Replies

You see the problem is twofold, first of all as a group libertarians are rather small. Within the Republican fold the religious right, real moderates, traditionalists, members of the military, and even the RINOs are far more common.

Further, libertarians as a group have shown time and again they will betray the party, and especially conservatives, for whatever temporary gains they can make, especially in regards to drug policy.

The recent sodomy decision was a benchmark, something I've yet to see any libertarian proponents here answer. The LP signed on to the notion judges can write legislation by fiat in return for the hope that they will rewrite drug laws in the same manner.

One can see a sterling example here of how a libertarian leaning conservative - Thomas - is busy propounding libertarian thought in the face of Libertarian party opposition.

Bush right now is playing to the Reagan democrats and moderates (to much so in my opinion) and these people are nominally anti-libertarians. They don't mind farm subsidies, tariffs, or government spending in general. They do oppose abortion on demand, gay marriage, and a weak kneed response to the terror threat.

If libertarians were more numerous - which they could be if they weren't such fundamentalists - he wouldn't have to.

The two parties in America should be one certain around conservatism and one centered around libertarianism when you look America's philosophical and political history and development.

So again, I would suggest to people who consider themselves first and foremost libertarians, find the issues the American public agrees with you on and advance them. Striking out on your own and saying your immediate goal is to close down the IRS and legalize crack isn't going to get you any political power - *whether such a position is correct or not*.

Further, libertarians as a group have shown time and again they will betray the party, and especially conservatives, for whatever temporary gains they can make, especially in regards to drug policy.

This is because L/libertarians view the War on Drugs as one of the biggest threats to freedom and liberty in this country. L/libertarians may betray the party, but they are very consistant with being loyal to limited government and freedom and liberty, whereas the Republicans have not. Which do you think is better?

I don't think Libertarians betray any party. They put principle above all else...party is a Libertarians will support ANYONE who fights for less government, lower regulation, lower taxes, and all around limits on government interference with personal matters. They want to reduce the role of government across the board, expanding every level of freedom in the process. Political parties (including theirs) are not as important as the advancement of this cause.