It isn't about policy at all.

It is about principle. How can a man completely do a 180 on principle? At one moment, he is fine violating liberty and the Constitution and the next I'm supposed to believe him when he says he won't do that again?

I'd rather believe he is an opportunist like someone else mentioned.

Since when have I done that?

No, you've been the one doing that. Libertarianism originated in France and originally meant anarcho - communism, of course the usage of the word has change but nonetheless historically it's been used to refer to anarchism.

The word refers to one who follows the NAP, this excludes minarchists, not that Barr is even one of those.

He's not 'my candidate'. He claims that he's seen the light and changed his tune, but I don't buy it and I don't trust him.

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"Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain"- Iowa state motto
-Proof-hunter

Ventura/ Paul '12

Ive looked at some interview and he's been asked about how his past feelings might affect those looking to support him.He doesnt necessarily even denounce most of his 'old' beliefs,he simply states he understands that many Libertarians just wont agree with him.

In other words-he hasnt changed all his stances,just a small portion of them,mostly regarding things relating to percieved Constitutional improprieties post 911.Thats why I cant see the logic in him being the candidate.

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The Libertarians have adopted the term from the original meaning.

Language is dynamic. It changes.

The Libertarians recognize that the transition from what we have now to a true libertarian state would be impossible to do in two presidential terms, and we, in addition, realize the pitfalls of true libertarian socialism. We have thus adopted our policies to match what we perceive to be the proper path that america should head in to make it as libertarian as possible.

I am much like Barr. A couple years ago, I was really gung-ho in regards to traditional Republican policies. I opposed gay rights, I opposed abortion, I advocated security and military spending, etc. Then I "saw the light" as some may say. I realized that it was not the government's place to regulate certain things, and it is not right for america to violate foreign sovereignty in weakly justified military operations, and I sharply became aware of the unconstitutional laws being passed, and so I found a party that fit more with my ideals: the Libertarian Party.

I could easily believe that Barr followed a similar path to my own, and thus believe that he is genuine in his Libertarian beliefs. Root especially so. Have you seen that guy talk? I find it hard to believe he does not trully believe in what he says.

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"Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys." - P.J. O'Rourke

"Peace, commerce and honest friendship with all nations; entangling alliances with none." – Thomas Jefferson

"Some can be happy under socialism, but under socialism, none can prosper." - Me


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I am conservative but not a republican

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Aint but three things in this world thats worth a solitary dime,
But old dogs and children and watermelon wine.
Tom T. Hall
http://www.politicalforum.com/group.php?groupid=43

It's funny to see libertarians who allegedly distrust the government, believing Barr and Root.

Anyway: Gradualism in theory is perpetualism in practice.

And when you say you've adopted the term, what you mean is conservatives have hijacked it.

I don't know.

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"It is no crime to be ignorant of economics, which is, after all, a specialized discipline and one that most people consider to be a 'dismal science.' But it is totally irresponsible to have a loud and vociferous opinion on economic subjects while remaining in this state of ignorance.

--Murray Rothbard

I do not trust Democrats or Republicans because they have repeatedly failed our nation. I trust myself to make a difference, but seeing as I am not yet in any position to run for public office, I have to vote for those I most trust to serve my interests, and those that tell me they will deliver what I want are more likely to serve my interests than those who don't.

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"Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys." - P.J. O'Rourke

"Peace, commerce and honest friendship with all nations; entangling alliances with none." – Thomas Jefferson

"Some can be happy under socialism, but under socialism, none can prosper." - Me


Take the World's smallest Political Quiz!

They're big government opportunists, accept that.

The only possibly justification for voting for Barr is that at least in the LP got enough votes it would break the 2 party system, but by this time there would be no difference between the democracy, republicans and the LP, so what would the point be?

Honestly, if you want to help the country, at least vote CP.