What am I? (Politically, that is...)

The Mad Pigeon writes:  "...rode in a 4th of July parade (more on that in another post)."

This is that post. 

The friends we visited in Utah (Maria and Larry) are card carrying members of the Libertarian party, and for the 4th of July Larry helped build a float adorned with Libertarian symbology.  Well, when we go into town Larry asked if we wanted to ride on the float:  not being one to turn down the chance to strike a heroic pose in front of thousands, I agreed (as did the Hummingbird and the minions).  Needless to say, during the parade I had a chance to learn a great deal about the party, and was quite intrigued.  I also stood like Washington crossing the Delaware on the float, much to the joy of the throng.  The Hummingbird said the crowd was actually cheering the fire truck behind us, but that's just inconceivable ;-)=

Here's the deal:  I was basically "raised" in the Republican fold.  I've always voted Republican, and mostly see Democrats as a bunch of whining welfare spendthrifts.  The problem I've been having for years, though, is I'm a secular Republican, and pretty much vote only for Republican economic and military policy.  But the whole religious right thing?  Nothing good has ever come from combining the church with the state, and I'd rather have morality taught at home and not legislated.  Plus, I used the think the Republican party was about saving money and cutting government, but that doesn't seem to be the case anymore.  But like everyone else in America, I only saw two choices, although I knew a smattering about the other parties.

Which changed on the 4th of July, ironically.  When I sat down to read the Libertarian platform and "mission statement," an epiphany came over me:  I readily identified with the Libertarian platform, FAR more than the Republican platform.  Since it's rather long for posting here, if you want to see what I'm talking about visit this link: 

http://www.lp.org/issues/platform_all.shtml#sop

The Statement of Principles and Executive Summary suffice in describing the party's goals.

I like what they have to say, with a few exceptions:  I don't think the US can have the abrupt isolationist foreign policy the Libertarian party advocates, and sometimes the initiation of force is necessary.  I'm on the fence regarding national compulsory service--I want motivated volunteers in the armed forces, but getting the XBox generation off their butts and into civilian service would be a great cure for entitlement.  I see the value in legalizing marijuana, but the harder stuff?  That's playing with fire.  Unrestricted immigration?  I don't know about that either, but I think the process could be made a helluva lot simpler.  On the other hand, check out these gems:

Freedom and Responsibility
Individuals should be free to make choices for themselves and to accept responsibility for the consequences of the choices they make.

Individual Sovereignty
We favor an immediate end to the doctrine of "Sovereign Immunity" which ignores the primacy of the individual, and holds that the State may not be held accountable for its actions.

Freedom of Communication
We defend the rights of individuals to unrestricted freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and the right of individuals to dissent from government.

Freedom of Religion
We defend the rights of individuals to engage in or abstain from any religious activities that do not violate the rights of others.

Women's Rights and Abortion
Individual rights should not be denied or abridged on the basis of sex. Recognizing that abortion is a very sensitive issue and that people, including libertarians, can hold good-faith views on both sides, we believe the government should be kept out of the question.

American Indian Rights
American Indians should be free to determine their own system of governance and should have their property rights restored. (I'm part Cheyenne and Arapaho, so I have a soft spot for this one)

Trade and the Economy
The only proper role of existing governments in the economic realm is to protect property rights, adjudicate disputes, and provide a legal framework in which voluntary trade is protected.

What can I say?  I don't agree with everything, but I like most of what I've read.  Indeed, to see Freedom of Communication and Religion enshrined as party doctrine is like being called to the promised land.  Of course, the naysayers will argue, "what's the point of joining a third party if the Big 2 control everything?"  My answer?  What's the point of believing in something if you always toe the line with the establishment?

I just registered with the party.  Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness!

Comments

[carly]

The only problem I really have with the Libertarian party is the candidates they field. This is a pretty huge and serious problem, alas. Like you I agree with most of what libertarians (lower case "l") believe. I have yet to vote for any Libertarians (capital "L") though because they're a bunch of wackjobs or just incompetent idiots.

I'd be happy to "waste" a vote for someone I respected and whose plans/platform I strongly supported, but that's never been an option.

I actually think the US is ready for a serious 3rd party. I just don't think the Libertarians are ready to be it.

[MOGS]

I second that. I tend to identify, personally with many Libertarian platforms and ideas (why I also say I am a lower-case "l"), but the party itself hasn't impressed me much

A third party option I would like to see?

A no-kidding Jeffersonian "Democratic Republican" Party. I am much, much more for State's Rights these days than I was raised.

[canuckistani]

Lack of security policy may not play too well to gain converts. But I doubt southern republicans would ever let this party get a foothold, anyways. It would endanger their interests too much. We have other parties here in Canada besides the big 2. Although they sit in Parliament, none have really caught on to the mainstream. Big business runs the agenda here in Canada and they usually own the PM in power so they can maintain the status quo. It really pisses most intelligent Canadians off, but alas, we're weighed down by the vacuous beautiful people who unfortunately affect the vote. It is also not in U.S. interest for Canada to vote in an alternative party because most alternative parties here are anti-American regarding trade and environment. So you're not alone in being fed up with your gov't platform, I thinki most North Americans are fed up with their governments in general.

[Wolf Pangloss]

It is always a good time to examine our own beliefs and compare them to the planks in the platforms of the parties.

Just give it a few more years and the Democrats may self-destruct. The hippy-McGovernite wing of the party has thoroughly rejected patriotism and pride in its own country, is more and more a fashion statement instead of a coherent party, and I think the mainstream is about ready to reject the party. At that point, like the Whigs who preceded the Republicans, the Democrats will be replaced by another party. The Republicans came in as the anti-Slavery party and the Civil War came out of it. The new party will come in with a different and very appealing core message, and none know what resolution will come of it.

Heck, maybe the Whigs (classical liberals to the core, just like Libertarians only somewhat less flaky) will get their turn in the sun again.