During a forum hosted by Libertarians for Justice, Starchild asked presidential candidate Mike Gravel how he could support coercive taxation for things like education and healthcare, while still claiming to support the core libertarian idea that people should be able to do whatever they liked with their own property, so long as they did not initiate force against others.
A lengthy exchange ensued, with Gravel becoming increasingly angry. At one point, a frustrated Gravel asked if what libertarians wanted was voluntary education. The crowd responded affirmatively. Gravel said, “Fine! Let’s go back to the 18th century.” Well-known libertarian activist Andy shouted from the crowd, “It’s not going back to the 18th century, it’s going back to freedom.” The crowd of delegates cheered.
In 2004, Michael Badnarik won over delegates with his libertarian purism. To most libertarians, Gravel fails the purity test. He has a fairly large entourage with him in Denver, but it is unclear how many of the people are delegates.
The nominee should be not only a Libertarian (as required by Party bylaws), but also a libertarian (i.e. in accord with libertarian principles.)
This rule-of-thumb disqualifies Gravel and Barr, in my opinion.
I only hope enough delegates agree with me.
Hello Everyone!
This is Todd Andrew Barnett, host of Liberty Cap Talk Live and creator of the Let Liberty Ring blog on Blogspot.com.
(URL: http://letllibertyring.blogspot.com)
I thought I’d let everyone know that I’m here reading the Independent Report. G.E., thanks for creating this site. It’s a great site, and I’m reading it daily. In fact, I have you blogrolled and your site feed is already on my site now.
Yours in Liberty,
Todd Andrew Barnett
Thanks for the links, Peter.
I think Gravel could’ve given McKinney a run for her money. When in doubt, the Green-Party leadership seems to back the Old White Guy.
=)
He smelled Ron Paul type donations from the libertarians. The greenies don’t have much green compared to Paul…
Because McKinney would have kicked his ass, and his folks thought the “Libertarian” label was more hip and timely because of the Paul campaign.
Why in the world didn’t he just run for the Green Party nomination?
I’d bet that the majority of his delegates will skip him in favor of Mary Ruwart.