The journey from there to here

While I am a hardcore Libertarian, I want to go on record as stating I know the Libertarian Party isn't perfect. There are issues with it, as well as with ANY political party.

But while I am hoping to reform some of those issues at least, I remain firm in my commitment to the party. Why? Well, the same reason Democrats stay loyal to their party, despite the fact that most members will concede flaws; and the same reason Republican stay loyal to the GOP despite seeing obvious flaws in the party as well.

Very few people associated with a party will adhere to 100% of its platform. The few that do usually do so out of a sense of solidarity rather than blind allegiance. The majority that do not recognize that sometimes we need to work with others to accomplish our aims.

I find it interesting to note that a recent comment accusing me of "siding with the ACLU" ignored the fact that, as a Libertarian, I am with a party that has also consistently sided with the NRA. The ACLU slam also ignores that SOME of the ACLU's cases have been legitimate defenses of constitutional rights. Even the ACLU is right occasionally.

I examined both the democrats and the republicans over the years. As detestable as I find the democrats' push to the left, I find the Republican hypocrisy equally appalling. They claim to be for smaller government, yet push more and more federal standards. They pushed for a balanced budget when Clinton was president, yet suddenly it no longer matters now that their party is in control. They climb on the bandwagon of states' rights, yet underride them when it is convenient for them to do so.  (for the record, I already did this blog on the inconsistencies of the Democrats).

In all of this mess, the best political option I have found is the LP. Because the LP stands for most of the things I support, and very few things that I don't. It is, simply, a party of inclusion, where neither of the "big two" can be counted as such.

But I will readily acknowledge that we have some work to do.


Comments
on May 12, 2005
"find it interesting to note that a recent comment accusing me of "siding with the ACLU" ignored the fact that, as a Libertarian, I am with a party that has also consistently sided with the NRA."


Woah... there. You started that by saying "you're probably one of those people who support gun control" Don't blame me for whacking you with the stick you whacked me with first.

You tried to point out that I was siding with people who promoted gun control. I just thought maybe you didn't totally espouse the beliefs of the camp YOU were in. If you can shame me that way, don't be surprised if I point out that you are marching with the ACLU... who also refuses to oppose gun control...
on May 12, 2005

This wasn't as much about that as about the fact that, though I am a Libertarian, I will readily attest to the fact that the party isn't perfect. What I was meaning to point out was that the apparent advocacy for the realID program seems to be inconsistent with opposing gun control. They're both about intrusions on our freedoms.

Frankly, Baker, I'm closer to Republican than I am to Democrat. But if Republicans keep supporting what I see as inane legislation such as this, I can guarantee I won't be voting for them.

on May 12, 2005
It's a matter of degrees. If you rate the authoritarian tone of Republicans against the oppressive nature of regulate-everything Democrats, it isn't a tough choice. I think the track record for tangible offenses against the Constitution lays heavily on the Democratic side.

Granted, if the LP ever has a running chance in an election, I might be right there voting with you, even though I oppose some parts of the LP platform as well.

on May 12, 2005

Frankly, Baker, I'm closer to Republican than I am to Democrat. But if Republicans keep supporting what I see as inane legislation such as this, I can guarantee I won't be voting for them.

 I should never have to say this, but unfortunately, you are right Gid.  I am very disappointed with the republicans basically becoming democrat lites.

on May 12, 2005
" I am very disappointed with the republicans basically becoming democrat lites."


The middle is where the votes are. I think the middle is further right than they think, but in the end a political party isn't much use if they don't get people elected. As the country drifts further and further left, parties either drift with them, or lose.
on May 12, 2005

The middle is where the votes are. I think the middle is further right than they think, but in the end a political party isn't much use if they don't get people elected. As the country drifts further and further left, parties either drift with them, or lose.

And it gives us fewer and fewer choices.