I think most around here are Conservatives first and Republicans second. The majority of average people just do not support Libertarian philosophy, and Libertarian candidates (as well as other alternative party candidates) come across not a whole lot better than do UFO conspiracy theorists. Banging the Libertarian Party gong is useless as far as any likelihood of getting a Libertarian government installed is concerned. Chances are slim to none, if not less; at least not the way it's been being done.
"I think most around here are Conservatives first and Republicans second. The majority of average people just do not support Libertarian philosophy, and Libertarian candidates (as well as other alternative party candidates) come across not a whole lot better than do UFO conspiracy theorists."
Ironically, many -- if not the majority -- of Libertarians I know don't support all facets of Libertarian philosophy.
I don't!
The dirty little secret is that many "Liberdopians" are former Republicans, and that's my point.
And even more relevant to this community (which, with the notable exception of so-called "Bushbots", is indeed more Conservative than Republican), is the fact that people like me represent a growing protest against betrayal of true Conservatism not only by the Republican Party, but by the Conservative movement itself.
That's the foundation of my protest, and why I'm no longer a Republican.
For me, the cliche applies: I didn't leave the Republican Party, the Republican Party left me.
And now I see "Conservatism" going down the same road.
The Scourge Of Liberty
"Banging the Libertarian Party gong is useless as far as any likelihood of getting a Libertarian government installed is concerned. Chances are slim to none, if not less; at least not the way it's been being done."
If you review my posts, you'll find that I'm not calling for people to become Libertarians. I don't expect or even want the Libertarian Party to run the country.
Rather, I'm calling on those who have been disastrously promoting a herd mentality here and elsewhere in the Conservative movement to stop behaving like a bunch of mullahs and respect the concept of free Americans having different opinions yet sharing common goals.
In particular, the goal of limiting the federal government instead of actively transforming it into an oppressive, authoritarian superstate to dictate all aspects of our lives to us.
Somewhere along the line, the Republican Party abandoned that goal, and in doing so betrayed us all.
Now, you could repeat the writings of the Founding Fathers on the subject of Liberty in these forums and be mocked for it.
Why? Because Liberty is no longer fashionable here.
In fact, it is actively maligned on a daily basis by the "faithful", with very few left to stand up on its behalf.
What pride can be taken in such a sad state of affairs?
Free No More
The cult-like mentality which drove me from being a regular and contributing member of this community to a "voice in the wilderness" didn't used to exist here. It represents a devolution of the community.
It also represents an abandonment of the intellectual strength which once graced Conservatism in favor of a repressive regime of mindless conformity.
It is against this alarming and sorrowful trend that I am protesting.
That so many who style themselves "Conservatives" can't be bothered to consider the possibility that they could ever be wrong about anything and continue to isolate themselves into shrinking circles of back-slapping insularity only accelerates the process, which may already be unstoppable.
I know quite well that not every FReeper is the kind of jerk who shouts down dissent, and I still count many FReepers among my friends.
But abusive behavior and troll-gang tactics dominate the discussion here, and to the extent they are tolerated, they eat at the soul of this place.
A Cure For Cancer
It amazes me how many FReepers have developed the fine art of shooting messengers. Such skilled marksmen are they that very few messages get through.
Someone disagrees or says something you don't like? Call him names! Shout him down! And for the love of God, don't let him discuss the topic!
It's a damn disgrace.
I promise you, members who do this are the enemies of free discussion and the enemies of the Free Republic.
Mark my words: Every insult against any FReeper is an insult to all FReepers. They are a cancer on this community.
Once upon a time, I remember when Republicans were civil and polite, and Democrats were obnoxious and rude.
The insults that FReepers like myself face whenever we post our honest opinions here prove that this is no longer the case. There's no meaningful difference.
Change a few words around and you have a mirror image of DU.
It breaks my heart to see it happen, but there's nothing I can do about it except oppose it, and reject it.
P.S. Twinkie, I know my words are harsh, but thank you for being polite and treating me like a human being. I pray that FReepers like you are the future of this community, because the alternative is unbearable to contemplate. God bless you.