Citizen Journal

I appreciate that the author articulates the diversity of viewpoints within the Libertarian Party, who, as Bill points out, has long suffered from immature supporters that only seek drug legalization. These same immature supporters would cringe if they actually knew what the Party stands for -- limited government, both socially and economically. The Party has also suffered from celebrity candidates and purported supporters (Jesse the Body, Bill Maher, among others) that it presumably nominated to gain traction and publicity.

This author, however, does a disservice to Ron Paul. Paul supported the Afghan war, and had the foresight to oppose the Iraq war. Rudy Giuliani's dogmatic attack on Ron Paul at the debate mischaracterized Paul's stance regarding U.S. foreign-policy influence on the rise of radical Islamism by simplistically stating that "Mr. Paul blames 9/11 on the U.S." We've had enough childish bumper-sticker rhetoric over the last eight years, which has done more to damage the Republican Party's image than any opposition.

Mr. Paul stands for personal freedom and individual responsibility. His foreign policy is based on the ACTUAL interests of the United States and opposes pre-emptive war. These used to be principles that Republicans could be proud of. It's a sad day when these ideas are thought to be somehow weak and defeatist.

While I won't necessarily support a third-party candidate in the next election, it would do the Republican Party good to heed some of the principles that the Libertarians preach, and for which the Repubs. have obviously forgotten and abandoned, to their detriment.

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