[Jim Robinson]

Well, I think Browne's opinions can be countered without trashing the man or his supporters. I think it's something we can all work on (the non-trashing part, that is).

[elfman2]

" Well, I think Browne's opinions can be countered without trashing the man or his supporters. I think it's something we can all work on (the non-trashing part, that is). "

Admittedly, I know little of Browne but the theme that I see behind libertarians here is one of an overwhelming need to promote radical constitutional reforms and an attack on the moderate "neocon" principles of giving the left 50% of what they promote in order to deny them an agenda and to stay in power. I don't follow Browne, but his supporters are very aggressive in their attacks of Bush supporters, and I presume he promotes it.

So if I'm correct, Browne is in a sense trashing Bush, or at least promoting the trashing of Bush. How do we respond to that without going on the offence?

[elfman2]

"Well, I think Browne's opinions can be countered without trashing the man or his supporters. I think it's something we can all work on (the non-trashing part, that is). "

I'm sorry, but I just don't see a way around this. Browne trashes Bush to promote his agenda. Browne supporters do the same. I've been as outspoken lately as anyone against libertarians for some of the wrong headed statements that they've promoted because I think that I really understand exactly where they are wrong, and I'm willing to take them on for it.

I don't want to see the Republicans make the same mistake with the libertarians as the Democrats made with the greens, refusing to take them on may have cost them the election, less than 600 votes in Florida.

[DBtoo]

There have been too many ugly flame wars with people hurling insults at one another. It gets really mean sometimes.