Well, certainly not big-L Libertarians. As I mentioned, big-L Libertarians (i.e. the Libertarian Party) aren't classical liberals. By and large, they're loons.
And the reference to small-l libertarians was indirect, not explicit. So I'll grant you a pass on that, too.
With regard to age:
> Now I get your classically liberal intention here, but who is this guy polling? Anyone in his stride in 1972, is now in his 90s. Is he going to nursing homes and finding classically liberal people worth their salt, to poll? At some point the reference to “classically liberal” loses its validity.
Depends on what you call "stride". In 1972 I was 20 years old, and arguably getting ready to "hit my stride". I'm 71 now, work full-time in Engineering, play in three rock bands, and don't look a day over 60. :-) "Stride" is where you find it.
But you're (unfortunately) correct that we "classical liberals" -- small-l libertarians -- are a diminishing breed. The extreme polarization of modern politics and social viewpoints has all but eliminated any reasonable, sensible, dare I say moderate, position. We are ignored by both the Right and the Left for insufficient ideological purity. *sigh*
I’m 71 also, and honestly I’m not sure others would really
grasp what you mean by classical liberals.
Is that kind of dying out, or am I not as well informed on
that class of political leaning as I should be?
If I had to expound on those beliefs, I would probably
get a few things wrong also. I have an overall view of
it, but not an exact grasp. I’ve seen it addressed over
the years and I believe my perception is fairly accurate
even if I couldn’t perfectly describe it.