Why so few (or no) libertarians on this forum?

[Texas Playboy]

I don't come to this site for politics, but when I took a side trip to this Political Forum, I was shocked at the absence of libertarian conversation. You'd think of all places, this site in particular would be full of libertarians.

I suspect somewhere between 1/3 and 1/2 of all Republicans are temperamentally libertarians (small "l"), and I'd bet somewhere between 1/4 and 1/3 of Democrats are also. They just think they only have two options, and to them, the other is unthinkable.

So, because the media starves the libertarian cause of any coverage, most Americans seem to believe they must choose between a lesser of two evils. Most Democrats do not love their candidates, they just hate Trump, and most Republicans don't love Trump, they just hate the socialist nature of Democrats. Libertarians are on the ballot almost everywhere, but they are not invited to the debates by the media bosses making the decisions. Ask yourself why this is.

Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. We will keep getting this binary choice, this turd sandwich vs. giant douche political landscape, until we demand a third choice. Both of the major parties are statist in nature ... they just want to use the power of the state for different ends. The obvious third party is libertarian. Power away from the state and back to the people.

Americans will eventually revolt against the false binary choice. If the media gives us the opportunity to express our anger with libertarian options, this revolt has a chance to stay peaceful. Without it, well... I think this week we can see where things are headed.

I'm pessimistic because the media makes too much money on this downward spiraling situation. Streets full of protesters, racial strife, pipe bombs in the mail, murders in houses of worship. It's leading to cities ablaze and political assassination, horrible things that will be GREAT for the ratings of 24/7 cable TV. The two mainstream parties are incapable of changing the terms of this political mayhem, they are just intensifying it while media sells the popcorn.

Am I the only libertarian here? Come on folks, vote libertarian. It's not a waste of a vote. It is the answer.

[Austin Ellen]

No, you are not the only libertarian here. I'd like to see a 3rd party emerge too. I'm for more choices. However, I want my guy and party to win too and I don't see that happening with that party. Gary Johnson - I rest my case.

[WTF]

Originally Posted by Texas Playboy

I don't come to this site for politics, but when I took a side trip to this Political Forum, I was shocked at the absence of libertarian conversation. You'd think of all places, this site in particular would be full of libertarians.

I suspect somewhere between 1/3 and 1/2 of all Republicans are temperamentally libertarians (small "l"), and I'd bet somewhere between 1/4 and 1/3 of Democrats are also. They just think they only have two options, and to them, the other is unthinkable.

So, because the media starves the libertarian cause of any coverage, most Americans seem to believe they must choose between a lesser of two evils. Most Democrats do not love their candidates, they just hate Trump, and most Republicans don't love Trump, they just hate the socialist nature of Democrats. Libertarians are on the ballot almost everywhere, but they are not invited to the debates by the media bosses making the decisions. Ask yourself why this is.

Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. We will keep getting this binary choice, this turd sandwich vs. giant douche political landscape, until we demand a third choice. Both of the major parties are statist in nature ... they just want to use the power of the state for different ends. The obvious third party is libertarian. Power away from the state and back to the people.

Americans will eventually revolt against the false binary choice. If the media gives us the opportunity to express our anger with libertarian options, this revolt has a chance to stay peaceful. Without it, well... I think this week we can see where things are headed.

I'm pessimistic because the media makes too much money on this downward spiraling situation. Streets full of protesters, racial strife, pipe bombs in the mail, murders in houses of worship. It's leading to cities ablaze and political assassination, horrible things that will be GREAT for the ratings of 24/7 cable TV. The two mainstream parties are incapable of changing the terms of this political mayhem, they are just intensifying it while media sells the popcorn.

Am I the only libertarian here? Come on folks, vote libertarian. It's not a waste of a vote. It is the answer.

I have voted Libertarian because I agree with their politics.

Neither party does it for me, the GOP with thier faux outrage over spending and Draconian social stances. The Dems with their idiotic spending and to much regulatory control.

Gary Johnson was the man all should have voted for in the last election.

Trump is as crooked as Clinton. Pitiful that was the best each party could come up with.

[dilbert firestorm]

I voted 3rd party in 2004, 2008, 2012. all of them libertarian.

with regard to Gary "zombie" Johnson.

I voted for him in 2012 and I would have voted for him again in 2016, but he did a 180 on religious freedom which was out of step for a libertarian policy. Plus there was an issue with the libertarian plank and that is they were for open borders.

In 2016, I voted for Trump. He was not my first choice.

[Jackie S]

As long as our Political System is based on the majority system, a vote for any other Party besides the Republicans or Democrats is at best a wasted vote.

It's simple reality. It seems the Democrats have a permanent voting base that runs around 35 to 40 percent. The Republicans historically lag a little behind. Those two constitute as much as 80 percent of the voting public. No one else has a chance.

