Comment several questions (Score 1) 1478
1) Why should I be a member of the Libertarian Party, and not stay an independent?
1-b) What value do you add as a party that isn't better achieved by contributing to organizations with a tighter focus? (e.g. civil liberties orgs, free trade orgs, etc)
2) How would you characterize the interaction (at the party level) between the LP and other parties both big (GOP, DNC) and small (Reform, Green)?
3) Having watched the LP convention on CSPAN, I noted how frequently in the nomination process I heard discussion by delegates as to the candidates "commitment to the ideals of the party". Almost always this meant "How extreme are their beliefs?" with moderates valued less than extremists even though their beliefs are more likely in line with the views of most voters. (This same situation exists for the DNC and GOP now of course, but they have the benefit of being in control already.) So I guess my question is this: How do you strike a balance between being principled enough to remain true to the goals of the party, and flexible enough to actually win the popular support needed to achieve those goals?
1-b) What value do you add as a party that isn't better achieved by contributing to organizations with a tighter focus? (e.g. civil liberties orgs, free trade orgs, etc)
2) How would you characterize the interaction (at the party level) between the LP and other parties both big (GOP, DNC) and small (Reform, Green)?
3) Having watched the LP convention on CSPAN, I noted how frequently in the nomination process I heard discussion by delegates as to the candidates "commitment to the ideals of the party". Almost always this meant "How extreme are their beliefs?" with moderates valued less than extremists even though their beliefs are more likely in line with the views of most voters. (This same situation exists for the DNC and GOP now of course, but they have the benefit of being in control already.) So I guess my question is this: How do you strike a balance between being principled enough to remain true to the goals of the party, and flexible enough to actually win the popular support needed to achieve those goals?
