I was a Libertarian (big-L, Libertarian Party membership card and everything) for a while, when I was younger and not quite as cynical or as realistic about human nature.
Libertarianism (small L) is an ideal. But practically, it has problems—like ALL moral absolutes. I think it has fewer problems than, say, Marxism, but a Libertarian “paradise” would be difficult for mortal, fallen humans to implement successfully.
So, my basic philosophy is “leave me alone and I’ll leave you alone.” This is a small-l libertarian statement. As you might guess, it’s also extremely hard to implement in practice, as there’s a huge number of people in this world who seem bound and determined NOT to leave me alone.
The Libertarian Party is full of a bunch of Ron Paul-esque nutters who will never, ever understand what it will take to win elections.
That secret weapon is “compromise when necessary, but never, ever retreat.” This is something the Democrat Socialists learned a long time ago, and adhere relentlessly to through good times and bad. Something the more doctrinaire conservatives might need to strongly consider. Half a loaf IS better than none. If you doubt that, look at the current constitution of the United States Senate.
But remember that Rep. Paul is a REPUBLICAN. He doesn't have (L-TX) by his name, it's (R-TX).