The Libertarian Party as our vehicle

[Occam's Banana]

Laugh, cry, or just WTF?

Yes.

 

[P3ter_Griffin]

So I think I focused this question way to much, making it about what we should do rather than what the Libertarian Party should do. I know hearding RPFers is like hearding cats, but if it pleases you think about the question as this: what should the libertarian party do to have greater success electing principled libertarians in the future. Anything from the bylaws of the party, to which states, to which level of office, and the many other things I'm sure I can't think of... things that will make the LP better, more efficient, and more successful.

 

[P3ter_Griffin]

It. Is. A. Waste. Of. Time.

We all knew it was rigged. Beyond all odds we supported, worked for, dedicated life and wealth to Ron Paul. We know where that went. This whole DNC shit should clue anyone else in. We experienced it and now Dems do.
Voting ain't going to change shit. Ever.
Succession might. But, who has the balls for that?

I think its less about a lack of balls and more about a lack of support. Not that any of the currently elected leaders have the balls to do it though even if they had the support.

I don't know if it always holds true but in this current state, where the populace is fine with government aggression so long as it is on a group they disagree with, you need widespread support for secession to succeed. Otherwise I think the government will just treat individuals involved like criminals. IMO it is better to move to a different country then attempt a secession that is sure to fail. I do agree secession would be the most expedient and best path forward.

 

[r3volution 3.0]

So I think I focused this question way to much, making it about what we should do rather than what the Libertarian Party should do. I know hearding RPFers is like hearding cats, but if it pleases you think about the question as this: what should the libertarian party do to have greater success electing principled libertarians in the future. Anything from the bylaws of the party, to which states, to which level of office, and the many other things I'm sure I can't think of... things that will make the LP better, more efficient, and more successful.

They definitely spread themselves too thin. They could win important state elections fairly easily if they directed all of their resources to a single state; and if they captured a state government and actually implemented major reforms that proved measurably successful (so that means economic reforms), they could then run on that record and expand to other states, influencing federal politics in the meantime through their control of the state's Congressional delegation. The first step would be to do some serious research to determine which state is most ripe for the plucking, taking into account such factors as: cost of political advertising in local media markets, ballot access requirements, number of independent voters or other measures of disillusionment with the GOP/Dems, past support for Ron/Rand/LP/etc. This is all fairly obvious; the major problems are (a) how to attract/produce talented candidates, and (b) how to attract money (real money). The solution to both those problems is winning elections, but then it becomes something of a chicken and egg situation.

 

[CaseyJones]

Why?

he is a sadistic twisted azzhole who will likely die with the series unfinished

 

[dean.engelhardt]

Taking over the libertarian party?

Yea, nay?

Seems like a much more feasible thing than taking over the republican party. We could fund-raise to get our message to the airwaves and our candidates elected. We could get rid of the stupid and wasteful primary system and have party officials select candidates to run the different races. We could know who our candidates are going to be before the dem and republican primaries even start so we could get cheaper tv advertising for the name recognition early, and keep up the pressure later with cheaper forms of outreach. We could direct funds where it makes sense and pull funds from areas where it doesn't. Build a lean mean fighting machine and grow our expanse as success allows. Proven success defeating establishment dems would surely open up more sources of funding. Change the party by-laws so we don't have to worry about losing control of the party...

And it doesn't really need to be seen as 'taking over', I'm sure many who hold positions in the party are willing to go a different direction if it provides greater chance for success.

This isn't super long or well thought out but that is because it is not a project for an individual. What say you? How tough a task is this to accomplish? Where is a sensible place to begin in planning out such a task? How do we get from where we are now to in control of the national Libertarian party and rules committee?

Thanks.

I vote Yea. Yes, it is a long shot to get a libertarians elected at the federal level. It is much more unrealistic to think the GOP can be torn away from the likes of Goldman Sachs and be concerned with liberty. The GOP is dying anyway and the LP is polling much higher than in the past and gaining better ballot access.

 

[presence]

I'm more prone to use the agorist party as my vehicle.

 

[brandon]

I think before we can try to take over anything at a national level new leaders need to emerge. We are seriously lacking in well spoken accomplished individuals to bring libertarian philosphy to the national stage. Gary Johnson seems as good as it gets right now.

As much as I admire grassroots leaders and quirky activists they just don't have the chops to take things mainstream. We need charasmatic, trustworthy people with a long track record of success to carry the flag for us. Thomas Massie is a fairly good example. We need more people like him.

 

[euphemia]

The Libertarian party is toast. True libertarians should join the Constitution party. They need some new blood and I think the party platform will be more in line with real liberty principles if the base is expanded.

 

[NewRightLibertarian]

The LP is only good for one thing: making us all look like morons and sell-outs.

 

[P3ter_Griffin]

The Libertarian party is toast. True libertarians should join the Constitution party. They need some new blood and I think the party platform will be more in line with real liberty principles if the base is expanded.

Another good option IMO.

My takeaway so far is that continuing with the GOP path is going to still be the most cost effective path at least in the short term, and yet the Libertarian Party apparatus (and Constitution Party apparatus) will still be in existence and can offer benefits if directed properly with potential upside. I know this response is off path from the new question posed but I appreciate the responses and it has provided me with better understanding of why individuals are focused where. I think there is a whole host of options for any individual out there looking to push towards the goal, and that is pretty cool.

 

[cindy25]

if Johnson is in the debates, and then Libertarians win a few House seats in 2018 this could work. neo cons such as Peter King should be targeted.