Political Conundrum
I recently stumbled across a blogospheric coincidence. It would seem that those of a libertarian persuasion may be more likely to throw-in with one of the two major parties, as opposed to the Libertarian Party (whose +- .5% of the popular vote inspires few).”Eric’s post” suggests that libertarians would be better served by a modified GOP, but ”Logan” argues that the Dems are a closer ideological relation.
Upon reflection of current events, my choice is less clear than it has previously been. I’ve never (since adulthood) considered myself to be in the Democratic camp. In fact, I was raised by two well-meaning religious Republicans. For virtually all of the decade or so that I’ve been eligible to vote, I’ve leaned libertarian, but voted Republican (for practical reasons). This has much to do with Reagan, who was the Executive in my formative years. But lately, conventional wisdom suggests that the “religious right” is calling the shots. This is a little disconcerting because I have familiarized myself with Christian “church history” and what I discovered is troubling. I’ll not delve into the details now, but suffice it to say: political authoritarianism is not foreign to so called Christians.
The question that “liberty loving” individuals must ask is: which party will cause the least amount of harm to me and indeed the nation.
The current make-up of the GOP barely pays lip service to freedom. It’s not uncommon for a “red statist” to claim that the First Amendment grants freedom of religion and not from religion. For many, atheism is unthinkable…for their neighbor. I fear that the Republicans may trade liberty for political power.
Conversely, the DNC seems to appreciate the First Amendment’s true meaning, but fails to recognize the sovereignty of the individual. This party has been populated by southern racists, irrational environmentalists and quasi socialists. Opportunism, pure and simple, is the only explanation for this. When political power is the goal, one does what one must.
I would love to articulate a reasoned explanation of why one party is definitively more appealing than the other. I’m afraid that, at this time, it just isn’t possible. Both sides of the isle have demonstrated that individual liberty is a luxury and not a political necessity. The irony is that I can’t say that withholding my vote is appropriate. I’m willing to entertain any cogent solutions to this problem.
posted by Robert @ Friday, March 25, 2005
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