You Have to Admire the Libertarians
Although I disagree with the Libertarians on a number of things, there are two things that I do admire about them. First, like populists, they are ideologically consistent. They believe that the government should be prevented from injecting themselves into regulating morality and social affairs as much as they should keep their hands out of the markets (although the current economic crisis shows what happens when reasonable oversight is removed).
Second, they understand a two party system precludes competition and is detrimental to the overall political climate of the country. I'm not a member of the "Ron Paul Revolution", nor would I probably vote for a third party candidate unless a system of instant runoff voting were instituted. But Ron Paul's steadfast refusal to endorse his party's candidate (and instead push supporters to vote for a third party) has earned my respect as perhaps the only true "maverick" in this election cycle.
The Libertarians have long been excluded from public debates by the media, which allows private (for-profit) companies to determine which of the prevailing ideologies are valid (or marketable) enough to warrant access to the public. Perhaps that point is the true irony of some of the Libertarian platform... that when all governmental controls are removed, the markets can operate without regard to the larger public interest.Third parties don't help the profitability of the major news networks, so they are excluded. In effect, Libertarians are the unfortunate victim of their own ideology.
Second, they understand a two party system precludes competition and is detrimental to the overall political climate of the country. I'm not a member of the "Ron Paul Revolution", nor would I probably vote for a third party candidate unless a system of instant runoff voting were instituted. But Ron Paul's steadfast refusal to endorse his party's candidate (and instead push supporters to vote for a third party) has earned my respect as perhaps the only true "maverick" in this election cycle.
The Libertarians have long been excluded from public debates by the media, which allows private (for-profit) companies to determine which of the prevailing ideologies are valid (or marketable) enough to warrant access to the public. Perhaps that point is the true irony of some of the Libertarian platform... that when all governmental controls are removed, the markets can operate without regard to the larger public interest.Third parties don't help the profitability of the major news networks, so they are excluded. In effect, Libertarians are the unfortunate victim of their own ideology.
Vote Mike Munger!!
Posted by Steve on September 13, 2008 at 01:13 PM EDT #
I like Mike Munger. With his impeccable credentials, he's easily the best educated and arguably best qualified candidate out there.
But alas, he has cut his trademark locks. And like the biblical Sampson, his hair was part of his power. We know he can bring the noise... but can he still bring the funk?
Posted by Stephen Kleinschmit on September 13, 2008 at 02:26 PM EDT #
I believe the failure of Fraudie and Phoney were the direct result of a lack of free market economics. Namely, the interest rate fixing nature of the central bank and the imminent failure of a fiat currency and virtual credit system. While I do not necessarily advocate trading gold bullion or barter for products/services, the currency must be sound and not manipulated to transfer monies from savers to debtors vis-a-vis inflation. it's also important to understand that oversight is not required if individual freedoms and separation of corporate interests and government are both respected.
Inflationists like myself believe there is no hope for the government to pay off its debt without monetizing it and thus destroying the dollar (the recent head fake with a stronger dollar is temporary IMO). Stopping the war or raising taxes on the rich will have little effect on paying off our obligations (not that I support the war), but it definitely gets the J6P's support.
It is argued by Austrian economists that a sound economy is realized by underconsumption, production and low taxes/regulation. We are 0 for 3.
This consumer nation WILL return to a production nation, likely kicking and screaming and with great sacrifice borne by its citizens.
Posted by John on September 14, 2008 at 08:01 PM EDT #