The American Spectator

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re: Libertarians

By Lawrence Henry on 12.11.06 @ 4:54PM

Jim, I see that Steve Sailer beat me to the punch -- no surprise. I too view libertarianism, as a formal political movement, as a near-nullity. That said, most Americans have a kind of libertarian streak, which Grover Norquist sought to mobilize in the "leave us alone" coalition. (Is he still holding meetings of same?) The proper candidate could arouse that impulse, and maybe capitalize on it to the extent of getting a bunch of votes out of it, but that candidate is likely to be a Republican by brand and allegiance, I'd think.

I do not see any convergence between liberals and libertarians, especially given modern liberalism's comfort with totalitarian impulses. Well, there's legalized marijuana. Heck, I'm in favor of that. It's got no traction as an election issue, however.

topics:
Libertarianism