Why today's libertarians get no respect -- and how to help them get some

The Prometheus Institute ^ | 11/7/2007 | Marty Beckerman

[tang0r]

Yes, under libertarianism the world is free of authoritarian bitching. However, there’s no such thing as “under libertarianism,” and there never will be, for one simple reason: pure libertarian economics are galaxies away from the American mainstream. Although many Americans—especially the young folks—are receptive to the live-and-let-live philosophy (“do whatever you want as long as you don’t harm anyone else”), the vast majority find hardcore social Darwinism ludicrous. If libertarians want to extend their reach beyond the stoner ghetto, they must accept the fact that civil rights are far more vital than sparing billionaires from inheritance taxes.

[Titus Quinctius Cincinnatus]

When Libertarians stay home or vote 3rd party instead of cheerfully supporting the quasi-socialist Republican you have no right to complain then.

I'm actually not too worried about that. Since the inception of the Libertarian Party in 1970, the highest percentage that the LP has gotten in any presidential election was in 1980 - the year that Reagan thrashed Carter. What this all tells me is that the GOP doesn't need to pander to the hardcore libertarians. They just need to stick with the conservative principles of the Reagan/Limbaugh revolution. If the GOP nominates a solid individual who is conservative on both social and economic issues, then the GOP will actually have an excellent shot at winning in 2008 (especially if Hillary - of whom 50% of pollees say consistently that they will not vote for - heads up the Dim ticket).