I put out a craigslist ad advertising each month's local LP meeting and had an interesting exchange today.
Myself: We agree with Ron Paul in principal on many issues and consider him a major ally in the fight for Liberty. However, we do not officially support him because he runs for office as a Republican and the Libertarian Party is separate political party.
I get why people think this way, but I am troubled with the cult of personality many have with Ron Paul. Is he the best we have in Congress and closest to a legit Libertarian? Yes. However, I think it has been a detriment to the LP as a whole. He's made it seem he is on a one man quest and that there isn't any other man who can do anything about it. Most people say they're "libertarian" but when push comes to shove they won't vote for our candidates because (Insert usual cliches about 3rd party candidates.)
As someone who will be running for office as a Libertarian in 2012, I wonder just how prevalent this mentality is and how much of it is RP responsible for.
QuotePerson: Does your organization support Ron Paul?
Myself: We agree with Ron Paul in principal on many issues and consider him a major ally in the fight for Liberty. However, we do not officially support him because he runs for office as a Republican and the Libertarian Party is separate political party.
Quote
Person: Without getting into the details, may I ask why does that matter as far as the upcoming election is concerned?
Supporting him in the run for the presidency I feel as if would be the biggest and most key method of getting libertarian practices to actually become a mainstream way of thinking. I guess what I'm getting it, is I'm for people who are willing to support him in the upcoming election. Am I in the wrong place? Thank you
I get why people think this way, but I am troubled with the cult of personality many have with Ron Paul. Is he the best we have in Congress and closest to a legit Libertarian? Yes. However, I think it has been a detriment to the LP as a whole. He's made it seem he is on a one man quest and that there isn't any other man who can do anything about it. Most people say they're "libertarian" but when push comes to shove they won't vote for our candidates because (Insert usual cliches about 3rd party candidates.)
As someone who will be running for office as a Libertarian in 2012, I wonder just how prevalent this mentality is and how much of it is RP responsible for.