Topic: Libertarianism
The Story Thus Far & What's Next... A prologue to my column and arguments for gradualism.by Spencer Jayden
(libertarian)
Sunday, April 27, 2008
"Revolutions are long-term projects."- Ron Paul
For 37 years, the Libertarian Party has been sidelined in the American political arena. In a way, it's had a few successes. Read differently, it's had success in few ways. The LP proudly claims it is America's third largest political party and meets ballot access requirements with relative ease. But the party has never really caught on with the American public- a fact we can easily blame on the mainstream media and the stagnant political duopoly rather than ourselves.
Perhaps, it is time to answer our critics. Starting with one of the most common accusations leveled at libertarans: they all must be elitist, nihilist, or corporate masters.
This stigma certainly dampens public perception of Libertarian Party, but to act as if it is the sole reason why is poor analysis., and ignores our history of infighting too much.
I'm referring to the principled and consistent versus pragmatic and contesting debate. Unfortunately, for too long, viability has been packaged as a litmust test on whether we should run principled candidates or not. This is another example of the absolutism that plagues our party over all. Folks, I don't blame you for your idealism, but when did any immediate AND principled action result in something good in the recent past? Of the few exceptions of libertarians elected internationally, how many of them weren't in the end disastrous to the embedded socio-economic structures of their respective communities? Look at the Miracle of Chile or Rogernomics in New Zealand for more information.
So here is my pitch: may the purpose of my column henceforth be an actual discussion on how we can ensure the success of the Libertarian Party. I haven't done something like this before, and that's where I'm inviting you to join in. This is not merely in the interests of the Libertarian party, but for those faithful to the ideology as well. For future intents and purposes, let us make these assumptions:
1) That the LP's political potency is limited to about 25 years or less, pending changing conditions. The urgency has never been higher and we have reached a critical window of time in which to rollback government waste. Miss it and there is little chance that we will ever get this opportunity again.
2) Ideas and plans we implement now will take at least a decade or more to bear some success. This is common sense. In order to foster our plans, we must plan for the long-term, as all knowledgeable powers have done. This means accounting for any interference to hijack our momentum and agenda in the future, as well as any events that may coincide with anything we attempt.
3) The 2004 Platform will be the mission statement, letting the cleaner 2008 Platform serve as guidelines for policy change.
4) Lasting, meaningful change is achieved through slow, often daunting, struggles, ie gradualism is a must. This will scare off many radicals, who view internal change as unnecessary. So be it. I am aiming for a niche., but please note, I do not discourage your fight, much less want to alienate you. In fact, I encourage you to keep making choices that are consistent with your beliefs. I, likewise, do not view anyone that is willing to compromise any better than you. Moderation is merely one way to succeed, but in my opinion, the most effective.
In closing, there will be articles on a broad range of topics, with fair treatment of the issues. If you want to grow better, you must actually respond to criticism.
-Spence
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The views expressed in this
article are those of Spencer Jayden only and do not represent
the views of Nolan Chart, LLC or its affiliates. Spencer Jayden is
solely responsible for the contents of this article and is not an
employee or otherwise affiliated with Nolan Chart, LLC in his/her role as a columnist.
Too much "planning," too much organizing, too much party direction, and we go nowhere. What ever happened to the old-fashioned idea of voting for someone who represents your principles? Yours is a nice idea, Spencer, but it's too complicated.
"Dark horses" and independent candidates have made important changes in our history without all of this rigmarole. Some have even become President!
My opinion: focus less on the Party vehicle and more on the candidate.
Great introduction to you column. I think you are going in the righ direction, although I will argue some points with you as we go on. We talk about a revolution, but a revolution--particularly a peaceful one, can only succeed over time. This is a long term struggle. So far, the Ron Paul campaign is the most important libertarian triumph as far as bringing a libertarian message to the people, and as far as getting grudging notice from the media. But the outcome of this struggle will not come this year.
"So far, the Ron Paul campaign is the most important libertarian triumph as far as bringing a libertarian message to the people, and as far as getting grudging notice from the media. But the outcome of this struggle will not come this year."
Sad that this loss is called a sucess. Ron Paul is not a complete libertarian. Penn And Teller, John Stossel, Reason Magazine, Neil Boortz, and Drew Carey hold the future of Libertarianism. The youth in this country are growing more centrist thank to the influences of talk radio and the gay rights movement. The Baby boomers are the last vestages of socialism left in this country.
Neil Boortz and Reason Magazine are the future of Libertarianism? Give me a break. If Neil Boortz and Reason Magazine are libertarian, then so is Bill Clinton. After all, both Boortz and Clinton said that they are libertarian, despite all evidence to the contrary.
Under normal circumstances, I'd agree with you, Maria. The risk of overplanning and losing out on what simple endeavors could bring us is always existent.
But as I hinted at in my article, I feel that such a plain-simple idea such as yours is still leaps and bounds away from us, as we take every step possible to advance irrationality and illogical choices.
Much of this I will touch on in my next article, and what we can do about it. In a perfect society, we would have probably evolved past the needs of a party system and work for the common interests of preserving everyone's liberty. But this is not so. I'm happy to hear other people address that notion though, and I hope you will read future pieces of mine.
"Neil Boortz and Reason Magazine are the future of Libertarianism? Give me a break. If Neil Boortz and Reason Magazine are libertarian, then so is Bill Clinton. After all, both Boortz and Clinton said that they are libertarian, despite all evidence to the contrary."
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