Why Vote for the Libertarian Party?

There is a long tradition of third parties in American politics. Unfortunately, that tradition is one of losing horribly. Since 1971 (38 years ago today, as a matter of fact), the Libertarian Party has tried to push into the mainstream of American politics by showing itself to be organized, moderately funded, and focused on the issues Americans really fret about.

The Libertarian Party, while being the 'largest third party' (which is like saying you came in third in a two-way race), has seen a TREMENDOUS influx of new blood and donations from Americans disenfranchised by the two major parties. This new blood has reinvigorated the Libertarian Party (LP), and is allowing it to gain some standing in many places around the nation.

DEMOCRAT, REPUBLICAN...WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?

There used to be a distinction between the two major parties, but those lines have blurred so much over the past 20 years it is hard to distinguish one from another. Since their policies often accomplish the same damage, the only real difference is rhetorical.

While Republicans cry for tax reform and smaller government, they continually push forward their own policies of debt-increasing spending, and higher taxes (shall we recall President Bush's 'Read My Lips' address to the nation?). Republicans state that they are for small business, but still push forward bills that support large corporations and help out their lobbyist backers. Truth is, they are as fiscally liberal as the Democratic Party.

Democrats are just as bad. Tax this, create a new agency to oversee that, and spend spend spend.

So, where do we look for succor from these money-wasters?

THE LIBERTARIAN PARTY

Lets talk about the fiscal perspective of most Libertarians.

As believers in the free market principles, the LP wants to lift the absurd amount of restrictions that are currently placed on business. Licensing requirements for non-degree jobs (insurance adjusters, carpenters, electricians, retail salespersons, etc) which restrict who can work in certain fields shrink the labor pool, which increases costs. Increased costs mean less demand, which means less revenue, which means.....

...can you see where this is going? The pattern is cyclical. The more fingers you poke into the market, the more it breaks down. When the market breaks down, tax revenue shrinks.

...But, do we really need so much taxation? The LP thinks not.

"Without taxation, how will the government function?" Good question! Taxation is a necessary evil, but not at the astronomical levels we currently have. The answer to needing less taxation is to lessen the requirement to tax. How do we do that? It is easier than you might think! We have so many agencies, departments, and committees that are completely USELESS or REDUNDANT that simply by placing a hiring freeze on the federal bureaucracy and taking the time to AUDIT exactly which departments are needed and cutting the dead weight will lessen the federal budget TREMENDOUSLY.

Numerous departments are simply redundant to state departments, where the responsibility actually lies. Allowing the states to step into their Constitutionally-appointed roles and managing their own affairs is a great first step in bureaucratic freedom.

This process doesn't happen overnight, but over time with proper management and an approach at thrifty government spending.

When it comes to the social aspect of Libertarianism, there is generally a 'live and let live' policy. If a crime is non-violent, and victimless, then it is not the role of the nanny state to police it. A Libertarian believes that it is the citizen's responsibility to monitor his or her own actions and make sure that they do not harm their neighbors or infringe upon the liberty of others.

BUT I BELIEVE THAT, AND I'M A REPUBLICAN/DEMOCRAT!

Well, people in the United States historically vote amongst one of the 2 major parties. There's at least a third (if not more) of each major party that actually shares MORE beliefs with the Libertarian Party than with the the GOP or Democrats! The majority of Americans are fiscally conservative and socially moderate or liberal. Once someone realizes that a small proportion of their chosen party (GOP or Dem), the more radical part, actually control their parties, they tend to find themselves displaced and looking into the Libertarian Party.

Not sure if what you believe is actually what your Party believes? Take this quiz and find out!

OK SPENCE, THAT IS GREAT. BUT DO THE LIBERTARIANS ACTUALLY HAVE A SHOT?

Well, as a candidate, I whole-heartedly believe that answer to be a resounding YES! As more and more concerned citizens begin to read and research their beliefs for themselves, and decide to become active in the political landscape, we will see more and more Libertarians taking office...on the local and state level, and then on the Federal level, as well.

Tea Party members, 9/12'ers, and other grassroots movements share MANY of the ideals of the Libertarian Party. If more of those folks could be reached and information on the Libertarian Party placed in their hands, I believe they would jump onboard immediately and help us 'fight the good fight.'

I think that 2010 is the Year of the Libertarian Party. We will see numerous local, county, and state positions across the country won by hard-working Libertarian Party candidates and their tireless volunteers.

I encourage you all to help that become a reality. Contact the Libertarian Party today and volunteer to help on a campaign, or take on the government yourself by signing up as a candidate!

www.lp.org