There’s a story from Indiana about how libertarians are fairing in that traditionally Republican state. Entitled, Libertarians Like Their Message, it describes a libertarian candidate as knowing that “your chances of winning are remote, but your goal is to finish as strong as possible and keep building for the future.”
That’s true for those libertarians who run as Libertarians; there are far more libertarians who are independents and swing voters.
There’s a good feeling about advocating something because one believes it and not simply running for personal ambition, hoping to work out a plan only after getting through the door. My preceding post, about how Wisconsin‘s major-party gubernatorial candidates have offered flimsy and incredible solutions, sometimes leads people to a libertarian alternative.
That’s why Chris Spangle, a libertarian from Indiana, can forthrightly say that “[t]here’s no party that represents true fiscal responsibility as much as Libertarians,” he said. “Republicans and sometimes even Democrats talk about libertarian values of fiscal responsibility, but once they get into power, they don’t follow though on all the promises they made.”
Politicians are wrong to blame voters for being apathetic, skeptical, or cynical. People aren’t born that way; if anything, people are too trusting. It’s the emptiness of political promises that leaves people justifiably weary and jaded. A more informed and energetic electorate would develop in a more honest, less selfish political culture. A smaller government would produce a better politics, less attractive to gluttonous politicians.
Years of the major parties pretending that sows’ ears are really silk purses, all the while living as pigs, has taken its toll.
Smaller and limited government, individual liberty, free markets, and commerce with friendly countries.
So, do libertarians like their message? Oh yes, very much indeed.