Reform Republicans or Organize Libertarians?

Question

An answer to this question got me thinking:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070328150617AAKiNTX&r=w&pa=FZptHWf.BGRX3OFMhjFUUqbNihUhEPP7Sty2A8WWjJMDdkxnJpMJCe9XA2XhJMh8XrA_KlqitSYkSI4vCg--&paid=answered#EcQoDza5Ujkz_os71ddQkUWqEOP9KzCHGMU7kUSLZLv3LbappTWd

The problem with the Republican party is that they've strayed far from their core values.

The problem with the Libertarian party is that they have problems organizing on a national scale, even sometimes on a local scale.

For those of us who favor the values listed in the question, which is the better route to take?
1) Being a Republican and trying to bring the party back to its core values
or
2) Being a Libertarian and trying to bring some solidarity and organization into the party

Answer 1

Actually either route can serve your purposes, but a good example of third party influence on "real" parties can be seen with the socialists. The most successful third party in the twentieth century was the Socialist Party. While never winning any significant elections, their small but growing vote totals were a threat to the Democrats. Thus the Democrats, and then later the Republicans, adopted piecemeal every major tenet of the 1916 Socialist Party platform. They brought about reform without ever winning an election, and they did it by threatening a major party with defeat. That's a slower approach to take, however, and it's success is far from assured. Indeed, there's the possibility that during the lag you would have to deal with officials working in the opposite direction from what you believe. However, if you're voting for a party that doesn't do what you believe in, then what have you won? The great thing about the Libertarian party is that due to it's small size your voice would definitely be heard if you wanted it to. Can you say the same thing about the republicans? Without millions of dollars to donate will they even listen to you? The Libertarians are constantly looking for volunteers and people to help them with campaigns. You could run yourself if you really wanted to. The thing to remember is that only two things make the republicans sit up and take notice: money and votes. If you don't have the money then make them listen to you with the power we wield over the ballot box. If you're really interested in helping restore the ideals of liberty then go to the site I've listed on my source. And thanks for thinking.

Answer 2

I'm a Libertarian Party officer in my county and I believe the Libertarian Party (LP) is in dire need of a lot more of grassroots activism. We are too much debate and not enough activism.

We do not receive enough media coverage (if any) due to media discrimination. Thus, we must step up efforts to contact the media.

We need to find and motivate Libertarians who can recruit new members and organize fundraisers, not to mention find Libertarians who can run for public office. Urge your local and state LPs to organize outreach efforts.

The Democrats and Republicans have proven themselves as dishonorable and untrustworthy. Therefore, the Libertarian Party needs to take advantage of the situation and capitalize upon it through activism!

Answer 3

Most of all protest how the Republicans lost their way. In letters to editor of the paper, on Yahoo Answers, etc. Just call Republicans to go back to the ideals of small goverment and freedom and point out that Socialism is damaging to countries. While I am a Libertarian, I vote Repub because then my votes count. And I am vocal about the damage to our country, such as how Repubs increased discretionary spending by 40% the last 12 years--this is corrupt and a downright lie in the face of what they claimed after the 1994 win. We need to remind them of their corruption as noone else cares

Answer 4

Being a long haired dippy is the problem with republicans.
The only problem I have with libertarians is personal responsibility which oh so many fat lazy Americans don't have.

Answer 5

You assume libertarianism is the core value of the Republican party.

I disagree. I think libertarianism is the core problem in the Republican party.

Answer 6

I prefer the latter one.