[JohnGalt]

"The Cato Institute does not conform it's views to the supporters, the supporters are drawn to the views."

Lets not be naive. Cato has shown remarkable independence on some issues, but they have a long history of using precious resources to influence libertarian/conservative opinion on certain issues. (The tobacco issue a few years ago for one.) Of course their position was correct, but the fact that they spent so much time on the issue was a result of who was funding them.

My point is only that Cato represents one school of thought and has been fairly effective for libertarianism inside the Beltway on certain economic issues, but have been soft on things like corporate welfare and corporatism in general.

[Protagoras]

Lets not be naive.

A thinly veiled insult.

Cato has shown remarkable independence on some issues, but they have a long history of using precious resources to influence libertarian/conservative opinion on certain issues. (The tobacco issue a few years ago for one.) Of course their position was correct, but the fact that they spent so much time on the issue was a result of who was funding them.

Having people who already agree with you fund you to advance certain positions which you already hold is entirely different than what you suggest. The tail does not wag the dog. Funding is a matter of priorities, and the funders have a say in the prioritizing, rightfully.