John Tate of Campaign for Liberty explains libertarianism's appeal

The Washington Times ^ | January 30,2013 | Joseph Cotto

[fractionated]

Libertarianism has found tremendous success across our country over the last several years. Right now, that seems unlikely to change.

At the crest of this political tidal wave has been the Campaign for Liberty. Founded by former U.S. Representative Ron Paul during the 2008 election cycle, it has grown into a formidable organization. With the guiding mission of informing Americans about Constitution-related issues, it has found a considerable degree of popularity among younger voters.

In this first part of our discussion, John F. Tate, the Campaign’s president, explains how libertarianism came to find support among American voters, his opinion of what the Ron Paul movement’s most important accomplishment is, whether or not he expects social libertarianism to gain prominence, if libertarianism appeals to those with left-of-center views, and more.

Joseph F. Cotto: Libertarianism is a philosophy with which most of us are familiar. Over the last several years, it has found serious support among American voters. How did this come to pass?

John F. Tate: The past twelve years have brought one of the most dramatic increases in the size and scope of the State in our nation’s history, with the disastrous consequences of out-of-control government leading more Americans to rediscover the ideas and message of liberty. Grassroots activists are especially outraged that government has broadened its reach--often through heavy-handed, secretive tactics--while ignoring the American people’s opinion. Whether it was the so-called “Patriot” Act, ObamaCare, or TARP and the bank bailouts, most of the significant pieces of legislation that vastly grew the federal government’s power were very controversial or unpopular at the time they were passed....

[annalex]

we all can come together, no matter one’s views on abortion, drugs, marriage and other social issues, because our economy is a disaster

There isn't a single person in America who does not think the economy is a disaster. Most of them voted for Obama.

Libertarian views on "abortion, drugs, marriage and other social issues" is precisely what is driving the big government, because immoral personal behavior makes one a natural client of the big government. If they wanted to reduce the size of government they would drive the pro-abort, homos, atheists, and stoners out of their movement on a rail.

[what's up]

I think the former is more honest and true to its creed than the latter

However, the creed of the former is lousy so if they are true to it that's a bad thing...we get lousy people in power.