[robowombat]

You are right as to the statistical lack of clout from the Libertarians. That is not their significance for those on the right. They are sort of the Trotsyites of the right. The most vocal and articulate source of ideas that range from the silly to significant. The right today is far more intellectually active than our opponents and the Libertarian discourse on banking and finance and markets is of intellectual significance. For that reason a dialog is worth attempting. Unfortunately they are beset by incredible hubris and arrogance and naivety about anything touching on foreign policy or military affairs.

The great problem the right faces is that the people in control of the GOP are just rightist statists who are only interested in winning elections to enjoy the spoils of office. They refuse, for that and other reasons, to see the damage politics and financial policy are doing to the lives and prospects of ‘real Americans’. In fact the GOP leadership really has true contempt for the middle class struggling to stay middle class and raise children who aren't drugged out debauchees.

[Owl558]

“Unfortunately they are beset by incredible hubris and arrogance and naivety about anything touching on foreign policy or military affairs”

You are a far better person than I, Don Quixote. It must be that wombat blood.

“I learned long ago, never to wrestle with a pig. You get dirty, and besides, the pig likes it.” —Shaw

Though the attribution is questionable, the sentiment is suitable. You’re correct that libertarians have some good ideas, but piercing the veil of hubris is like wrestling pigs.