Libertarian Party sends condolences to the Republican Nation

[bobbythekidd]

With the rise of John McCain, LP offers sympathy for the death of small-government values within the GOP

Washington, D.C. - Following a solid McCain victory in the Super Tuesday primaries, the Libertarian Party has sent Republican headquarters a funeral wreath marking the death of limited-government values within the Republican Party. The wreath was hand-delivered to the D.C. offices of the Republican National Committee. "We simply felt the need to express our heartfelt sympathy for the Republican Party as they undergo this tough time within their party," says Libertarian Party National Media Coordinator Andrew Davis, who delivered the wreath.

"Given that it has become readily apparent that Senator McCain will soon be the presidential nominee for the Republican Party," reads a card that accompanied the wreath addressed to RNC Chairman Mike Duncan, "we, the staff of the Libertarian National Committee, send our condolences to you upon the death of small-government principles within the GOP."

The note continues:

Libertarians encourage competition within both the free-market and politics. Unfortunately, with the rise of John McCain and the big-spending practices of the Bush administration, the two-party system has emerged as representing only one philosophy - big-government liberalism.

With your loss, the Libertarian Party will continue to move forward to represent those American patriots who still believe in smaller government, lower taxes and more individual freedom.

"McCain's Super Tuesday win marks the death of limited government values within the Republican Party, which had struggled with its principles throughout the Bush administration," says Shane Cory, executive director of the Libertarian Party. "It is a day of mourning for the few remaining small-government Republicans."

For pictures of the wreath and its delivery to the RNC headquarters see below. For more information and interview requests, please call Andrew Davis at (202) 333-0008 during normal business hours, or at (202) 731-0002 during any other time.

The Libertarian Party is America's third largest political party, founded in 1971 as an alternative to the two main political parties. You can find more information on the Libertarian Party by visiting http://www.lp.org. The Libertarian Party proudly stands for smaller government, lower taxes and more freedom.

[Appaholic]

Republicans and Democrats should join forces to become the Republicrap Party......one in the same......just wish general population would quit lumping us conservatives together as Republicans.....

[ASUMountaineer]

Bump, this was great when it happened...and it really foreshadowed the impending demise of the party. They seem too hard-headed to learn.

[dbackjon]

Nice bump

[TwinTownBisonFan]

Bump, this was great when it happened...and it really foreshadowed the impending demise of the party. They seem too hard-headed to learn.

lol... enjoy losing the battle for the soul of the GOP to the evangelicals...

further enjoy trying to get the shitshow that is the libertarians organized...

lastly, enjoy the brawl between the libertarians and the evangelical-controlled GOP for viability in a two-party system...

this could be a good couple of years

[AZGrizFan]

Do you not see the irony in a party that can't even get BORN deriding the death of a party that has virtually had a lock on the White House since 1980?

[TwinTownBisonFan]

Do you not see the irony in a party that can't even get BORN deriding the death of a party that has virtually had a lock on the White House since 1980?

and from 1932 to 1968 (that's 36 years) the GOP held power for 8 years.

whereas in 28 years since 1980, the gop held for 20

it's called a political realignment. and the GOP is feeling it, and will likely endure it for an extended period of time, just like the Dems did after 1980... the parties political coaltions then were broken, and politically had to be rebuilt... at that point the countries default party became GOP...

this happens every 30 years or so... have fun.

[ASUMountaineer]

Bump, this was great when it happened...and it really foreshadowed the impending demise of the party. They seem too hard-headed to learn.

lol... enjoy losing the battle for the soul of the GOP to the evangelicals...

further enjoy trying to get the shitshow that is the libertarians organized...

lastly, enjoy the brawl between the libertarians and the evangelical-controlled GOP for viability in a two-party system...

this could be a good couple of years

Which is why the libertarians shouldn't even try to battle the evangelicals for the soul of the GOP. It's not worth it. I'm an Christian Libertarian, and don't see the point in battling with evengelicals. If they want a theocracy or big government, let them have it.

I'd like to think that this is bigger than just a realignment. That this is a true political shift that will open up a third party. I know that's "pie in the sky" and Z will say "naive." However, that is my hope, we'll see what happens--"Hey, it could happen."

[AZGrizFan]

Do you not see the irony in a party that can't even get BORN deriding the death of a party that has virtually had a lock on the White House since 1980?

and from 1932 to 1968 (that's 36 years) the GOP held power for 8 years.

whereas in 28 years since 1980, the gop held for 20

it's called a political realignment. and the GOP is feeling it, and will likely endure it for an extended period of time, just like the Dems did after 1980... the parties political coaltions then were broken, and politically had to be rebuilt... at that point the countries default party became GOP...

this happens every 30 years or so... have fun.

