Replies

Well, the war, at least the Iraqi part, is all but over. So war or no-war is pretty much moot now. I am seeing a trend which I find interesting. The growing discussion between Libertarians and Greens over areas of similar interest, especially the decentralization of power. I must admit that I am soooo disillusioned with the Demos and Republos. They all talk the decentralist game--in differing ways and at their convenience, but they are really about supporting each groups' special interests. I can see a potentially new political philosophy emerging which uses the libertarian overstructure of minimalist government at the federal and state levels, but enhances local governments and groups (the Green influence) to make their own choices. This is something that neither of the elites in the 2 big parties want. This means enabling legislation which effectively forces power down to the local level as a start. I would also want it possible for local groups and governments to be able to form coalitions and associations to address the bigger issues affecting their areas. This sounds closer to the Jeffersonian model, albeit in a more urban society, than what the Reublicrats propose.

At some point, fairly recently ( before GW) I felt the way you do, and was seriously considering the Liberatarian party, and started to look into it.

I saw some things, which were appealing: limited gov., fiscal responsibility, but unfortunately part of their platform (and I actually wrote to the head of the party asking some questions, and got a reply) is a regidity of the opposition to any war, no matter what, that the US shouldn't get involved. I also noticed some overly socially liberal stands.

I know some Libertarians who subscibe to the "good" part, but reject the rest, and some who are Libertarians precisely because they agree with the "bad"(IMO) part.

But their overall platform includes both.

So I crossed them off my list of a party to seriously consider. However, I still agree with the limited government, fiscal and personal responsiblity, local gov. etc.

I think, after all is said and done, the Republicans are closest to that, they just need a little reforming and giving them a chance with a larger majority, because I think they were sliding away from this platform, just trying to survive in a heavily Democrat congress and constituency, but all that is changing.