The LP is at a crossroads:does it entertain the possibility of joining the big leagues or does it remain a debating society for navel gazing?From Eric Dondero:
Bradley Jansen is a former policy analyst for Congressman Ron Paul. Jansen served as Paul's researcher on monetary policy in his D.C. office from 1997 to 2002.
Now Jansen is one of a handful of D.C. area libertarians urging the Libertarian Party of Alaska to take a more pragmatic approach on Senator Lisa Murkowski running on the Party's ticket for November. The Senator has held repeated meetings with Libertarian Party officials these last few days. Having lost in the GOP primary to Tea Partyer Joe Miller her options are now limited to a third party run, or a nearly impossible write in candidacy.
From NolanChart.org "Murkowski's Challenge" Sept. 9:
Is the Libertarian Party acting as short-sightedly with Sen. Lisa Murkowski now as they did with Rep. Bob Barr in 2002? The LP stands at a crossroads: decide they want to come into the light as a "real" political party or continue as a debating society ad infinitum. The Libertarian Party of Alaska has the opportunity to meet with a sitting senator and potentially put one of their own in the upper chamber of Congress. Predictably, the LP national and state parties are rushing to judgement.Jansen cites his congressional experience working with Senator Murkowski and her staff. Sen. Murkowski voted for the Patriot Act, however, she also worked to curb some of the more anti-civil liberties provisions. Continuing:
To be sure, Sen. Murkowski has a mixed record from a libertarian perspective. Unfortunately, the naysayers focus exclusively on the negative side and ignore the common ground. Many in the LP have an unfortunate predilection to engage in the circular firing squad where no one else is as libertarian as they are. And after several decades, the party has not grown appreciably
As I've written regarding Bob Barr and the response to 9/11, I was very active in those debates testifying before the House on the bill that became the USA PATRIOT Act and before the Senate on a National ID proposal as well as privately and in the press. I remember fondly having allies like Rep. Barr and Sen. Murkowski standing up to the Republican leadership and protecting our rights and liberties. We are all better off thanks to their efforts.He concludes:
It seems as if she and those reloading in the circular firing squad have more in common than they realize. Will the LP take the dead end path or take a step to grow the party and convert more members?
10 comments:
we have a person of our own, and he's called Joe Miller, why would we want to support murkowski over him? Thats like supporting obama over ron paul
Joe Miller for the most part is the right guy. I don't agree with him on foreign policy,immigration,drugs, and abortion. Yet I like what I'm hearing from him on economics and other issues.
Having known Brad, I'd guess that he would have serious problems with our guy Joe Miller strictly over the Gay Marriage issue. That's probably why he's not enamored with Tea Partyer Joe.
As a registered and dues paying Libertarian I could care less about the Right-Wing Socialist Party. The California GOP certainly did not give a crap about me when they raised my taxes and voted to ban all four California opposition parties from general election ballots.
It is up to the Alaska LP, but 19th Century incumbents changed parties all the time. This could be a chance to have a member of the Libertarian Party sit in the Senate and give the LP nationial standing.
Gary:
Joe Miller is as good as they come. You don't have to agree with everything he does, but I think you would vote for the guy because he wants to move this country back to the right direction. The only other candidate I think this highly of is Charles Lollar.
As far as Murkowski goes, she's a sore loser that doesn't like having to stay home. She's fallen in love with the DC lifestyle and now some idiots in the LP want to get over single digit placings and try to ruin it for Miller. You have to ask yourself why these idiots would want a Murkowski over a Miller? Or even worse to spoil the race and put a Dem in? She's voted with the dems more than the GOP. That in itself speaks volumes.
As far as the gay marriage issue goes, it's a 10th amendment issue. So are drugs. One thing not mentioned is Miller is very strong Second Amendment.
Right Guy,
I am with you that Miller looks pretty good. But after voting GOP for 38 years and getting screwed for 38 years I am no longer a Right-Wing Socialist.
Never compromise. Not even in the face of Armageddon.
"Never compromise. Not even in the face of Armageddon."
Which means, never achieve anything...ever. But at least you can feel good about yourself.
What a fucking child.
Chuck, the Socialists never compromised, but we did! We are ALWAYS the ones to compromise and give away our freedom and money.
No more compromise for me. You can drop your pants and bend over if you like.
Who the fuck is we, lone ranger?
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