2nd]

Thank you. Ther are some who would argue that is jingoistic. A pie in the sky - feel good platitude.

And libs especially want to deny 190 years of American history and claim that government must not - can not legislate morality. Especially when it comes to marriage. And libs - like Orange dog - argue that when a government does try and involve itself in marriage or some other moral value - that we will only fail.

How short-sighted they are.

All we conservatives want is a return to the America we grew up in. A time - before LBJ - when anti-sodomy laws were the norm for all 50 states. When no-fault divorce was unheard of. When freedom, faith and family meant something.

But Noooo....

Libs here at at FR and in our society want us to butt out of moral values in our laws.

Apparantly they LIKE the New Age LBJ brought us and that which Obama is forcing down our throats.

[popdonnelly]

Embracing libertarian principles everywhere but Washington.

[Gene Eric]

Far from jingoistic. It’s the foundation of who we are. And since this battle is far from over, I won’t say “were”.

[jjsheridan5]

My experience has been that they have never given it much thought. Often if you can get a discussion going you can get them thinking about it.

Your "experience" is a lousy teacher, then. One of the foundational points of libertarianism is that it isn't possible, unless there is a strong, ethical and moral framework binding citizens together. This framework, made up of (traditional) families, churches, and civic organizations is a necessary per-requisite for individual liberty. As a libertarian, I can safely say that man is not inherently good. That is why strong societal judgement against unacceptable behavior is necessary. Contrary to the strawman argument that you apparently believe, the difference between you and libertarians (although not Libertarians) doesn't lie there. The difference is that you look to government to enforce that societal code. I look to churches, families, peers, neighbors, and local civic groups. My contention, is that by placing that kind of power in the hands of the government, it is more likely to backfire, and be used against traditional values. The only long-term protector of traditional values can be local, traditional, and oriented around religion.

Oh, and I don't need you to "get me thinking". (I am assuming you advocate an activist role for government, with respect to social issues -- if I am under the wrong impression, please ignore). Somebody needs to get you thinking, and to realize that all of that power you advocate in the hands of the government, will someday be used against what you believe in.

[BarnacleCenturion]

You nailed it. Great post.

[magellan]

Goldwater was a libertarian Republican.

Reagan was a libertarian Republican.

libertarian populism, with religious liberty as a key component, could propel another 1980 election.

[LibLieSlayer]

The gop/e need to grow the party. I think that some of them now realize that these illegal mexicans will be more of a parasitic drain rather than a productive source of money. The gop/e are progressives at heart. Some of the libertarian ideals lean leftward and the gop/e think that they can gain members for the party from some liberal democrats... ones that are not all the way hard core commie like obama and company.

They also think that they can make us compromise on some of our Foundational tenets. Notice that they backhand “social agenda” and that is a code for religion, being pro life, and anti homosexual marriage etc. I belong to GOD and not the republican party. I am not alone.

[JRandomFreeper]

All we conservatives want is a return to the America we grew up in.

You aren't going to get what you want. Period.

/johnny