Spitting Libertarian Druid Gary Copeland stands by role in ruckus

The Oakland Tribune ^ | October 26, 2002 | Josh Richman

[Roscoe]

While most political parties -- particularly third parties -- fight for more publicity, California's Libertarians might have wanted a bit less in 2002. The state Libertarian Party's leadership disowned gubernatorial candidate Gary David Copeland last month after Copeland spit upon Los Angeles KABC-AM radio host Brian Whitman.

Basically, Copeland and Whitman argued over whether undocumented immigrants should be eligible for California driver's licenses.

Copeland called Whitman a racist.

Whitman called Copeland a lunatic.

Whitman shut off Copeland's microphone and insulted him.

Copeland expectorated.

[Roscoe]

Will this hurt the LP's chance to break 0.6% of the vote in California?

[UbIwerks]

The so-called "party of principle" understands the principle of hucking a looey.

[Roscoe]

Gary did break Libertarianism's Rule #1. He got caught.

[Illbay]

You guys wanna see "virtual expectoration" by our local brand of Libertines, see THIS THREAD.

[A CA Guy]

They did get 1/3rd of a percent in the primary. Out of millions that voted, CA had 3,330 or so Libertarians.

I have more problems with the fact that they get Democrats elected all the time.

[Catspaw]

At least he's not blue.

[Cultural Jihad]

---

He is a Druid, adhering to a Celtic philosophy of nature-oriented magic; he also proudly recalls his pro-LSD work with drug guru Timothy Leary.

"I still stand by what I did," Copeland said recently, adding Whitman had invited him and Green gubernatorial candidate Peter Camejo onto the show only "to make us look like idiots. He wanted entertainment, I provided it for him -- it was probably the biggest thing that's happened in his career.

"He was lying to the people and he denigrated minorities, and that was not right ... I don't have any regrets. I stand up for my rights, I stand up for what I believe -- I am a Libertarian."

---

Undoubtedly the LP would have everyone believe that Mr. Copeland just happened to fall out of a dumpster somewhere and stumbled into their nominating convention. Spitting must be one of those lauded Libertarian 'principles' we are told about, and assaulting people will become a 'right' if Mr. Copeland's whacky, mind-contracting ideas take root.

[Kevin Curry]

What is absolutely hilarious is that the CA Libertarian leadership asked the Spitter to act contrary to his own self-interest and step down--and apprently believed he would do that.

They are mortified and confused. This . . . this . . . this self-obsessed stubborn contrariness just doesn't compute!

[Demidog]

Scared of this guy eh? Pretty pathetic. Did a libertarian beat you in an election somewhere?

[Kevin Curry]

Did a libertarian beat you in an election . . .

You're kidding, right?

[Cultural Jihad]

The only reason anyone would run as a Libertarian would be to have the public confirm what losers they are.

[Roscoe]

Scared of this guy eh?

Amused.

The face of Libertarianism, with saliva dribbling down its chin.

[Roscoe]

What is absolutely hilarious is that the CA Libertarian leadership asked the Spitter to act contrary to his own self-interest and step down--and apprently believed he would do that.

Isn't there a term for that? Something like cognitive dissonance? Or maybe just plain stupidity.

[Roscoe]

"He is a Druid, adhering to a Celtic philosophy of nature-oriented magic; he also proudly recalls his pro-LSD work with drug guru Timothy Leary."

That figures.

[Roscoe]

At least he's not blue.

This time around, it's the LP that's blue.

[Cultural Jihad]

"... it was probably the biggest thing that's happened in his career."

Murderers try to justify their evil deeds, too. "Now they are famous statistics! People are weeping over their corpses! I bring the fear of God and knowledge of mortality to the masses! The heirs are rolling in loot! And the ingrates won't even thank me for my selfless acts!"

[Roscoe]

They did get 1/3rd of a percent in the primary.

That seems low for California, even by LP standards. Must have been a lot of LPers who didn't bother voting.

[Cultural Jihad]

Must have been a lot of LPers who didn't bother voting.

Medical marijuana has the unpleasant 'mañana' attitudinal side effect.

[Demidog]

Murderers try to justify their evil deeds, too.

I appear to be the only taker in your hate party here but I do think it's hillarious that you would equate spitting with murder.

[Roscoe]

Medical marijuana has the unpleasant 'mañana' attitudinal side effect.

But isn't it supposed to cause "dry mouth" too?