Sounds to me like this guy is trying to say "libertarian = liberal", or so it seems. I don't know why, but libertarians seem to me at least, to be, well, kooks. On the news up here in Anchorage, they showed highlights from a local political debate, and the Libertarian rep was dressed up like Che Guevara or something; in camo. He looked like he was gonna pump the 'afro' fist in the air and start chanting 'Down with the man!' or something similar. Apparently, he even said that voting for him or the Green party candidate was a waste and folks would be better off voting for the Democrat senator on the ballot. That sure doesn't sound too "libertarian", but it sure does sound pretty "liberal".
Libertarians just come off as socialist anarchist "legalize everything" types, the sort of folk who'd be running around with a bandana over the face as they do the "WTO Protest" dance for the TV cameras. Sorry, I'm sure most of that is totally wrong, but perception works that way, it isn't bound by truth.
"Libertarians just come off as socialist anarchist "legalize everything" types, the sort of folk who'd be running around with a bandana over the face as they do the "WTO Protest" dance for the TV cameras. Sorry, I'm sure most of that is totally wrong, but perception works that way, it isn't bound by truth."
I don't think it's difficult to see the LP that way given the folks running that circus, but there are plenty of small 'l' libertarians that are quite respectable. The Cato Institute is a fine example, though I disagree with some of their policy views. Neal Boortz and Ron Paul are also generally pretty fair Constitutionalists, though some will disagree with the latter's views on the WoT (including me).
"Libertarians just come off as socialist anarchist "legalize everything" types, the sort of folk who'd be running around with a bandana over the face as they do the "WTO Protest" dance for the TV cameras. Sorry, I'm sure most of that is totally wrong, but perception works that way, it isn't bound by truth."
Libertarian (small "l" or otherwise) does not equal liberal. Modern liberalism in the American sense means nanny-state socialism. Government healthcare, free college, regulating the crap out of business, all the while paying for this monstrosity by sucking money from the American taxpayers like a vampire. To me, that's a nightmare. Liberals seem to think America is in need of this kind of program, I think America is supposed to be a free-market refuge from that crap. It's what makes America strong and prosperous.
My usual reaction to seeing anarchists "get some stick time" (to borrow a line from Reno 911, meaning they get smacked with a nightstick by police) for trashing parts of cities is to either cheer or laugh, depending on my mood.
I vote Republican, because they tend to be the best hope for preserving that vision of America as a nation of restrained government. Also, the party tends to oppose gun control, which is crucial for me. There are a bunch of reasons I vote R, and it's really the natural political home for me. And yes, I will be voting for their folks this November. The Assault Weapons Ban wouldn't be history if the Dems controlled Congress, and I don't buy their "we really are fiscally responsible now, honest, so just elect us" baloney. Republicans make mistakes. The Democrats are fundamentally wrong on most issues that are important to me.
But yes, the Libertarian party is more full of nuts than the Planters factory. Sorry for the long-winded response, but I feel the need to defend my ideals.