It ain’t easy being Libertarian
Philosophically, I’m libertarian. Politically, I’m registered Libertarian. I was heartened by the amount of attention garnered by Ron Paul this year, though I disagreed with him on several topics and didn’t think he’d make a good president (too sadly earnest, too used to being the underdog, too incapable of a more workable policy of limited compromise, too weak). At least he brought a constitutional viewpoint to the debate. I wasn’t active in his campaign, but I donated a little and wore a button now and then, plus I joined a couple of supporter mailing lists.
In the aftermath of John McCain becoming the presumptive Republican nominee, those mailing lists have gone off the deep end. First there were invitations to attend meetings of the John Birch Society. Then, some racist crackpot sent a few anti-Semetic messages following George Carlin’s death. Today’s messages raved about “FEMA concentration camps”, compact flourescent bulbs, whether those who are paid in gold and silver currency need to pay income taxes, and the “NAFTA super highway”. Jesus in a jumpsuit.
All Libertarians are not paranoid, bigoted loons. Really. I firmly believe that most of us are just individuals who believe the US Constitution is a remarkably intelligent document, that government by and for the people is the best solution (even when that means - nay, guarantees - a less homogeneous nation), and who lean conservative on fiscal issues and liberal on social ones.
The wackos give us a bad name, but I suppose that’s what comes with a belief in personal freedom. Unfortunately, because they’re so vocal and unpleasant, I find myself pulling back from any involvement in the party. I’m more of a “small L” libertarian, anyway.
