[Lancey Howard]

From my encounters and discussions with "libertarians", it seems to me that most of them are embarrassed, disillusioned Democrats. Over time, they came to realize how morally corrupt and dishonest the Democrat party is, but they could never bring themselves to go over to the party (Republican) that they were brought up by their parents to despise. So they take the convenient cop-out and become "libertarians". Whenever you see a "not-a-dime's-worth-of-difference" post or a "Bush-is-no-better-than-the-Democrats" post, you know that this is one of these people posting. They are often very bitter people. I often get the impression from their posts that they are red-faced with rage as they type, obsessed with beating their point of view into the reader. Their lack of a sense of humor is instantly recognizable as the same old affliction seen in liberals. They just can't hide it.

[Alan Chapman]

Although it may have been your experience that most Libertarians are former Democrats it's typically accepted that the LP is comprised of about half from both parties. There really hasn't been a concerted effort to get an exact figure. The figure has been obtained from basically asking people to raise their hands at gatherings and a visual estimate is made. Harry Browne, who spoke in front of tens of thousands of people during his campaign, said he came to the same conclusion.

My own personal experience is the opposite of yours. I would estimate that 3 out of 4 Libertarians that I have have met at various places are former Republicans, myself included. You can read about the history of my political activism on my profile page.

The "not a dime's worth of difference" argument is often advocated by people like me who sincerely believe that the difference between the two parties is so negligible as to be totally insignificant.

[monday]

"Over time, they came to realize how morally corrupt and dishonest the Democrat party is, but they could never bring themselves to go over to the party (Republican) that they were brought up by their parents to despise. "

Actually my parents are Republican, always have been. They did teach me to think for myself however, for which I am very greatful. They also gave me "Atlas Shrugged" to read when I was a kid.

I don't despise the Republican Party. In fact, like alot of Libertarians I know, I not only voted for Bush, I contributed to his campaign. (and got on every conservative mailing list in existance..hehe) If we are disappointed with most Republicans who get elected, well, we still prefer them over the Democrats.

I wonder why you seem to despise Libertarians so much? Could it be you don't really understand what one is?

[edsheppa]

it seems to me that most of them are embarrassed, disillusioned Democrats.

My observation from posters here is that quite a few are just dopers for whom Libertarianism provides an intellectual figleaf.

[EBUCK]

From my encounters and discussions with "libertarians", it seems to me that most of them are embarrassed, disillusioned Democrats. Over time, they came to realize how morally corrupt and dishonest the Democrat party is, but they could never bring themselves to go over to the party (Republican) that they were brought up by their parents to despise. So they take the convenient cop-out and become "libertarians". Whenever you see a "not-a-dime's-worth-of-difference" post or a "Bush-is-no-better-than-the-Democrats" post, you know that this is one of these people posting. They are often very bitter people. I often get the impression from their posts that they are red-faced with rage as they type, obsessed with beating their point of view into the reader. Their lack of a sense of humor is instantly recognizable as the same old affliction seen in liberals. They just can't hide it.

File this away in your "encounters and discussions with Libertarians".

My father is a rank and file pub-Bot. I'm embarrased to say it but he is. And over time I came to realize how morally corrupt and dishonest the Republican party is, but I could never bring myself to go over to the party (DemonRat) that I was brought up by my parents to despise.

Most of us used to be pubs before we realized that the pub party is the party of social order and corporate welfare. They are still susposed to stand for fiscal conservation but even that is a lie.

EBUCK

[TopQuark]

They are often very bitter people.

How true. I, too, am yet to meet a happy libertarian.

[#3Fan]

From my encounters and discussions with "libertarians", it seems to me that most of them are embarrassed, disillusioned Democrats. Over time, they came to realize how morally corrupt and dishonest the Democrat party is, but they could never bring themselves to go over to the party (Republican) that they were brought up by their parents to despise. So they take the convenient cop-out and become "libertarians". Whenever you see a "not-a-dime's-worth-of-difference" post or a "Bush-is-no-better-than-the-Democrats" post, you know that this is one of these people posting. They are often very bitter people. I often get the impression from their posts that they are red-faced with rage as they type, obsessed with beating their point of view into the reader. Their lack of a sense of humor is instantly recognizable as the same old affliction seen in liberals. They just can't hide it.

Good post. You put into words what I've been thinking since coming to FR. I used to call myself a Libertarian because I thought that libertarianism was Reaganism exponented, but seeing the Libertarians here on FR make me realize that I'm a Republican, not a Libertarian.

[The Green Goblin]

From my encounters and discussions with "libertarians", it seems to me that most of them are embarrassed, disillusioned Democrats

You need to get out more, since most libertarians are actually embarrassed, disillusioned former Republicans. Myself, for example...

[Chuzzlewit]

You are correct. I came to the Republican party after voting Libertarian in the Dole/Clinton election. Big mistake. I was a life long democrat. And after 9/11 it is clear that Harry Brown is a jack-ass.

Libertarian=Losertarian.