If the older generation actually loves liberty, they've got a d*mned funny way of showing it. In my experience, older people are fixated on securing 'socialist' benefits.
Many of the older generation were a bunch of druggies themselves. They know how badly drugs can mess a person up. They want to "protect" the younger generation from that.
Plus, you've read FR. Whether it's because of our dumbed-down education system, or because of lack of basic intelligence, most Americans do not have any idea what's in the Constitution. They are ignorant of the most basic of Constitutional principles. They do not know the history of our country. They do not know anything about the philosophical underpinnings of our nation. Worse, they don't make any attempt to educate themselves.
Because of this, they are easily swayed by emotion. Our youth is no better educated. I don't know if there would be any better results with appealing to them.
I'm not arguing that 'pardoning drug offenders' ought or ought not be the first act of a 'libertarian' government; I'm claiming that honesty on the drugs issue is the best way to earn the confidence of the rising generation.
Unfortunately, Harry Browne made a point of saying that's what he'd do. Not just once, but virtually every time the man opened his mouth. The man has great ideas, but he almost never talks about anything other than the WOD. Because of that, most Americans perceive us as a one issue party.
As a sometime Libertarian candidate in Canada, I can assure you that many, many folks were open to truthful talk about drugs. Very few folks were interested in philosophical/historical issues concerning the political development of the modern Canadian state.
Many people will talk about it here too. But not as many as will listen to talk about cutting taxes or reducing federal regulation or just getting government out of our lives.
Again, it's a question of tactics. Which issues appeal to the most people. From the reaction I get from the people I talk to, the LP would be better off if it distanced itself from its reputation as the party of dopers and whores.
But either way, good luck in future elections.
Good luck to ALL of us in future elections! ;^)
FWIW, I don't think running separate 'Libertarian' candidates is the way to go, either.
I think the RLC has a much better prognosis than Harry Browne's claque. That doesn't mean libertarians should stop educating the public, however.