Whereas I have no problem with him voting for the sun-set provisions, if you know from the start that it’s a bad bill, then it’s your responsibility to do what Ron Paul did: vote against it. Mr. Barr did not fulfill that responsibility.

I disagree with Barr on abortion. (At least, I’m told he’s in favour of regulating it. If that is incorrect, I apologise to him.) I, on the other hand, agree with Harry Browne that a war on abortion will fail so miserably, within five years of starting such a war, even men will be having abortions.

I disagree with Barr on taxation. Ideally, I’d like to see all taxes abolished. But failing that, the second-best option is that put forward by Root: place a tax on the states and give them the responsibility of collecting. Mr. Barr, on the other hand, wants to focus on the FairTax, which I believe can be very detrimental to the libertarian movement.

I don’t like how Mr. Barr still, from time to time, uses the term “conservative” with a positive connotation. Libertarianism is it’s own unique ideology that finds flaws with both liberalism and conservatism. Notice that my last sentence does not alienate liberals or conservatives, because when one hears that you question both sides, the liberals and conservatives are both more willing to listen and consider respectfully your objections. But when you favour one term over the other, you immediately push away voters from the side whose term you are not using. Whereas Browne was able to get votes from both the Democrats and the Republicans, I fear Barr will only be able to get votes from Republicans.

This is, in a nutshell, why I fear Barr. If he makes a few minor changes, he would be an amazing candidate. But until then, I remain afraid.

Respectfully,
Alex Peak

I disagree with Barr on immigration. He supports non-market (i.e. unnatural, or government-based) regulations on immigration, whereas I believe such regulations simply distort the market and hurt the economy, while helping no one (except maybe labour unions).

I disagree with Barr on the USA PATRIOT Act. He believes it’s okay to vote for it as long as you also vote to sun-set some of its more egregious aspects.

On a different note, even though the majority of the base for Barr might be described as the more conservative libertarian leaning Republicans, I’m finding it much easier to talk to Obama people than McCain people into possibly switching over to a vote for Barr. The Obama people I know remember Barr from his appearance on the Bullshit episode on the Patriot Act; so there’s a passing familiarity on the other side as well. When it comes to the issues, I find that Obama people are far more interested in talking about real change whereas McCain people are largely stead-fast one issue voters that are not going to budge. When I articulate the differences between what Obama and Barr plan to do and what it will mean I’m finding that Obama’s ideas are not as popular as what it is he represents. And what he represents has been relatively easy to deconstruct and present an alternative that appeals to every individual’s common sense. Barr is a crucial peace to this though. He is the only candidate that will get that conservative base and the libertarian party needs that base if it ever plans on becoming a serious opposition party. If the libertarian party fails to nominate Barr then unfortunately they are truly hopeless. The window of opportunity is right now. Get that 5%-8% in the general, take the Federal funding, and watch the momentum build around you to 2012 and 2016. If you’re really serious about making a real difference in government through the libertarian party this is it. Shit or get off the pot.

And Yank should stay clear. Lidia’s ass is mine and only mine! (and vice versa!)

discreetly hiding a whip behind me in case Yank comes around

Ah, OK, I get it. LOL :)

No problem. I was complimenting your wit over Yank’s rut. Rut? He wishes.

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And yes, we are a LP tag team, but we won’t be taking on Glen Jacobs and Sean Morely anytime soon (except maybe for lunch).

I can see why you’d not like him calling me slime, but it’s what he’s familiar with…and when in doubt, he goes back to what he knows…see the other recent threads and you’ll see what I mean.