[winner45]

While demo vs. pubbie policy objectives differ somewhat, the modus operandi of the groups seems to differ little. Therefore, one can conclude that voting for either dems or pubs is like asking for more socialism.

[andrew]

As a former stated Libertarian, a better question for you to ask Mr. Browne is: Where have all the Harry Browne supporters gone?

[freeeee]

I predict no one will attempt to address the points made in the article.

Instead, attempts will be made to smear the author, and change the subject - liberal tactics to be sure - and by doing so just reinforce Browne's point.

[AntiGuv]

Yep, that all sounds 'bout right - but surely you realize you're just pissing in the wind here...

[GOPJ]

Welfare numbers are still dropping -- even with the economy sputtering... What does that say? It says conservative ideas work.

[Cicero]

Conservatives could afford to be "skeptical of change" in the old days, maybe. But that hardly describes the position now. I agree that government should not be used to force social changes on people. But especially after the clinton years, especially a lot needs to be changed. But it can only be changed gradually, and only if the American people can be persuaded to go along with it.

There are many different kinds of conservatives. I'll agree that the Harry Browne conservatives are probably down to about 1%. You can't base a realistic political agenda on 1% support.

[Tall_Texan]

When Harry Browne can draw more voters than flies, I'll take him seriously.

What bothers me is not that Republicans and Democrats are "too alike". What I mourn is that too many of the Republicans we now have don't have the stones to stand up for conservatism. Hastert and Lott are shining examples of "Rodney King Republicans" (can't we all just get along?) - unwilling to draw a line in the sand when it needs to be drawn.

I miss Phil Gramm and Jesse Helms already.

Maybe as a full majority they will grow a backbone but I'm not holding my breath. If Harry Browne really cared about conservatism, he'd jettison the pot-smoking stoners that dominate his party and join with real conservatives like the Constitution Party. But I'm not holding my breath on that haapening either.

[yoswif]

Republicans claim to be conservatives because they want to spend a few dollars less of my money than the Democrats. That makes them just slightly less liberal than Democrats, not conservative. As long as Republican voters are just as addicted to massive annual spending increases as Democrat voters, it's not surprising that Libertarian candidates get so few votes.

[VRW Conspirator]

...government grew more rapidly under Nixon, Reagan, Ford or Bush than it did under Clinton...

Your other points are well taken Mr. Browne. However, I would like to point a teeny tiny difference. Government grew more rapidly under Nixon, Reagan, Ford or Bush because of the DEMOCRAT controlled congress. We had deficit spending until the Repubs showed up. If you remember the first two years of Clinton, he pushed tax increases and tried to socialize America.

[Triple]

Libertypost.org?

[CIB-173RDABN]

Warning to all, this is a druggie topic, and there is no point in arguing with them. We are all wrong and they are right. I entered this thread by accident, and I will not be returning, would advise the same to others.

[Shooter 2.5]

If someone doesn't know the difference between Liberals and Conservatives, they haven't been paying attention.

[winner45]

Greetings All: It'll take some time for me to get to all the replys, but I'll do the best I can.

[YoungKentuckyConservative]

For started (and finishers), I'm conservative and oppose nearly all government involvement and programs. I believe in the government building roads, protecting its people, running the military, running the prisons, and generally keeping an orderly society. I pay them to do this.

I do not want them waging a WAR ON DRUGS. If you catch someone with drugs, throw them in jail. That's all the war I need. Keep it simple. I don't want them handing out money to bums who don't work. I don't want them educating my children. I don't want them "socializing" everyone with programs. I want it all to go away. Give me my money back and I'll be doing great. I don't need Social Security, I don't need Medicare. I can actually BETTER prepare for my older age with MY MONEY. I just need the money back so I can start working.

So, idiot author, you have ill-defined what it is to be a true conservative, so every point you make is completely useless and unworthy of a carefully considered rebuttal. This is all.

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