Why should Libertarians live in the United States?

Question

It seems as if the only parties that matter are the Republicans and the Democrats. The Independants barely have a voice! We think we are a free society but every week they are making more and more laws to restrict us. How do Libertarians even matter?

Answer 1

For a long time, the Republicans and Democrats weren't that big of a deal. It's only from the Civil War on. Even then there were others like the Whigs and Progressives who played big roles.

The Republicans and Democrats will be the 2 big parties, for the forseeable future, but Libertarians need to stick around when American's get fed up with big gov't, be it run by the GOP or the Dems.

All it would take to shake things up is 1 popular and well respected person who has a track record of political activism and service to community, similar to Ross Perot, to stand up and declare themselves a Libertarian and run for President, while making good arguments about why Libertarianism is the way to go.

If Ross Perot hadn't botched his first run at President, by quitting and offering some crazy reason, and then running again a few weeks later, I think it would have been quite likely he would have been elected president.

Answer 2

You are right, the only parties that tend to matter are Republicans and Democrats. That doesn't mean either party is actually RIGHT. I believe the Libertarian party has a much better view of the world than either major party.

There are various cities and states where Libertarians hold political positions. They aren't big right now, but you never know, in time they could be. Especially if the Republicans and Democrats keep disappointing us like they've been doing.

Answer 3

The problem isn't the Libertarians, the problem is the two party system. The two party system isn't even good for Democrats or Republicans, because at any one time either one can be powerless (see the last 6 years). The only people that benifit from a two party system are lobbyists that want to control the system. If they only have to control one party, their job is easy (and cheaper).

Answer 4

Libertarians are the struggling minority. That's for sure. Do they matter? Sure they get a small percent of votes. The Republicans often go after those votes, by throwing in a platform that the Libertarians like. In that way they influence the two larger parties.

Answer 5

In the 2006 and in 2008 elections it will continue to appear that only these two parties matter. But, keep the faith as more and more of the republican base has slowly become aware that they are being betrayed by the neo-con leaders who control their party and are currently abusing their party's acquired power and influence.

For the neo-con agenda is to create a mostly rich and mostly white American aristocracy by concentrating all power in the white house and widening the gap between the haves and the have nots in this country and the world. Their loyalty is not to the American public, but international corporations.

And, to accomplish these long held objectives they needed to manufacture consent for increasing presidentual war powers, dissolving personal liberties and government oversight by generating and constantly reinforcing any secular or religious fears of the general public.

But, in doing so they also succeeded in entrenching most of our armed forces in voluntary wars and conflicts around the world and leaving them with no reasonable or workable plans for success. They also have suceeded in totally destroyed any working relationships we may have had in the past with most of the world's governments and populations.

The reality of this situation will force the US public to vote Democrat in 2006 and in 2008 in a stop gap effort to try and rescue the economic viability of the American worker, our military forces and foreign policies.

But, that is merely a first step as most of the rank and file conservative and liberal voters are coming to understand that they have more in common with the agendas of the Libertarian Party than those of the Republican or Democratic parties. As the leaderships of both of those parties have shown they have their own agendas that have nothing to do with public service or living up to campaign promises.

They will see that the principles that they hold and live by Duty, Honor, Service, Compassion, Justice, Open-mindedness, Inovation, Conservation, Freedom, etc. while used as political propoganda are not lived by by the leaders of either party.

It maybe that the leadership of the Libertarian party once in power will also sell out to special interests as well. Still they can do no worse than the neo-con leadership whose insane rule we endure.

Answer 6

The Libertarians are the freedom party.
People who vote either for Democrats or Republicans just because they can win (& not because of the positive things thay can do for their country) are misled or at worst, sheep!
The current presidential administration is taking away your rights as we speak & both the Democrats & Republicans are letting them do it except for a couragous few.

Answer 7

Different opinions always matter. We haven't always been a Republican and Democrat political system. Some day, it will change again. For the better? Who knows, but if you have different views from the major parties, you shouldn't align yourself with one just because they are closest to your views.

Answer 8

Until we organize it won't matter.

FACT 20% of the population is right wing 20% are left wing. That leaves 60% of the population that is not considered in the formation of policy.

Answer 9

Libertarians are valuable for encouraging people to decide for themselves issue by issue, and not merely parrot the official party line.

Answer 10

I love libertarians and there dogged determination to stick it out and try to beat back 100 years of carefully selected men women and families to head our government .