But, I consider those trying to change the system by voting to be deluded allies, scratching at the surface of injustice.
The feeling is mutual, but I can at least admit that CD (the tactic) is a useful tool when used in conjunction with voting.
How much aggression do you support as a mini-statist?
Ian, that question is just not constructive if you're talking to someone who already self-identifies as a libertarian.
I know you feel this was a valid and useful question for debate; indeed, it would be, if it were intended to enlighten 3rd parties (such as on the radio) -- at the expense of alienating the person to whom you are asking the question.
Denis how would you recommend explaining to politically minded individuals that the idea that government can protect the rights of the people by first taking them away? How does avoiding things like morals and principles honor lives destroyed by government? The reason it alienates people is because they want to pretend not to see the continuing harm caused by governments every single day.
Hi Sam, I can speak for myself. I saw that post and I ignored it because like Jason Sorrens said, I already identified myself as being a libertarian. I took it as an obvious attempt at belittling me and sidetracking the thread early on. I don't pretend that this large and out of control government is destroying lives, however to equate that with all possible forms and scales of government is the sort of absolutist leap I don't take.
BTW I did contribute to the CD fund and I thought your story and the former police officer's were quite sincere and powerful.
that is really my biggest frustration with the CD folks: you could be doing that _anyplace_, NH's political system is unique to here, so you're making it harder for those of us who are trying to do it here because we CAN here. If you decided to do 4:20 in Vermont, or Mass, or New York, you could do it.
We can't. NH is _special_, for politics. It's the last vestige of what politics should be, instead of the money/snake pit it's become.
That is why I am baffled at the sort of reception people like myself who are libertarians receive. This sort of contempt is un-called for and doesn't seem compatible to what the FSP highlights as being reasons to move to New Hampshire in the first place. Below are a couple of snippets taken from the official freestateproject.org website...
The success of the Project would likely entail reductions in taxation and regulation, reforms at all levels of government, to expand individual rights and free markets, and a restoration of constitutional federalism, demonstrating the benefits of liberty to the rest of the nation and the world.
Whether you are planning a legislative effort, grassroots campaign, formal conference, or public demonstration, you will find an enthusiastic legion of libertarian activists ready to help.
With 400 members, the largest state legislature in the US, providing the highest ratio of representation and easy access to politics.
So when I see anarchists at PorcFest disparaging legislative efforts to reform government, I feel it turns would-be movers off and only muddles what the FSP is really about - unless people on here are being disingenuous. Then again I just recently found a video of PorcFest's rap competition (
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgFAS6tFCxk) whereby the host says...
Host: "Fuck those guys...Rand Paul, Ron Paul"
Host: "Did you not realize there was an anarchist hosting this rap battle?"
Again, I interacted with many a anarchists while there that didn't resemble this guy at all. If anything, this serves as a perfect example of the type of chauvinistic, "more anarchist than thou" attitude that disgusts me and is totally counter-productive to what I read were the goals and motivations of the FSP.