Mike Van Winkle and David Kirby discuss Libertarian voting. David Kirby is Senior Director of Academic Programs at IHS and a research associate at the Cato Institute. He also blogs at www.sometimesright.com.
Most of my friends are conservatives, a few are liberals. Whenever subjects arise, I always present the “Libertarian” point of view, showing that incrementalism is akin to progressivism. Because I find Libertarians to be better informed on the topics and have a better knowledge of history and economics, we need to teach our conservative fellows about the principles we hold so dear, e.g. limited government, individual liberty, private property. We need to STOP arguing about our differences, and come from a position of strength, sharing information and enlightening them about the logic of our positions. We need more Libertarian voices mingling amongst conservatives. Our voice needs to become their voice. And, we can only do it by teaching them, informing them, joining them in fighting BIG GOVT.
@Marybeth
Agreed. The Democratic party has firmly established themselves as the party of by and for the state.
This really leaves two choices for the Republicans: They either become some sort of strange me-too party that is slightly less statist, differentiating themselves solely through their interpretation of moral issues (which often tend to also be statist). This seems to be the direction many are taking, and without some intelligent leadership, Republicans will very likely become this.
Or they become a true opposition party by embracing classical liberalism.
I really don’t see a third way, if you will.
Libertarians -and I am one – should give up on this running-for-office nonsense. There aren’t enough citizens left who care to make a difference big enough to get elected. Internally, the LP is its own worst enemy with functional issues too paralyzing to launch the kind of campaigns needed to win even the most “entry level” position.
And I doubt the principles of economics allow enough time for “education” of more than the already most philosophically inclined.
With “Conservatives” and “Tea Party” folk mouthing the same basic tenets of Libertarianism – but still hung up on the same old semantic hang-ups – Libertarians should forget the Branding Business and run for office as Ron Paul clones. No one re-electing Paul cares about his Libertarian past; they’re obviously happy with his record. His essential message resonates.Those running on his message are getting the positive press attention. Infiltration of the Republican Party and working with those already in the game is the best, most expedient, hope left to save the Republic (IMO, of course).
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[...] Foundation for Economic Education, I talk with Mike Van Winkle about the libertarian vote, libertarians uneasy relationship with conservatives [...]
25 March 2010 at 1:46 pm