Another factor is the Electoral College. We elect Presidents by States, not popular vote. It's a winner take all system.

The best a Third Party Votr can do is choose the Republican or Democrat that most mirrors their beliefs.

Our two Party system works reasonably well.

[WTF]

Originally Posted by Jackie S

As long as our Political System is based on the majority system, a vote for any other Party besides the Republicans or Democrats is at best a wasted vote.

It's simple reality. It seems the Democrats have a permanent voting base that runs around 35 to 40 percent. The Republicans historically lag a little behind. Those two constitute as much as 80 percent of the voting public. No one else has a chance.

Another factor is the Electoral College. We elect Presidents by States, not popular vote. It's a winner take all system.

The best a Third Party Votr can do is choose the Republican or Democrat that most mirrors their beliefs.

I can't remember but it seems as if Perot drew votes from Bush.

That Russian backed Stien got potential Clinton votes.

Matters not who you vote for in Texas....the top GOP candidate will win in presidential years

Almost forgot Pat Buchanan screwed Gore in Florida in 2000

Hell the Saudis control who wins more than anybody they can raise or lower gas prices. Big reason why Trump don't wanna fuck with them

[dilbert firestorm]

Originally Posted by WTF

I can't remember but it seems as if Perot drew votes from Bush.

That Russian backed Stien got potential Clinton votes.

Matters not who you vote for in Texas....the top GOP candidate will win in presidential years

Almost forgot Pat Buchanan screwed Gore in Florida in 2000

Hell the Saudis control who wins more than anybody they can raise or lower gas prices. Big reason why Trump don't wanna fuck with them

not Pat Buchanan. not that guy.


but it was Ralph Nader who was on the Green ticket.

[dilbert firestorm]

Originally Posted by Jackie S

As long as our Political System is based on the majority system, a vote for any other Party besides the Republicans or Democrats is at best a wasted vote.

It's simple reality. It seems the Democrats have a permanent voting base that runs around 35 to 40 percent. The Republicans historically lag a little behind. Those two constitute as much as 80 percent of the voting public. No one else has a chance.

Another factor is the Electoral College. We elect Presidents by States, not popular vote. It's a winner take all system.

The best a Third Party Votr can do is choose the Republican or Democrat that most mirrors their beliefs.

Our two Party system works reasonably well.

part of that problem can be traced to state election laws that make it difficult for 3rd party to get on the ballot and get noticed in terms of funding.


a majority of the states make a candidate go out and get certain amount of signatures just to get on the ballot which I think is a ridiculous thing to do.

[WTF]

Originally Posted by dilbert firestorm

not Pat Buchanan. not that guy.


but it was Ralph Nader who was on the Green ticket.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pat_...campaign,_2000

Even Pat says there was no way they were meaning to vote for him, they meant to vote for Gore. But nothing you can do after the fact with that screwy butter fly ballot

[LexusLover]

Originally Posted by dilbert firestorm

a majority of the states make a candidate go out and get certain amount of signatures just to get on the ballot which I think is a ridiculous thing to do.

Actually, it makes sense. Do you really want 10,000+ candidates on a Presidential ballot in alphabetical order (or just how would you list them on the ballot in order to avoid an equal protection challenge?)?

"Equal time" on media coverage?

[gnadfly]

As others have pointed out there have been multiple problems with Libertarians and their ability to get major standing. Another problem is some of the Libertarian candidates of the past came across as crackpots and that perception has carried over.

[Jackie S]

Originally Posted by gnadfly

As others have pointed out there have been multiple problems with Libertarians and their ability to get major standing. Another problem is some of the Libertarian candidates of the past came across as crackpots and that perception has carried over.

Agreed.

And add to that, most Librtarians come across as being naive regarding the harsh realities of the World.

[dilbert firestorm]

Originally Posted by LexusLover

Actually, it makes sense. Do you really want 10,000+ candidates on a Presidential ballot in alphabetical order (or just how would you list them on the ballot in order to avoid an equal protection challenge?)?

"Equal time" on media coverage?

we don't do that shit in Louisiana. we just pay a fee to get on the ballot.


we did have 18+ candidates in the last 2 elections. media based the line up according to polls.


as for the ballot listing, not an issue. its either alphabetical order by name or by party.

[Jackie S]

Originally Posted by WTF

Almost forgot Pat Buchanan screwed Gore in Florida in 2000

That was down right comical........."we would have won Florida but our voters are too fukin' stupid to read a ballot"

[RetiredSubmariner]

I am registered as a Libertarian.

I have attended our Libertarian Caucus. I have served on my county Libertarian Party exec committee.

My wife has catered the last two Libertarian Party conventions held in our county. She is currently on the ballot of this upcoming election, for our district seat on our state House of Representatives.