I am in shock to hear that the great Harry Browne passed away last night. This man truly lived and breathed the libertarian message. I can without a doubt say that I am a Libertarian today because of him.

At the same time I am overcome with sadness at this news, I am extremely grateful for everything he has given me over the years. It was a joy to read his articles and hear his speeches and shows. I learned so much from him and I know that I am not alone. He will be missed.

I’ve spent some time over the last couple of days reading web sites and blogs that are dedicated to reforming the Libertarian party. I am not entirely sure yet which side of the fence I fall on, so I want to discuss the advantages and disadvantages that I see with each approach.

The Libertarian party currently has the reputation of being extreme and non-compromising. If a moderate Democrat or Republican looks at the Libertarian platform, which states that all drugs should be legal and Social Security should be terminated, they would consider the word “extreme” to be a major understatement. There is also a perception, which I don’t feel is entirely accurate, that party members are not willing to accept any compromised solution that results in more government than the goals set forth in platform would allow.

The reformers believe that the party is too radical, and would like to bring it more into the mainstream. They would accomplish this by basically taking the “smaller government” side of current political issues, reducing the size of government over time in small steps. For example, they would campaign for medical marijuana, private accounts for Social Security, and eliminating pork spending.

In theory, this would expand the party’s base, making room for new members and politicians who would be willing to cut spending and legalize marijuana, but perhaps would not be ready to repeal the income tax and eliminate the FDA.

Read the rest of this entry…

As Tim West at LibertyForSale.com pointed out earlier today, the Libertarian Party has published an exit strategy for Iraq.

The plan is detailed, thorough, convincing, and feasible. Highlights include:

• Begin troop withdrawal immediately, at a rate of 11,600 per month. At this rate all troops would be home in a year.
• Relocate 30,000 troops to other Middle Eastern countries.
• Negotiate a settlement with the mainstream faction of the insurgency to polarize extremists.
• Provide aid to the Iraqi government for creation of viable infrastruction.

I don’t believe that we should have gone into Iraq in the first place, but now that we are there we need a strategy for leaving. Bush claims that setting a time table for withdrawing troops will only encourage the “terrorists” to wait us out. However, evidence shows that many of these “terrorists” are Iraqi citizens who have lost loved ones in the war, and are driven by the US occupation. If the US started withdrawing troops, it is likely that alone would cause a decrease in violence.

This exit strategy from the Libertarian party is excellent, and I am thrilled to see them release it. I encourage you to read it through, and if you agree with it sign this list on the LP’s web site showing your support.