And in the 40 years since 1968, Donks have had the White House for 12.

Which very nicely makes my point: Proclaiming the death of the party is just a TAD premature, don't you think? And more than a bit dangerous...

But my original point is in the hypocricy of the Libertarian Party proclaiming the death of the Republican Party, when they themselves can't get up enough traction to even be relevant in the political discussion.

[bobbythekidd]

Nice bump indeed.

[Ivytalk]

The Libertarian resume sounds great until you get to the part called, uh, foreign policy.

[TwinTownBisonFan]

and from 1932 to 1968 (that's 36 years) the GOP held power for 8 years.

whereas in 28 years since 1980, the gop held for 20

it's called a political realignment. and the GOP is feeling it, and will likely endure it for an extended period of time, just like the Dems did after 1980... the parties political coaltions then were broken, and politically had to be rebuilt... at that point the countries default party became GOP...

this happens every 30 years or so... have fun.

And in the 40 years since 1968, Donks have had the White House for 12.

Which very nicely makes my point: Proclaiming the death of the party is just a TAD premature, don't you think? And more than a bit dangerous...

But my original point is in the hypocricy of the Libertarian Party proclaiming the death of the Republican Party, when they themselves can't get up enough traction to even be relevant in the political discussion.

okay... that's a very fair point... because they, in fact, are a shitshow...

but the GOP will almost assuredly not die at least in name... but the party as it's been known for 30-40 years is going away... much like the old Dem party did in the 60's-70's.

[AZGrizFan]

And in the 40 years since 1968, Donks have had the White House for 12.

Which very nicely makes my point: Proclaiming the death of the party is just a TAD premature, don't you think? And more than a bit dangerous...

But my original point is in the hypocricy of the Libertarian Party proclaiming the death of the Republican Party, when they themselves can't get up enough traction to even be relevant in the political discussion.

okay... that's a very fair point... because they, in fact, are a shitshow...

but the GOP will almost assuredly not die at least in name... but the party as it's been known for 30-40 years is going away... much like the old Dem party did in the 60's-70's.

Agreed. And the sooner the better. Can't wait until the fiscal conservatives/socially moderate Goldwater Republicans retake control of the party.

[native]

okay... that's a very fair point... because they, in fact, are a shitshow...

but the GOP will almost assuredly not die at least in name... but the party as it's been known for 30-40 years is going away... much like the old Dem party did in the 60's-70's.

Agreed. And the sooner the better. Can't wait until the fiscal conservatives/socially moderate Goldwater Republicans retake control of the party.

Will not happen, because the Eastern moderates are for the most part junior varsity liberals with no spine or commitment and the shouting libertarians have not the sense to make peace with the evangelicals. Instead, they cater exclusively to the libertines. There IS common ground - LIMITED GOVERNMENT AND STRICT CONSTITUTIONALISM BASED ON ORIGINAL INTENT - but both sides are too blind to see it.

[Appaholic]

Agreed. And the sooner the better. Can't wait until the fiscal conservatives/socially moderate Goldwater Republicans retake control of the party.

Will not happen, because the Eastern moderates are for the most part junior varsity liberals with no spine or commitment and the shouting libertarians have not the sense to make peace with the evangelicals. Instead, they cater exclusively to the libertines. There IS common ground - LIMITED GOVERNMENT AND STRICT CONSTITUTIONALISM BASED ON ORIGINAL INTENT - but both sides are too blind to see it.

Isn't that basically why the GOP is a farcical shadow of it's former selves? The fact is, unless the GOP weens itself from the evangelical teet, then it is a non-entity in future elections....the ability of the evangelical wing of the GOP to dominate it's party has led to it's current demise...so much so that liberterians and moderate GOPers were willing to vote for a no-show third party or cast their lot with the moderate dems...it amazes me how the Dems, in all of the screw-ups and liberal demogoguery, still made a place at the table for the moderate faction of their party (which enabled basically a sweep in the last election) yet the GOP, in their infinite wisdom, seem to think staying the course on their exclusionary ideology is the way to grow the party....the GOP is losing middle America...they'll keep it until the current 50+ crowd of middle America die off, then they will go the way of the Whig party whistling the theme to Rush's show on their trek to obscurity.....what a shame....

[Cleets Part 2]

The Libertarian resume sounds great until you get to the part called, uh, foreign policy.

