Posted on 06/07/2004 1:23:17 AM PDT by dpwiener
WALNUT CREEK, CA -- California Libertarians mourn the passing of former President Ronald Reagan, a great fighter for individual liberty, personal responsibility and, arguably, the most libertarian-leaning President in modern history.
Libertarians applauded Reagan for his attempts to control the size and power of government. As he said in his first inaugural address, “In this present crisis, government is not the solution to our problem.”
Reagan knew the dangers of government run amok, quipping “We don't have a $1 trillion debt because we haven't taxed enough; we have a $1 trillion debt because we spend too much.” Libertarians pine for the days of “only” a $1 trillion debt; today, the officially reported debt is well over $7 trillion and climbing by over $500 billion per year.
In a statement consistent with the Libertarian view, Reagan said, “You and I are told we must choose between a left or right, but I suggest there is no such thing as a left or right. There is only an up or down. Up to man's age-old dream -- the maximum of individual freedom consistent with order -- or down to the ant heap of totalitarianism.”
His ultimate victory against totalitarianism was exemplified by his famous 1987 speech in Berlin: “Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” By the end of the year Gorbachev left office (1989), the dream of millions came to fruition with the end of the Berlin wall.
Aaron Starr, chairman of the Libertarian Party of California proclaimed, “On behalf of Libertarian Party members in California and freedom loving people everywhere, I honor the memory of this great man and extend our deepest sympathies to Nancy Reagan and her family.”
Yes, my mistake.
But note also that Carter's team was initially asking for a 5-way debate to include Clark, Commoner, and Anderson.
That I wasn't aware of. Thanks.
Opportunism at its finest.
The Libertarians on this forum have trashed Reagan for years.
1. Reagan's support of the 'Just Say No' to drugs campaign.
2. Nicaragua
3. Grenada
4. Promotion of Christian morality
5. Tightening of border with Mexico.
6. Rebuilding the military (thus increasing the national debt).
... I'm sure there are others...
The above items I support completely. Libertarians on this forum have a problem with one or more (if not all) of these.
Was it utterly irresponsible to legalize the drug alcohol?
Both "absurd" and "absurb," eh? Strong words! ;-)
This thread must really piss you off.
NOT! The ghoulish Bushies trying to grab Reagan's coattails are worse. Such as all those "conservative" radio talk show hosts trying to connect Bush to Reagan. I've heard at least two of them saying this will make America appreciate Bush more in November, then contrasting Reagan's cutback of govt spending to the Dems -- while remaining blissfully quiet about Bush's Dem-like spending.
If you love Reagan, you must vote to DUMP BUSH in 2004!
I loved Reagan -- and I will be voting for Michael Badnarik in 2004!
damn liberty-minded extremists...
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