Who are these foreigners you speak of..? There are other countries..?
(this is a shocking development)
Keep that on the D.L. for while... we can't let this information get out
It will terrify most Americans

[ASUMountaineer]

The Libertarian resume sounds great until you get to the part called, uh, foreign policy.

Right, because the party of Bush, Cheney, Newt and Rush have done a fantastic job when it comes to foreign policy.

[ASUMountaineer]

and from 1932 to 1968 (that's 36 years) the GOP held power for 8 years.

whereas in 28 years since 1980, the gop held for 20

it's called a political realignment. and the GOP is feeling it, and will likely endure it for an extended period of time, just like the Dems did after 1980... the parties political coaltions then were broken, and politically had to be rebuilt... at that point the countries default party became GOP...

this happens every 30 years or so... have fun.

And in the 40 years since 1968, Donks have had the White House for 12.

Which very nicely makes my point: Proclaiming the death of the party is just a TAD premature, don't you think? And more than a bit dangerous...

But my original point is in the hypocricy of the Libertarian Party proclaiming the death of the Republican Party, when they themselves can't get up enough traction to even be relevant in the political discussion.

Z, re-read the article. They didn't proclaim the GOP dead, the proclaimed the death of limited government principles within the GOP. You need to realize McCain let you down. He's a Bushie. Nothing hypocritical of the LP did. The GOP are the hypocrites.

[ASUMountaineer]

And in the 40 years since 1968, Donks have had the White House for 12.

Which very nicely makes my point: Proclaiming the death of the party is just a TAD premature, don't you think? And more than a bit dangerous...

But my original point is in the hypocricy of the Libertarian Party proclaiming the death of the Republican Party, when they themselves can't get up enough traction to even be relevant in the political discussion.

okay... that's a very fair point... because they, in fact, are a shitshow...

but the GOP will almost assuredly not die at least in name... but the party as it's been known for 30-40 years is going away... much like the old Dem party did in the 60's-70's.

Exactly what makes the LP a "shitshow" as opposed to the GOP or DP?

[native]

Will not happen, because the Eastern moderates are for the most part junior varsity liberals with no spine or commitment and the shouting libertarians have not the sense to make peace with the evangelicals. Instead, they cater exclusively to the libertines. There IS common ground - LIMITED GOVERNMENT AND STRICT CONSTITUTIONALISM BASED ON ORIGINAL INTENT - but both sides are too blind to see it.

Isn't that basically why the GOP is a farcical shadow of it's former selves? The fact is, unless the GOP weens itself from the evangelical teet, then it is a non-entity in future elections....the ability of the evangelical wing of the GOP to dominate it's party has led to it's current demise...so much so that liberterians and moderate GOPers were willing to vote for a no-show third party or cast their lot with the moderate dems...it amazes me how the Dems, in all of the screw-ups and liberal demogoguery, still made a place at the table for the moderate faction of their party (which enabled basically a sweep in the last election) yet the GOP, in their infinite wisdom, seem to think staying the course on their exclusionary ideology is the way to grow the party....the GOP is losing middle America...they'll keep it until the current 50+ crowd of middle America die off, then they will go the way of the Whig party whistling the theme to Rush's show on their trek to obscurity.....what a shame....

Weening itself from the Evangelical teat is not the solution and would be a faster path to suicide because it would guarantee permanent junior varsity status for a liberal Big Government Republican party. Rather, finding common ground and making peace with the Christian right is the solution. It's not the Christians but the self absorbed libertines who are obstructionist on political issues. Instead of building bridges, they make sport of Judeo-Christian values. Practical operatives like Ralph Reed are ready to find common cause and make peace. Had Colin Powell been willing reach out and make such peace, he would have been the first black President in U.S. history.

[ASUMountaineer]

okay... that's a very fair point... because they, in fact, are a shitshow...

but the GOP will almost assuredly not die at least in name... but the party as it's been known for 30-40 years is going away... much like the old Dem party did in the 60's-70's.

Agreed. And the sooner the better. Can't wait until the fiscal conservatives/socially moderate Goldwater Republicans retake control of the party.

I too would like to see this, but the LP is much closer to Goldwater Republicanism than the current GOP--of course, you'd never admit that fact.

[native]

Agreed. And the sooner the better. Can't wait until the fiscal conservatives/socially moderate Goldwater Republicans retake control of the party.

I too would like to see this, but the LP is much closer to Goldwater Republicanism than the current GOP--of course, you'd never admit that fact.

Point well taken, but Goldwater Republicanism was dead in the water until Ronald Reagan married it with the Christian right and followed a pragmatic middle course.

It is also true that the politically-inexperienced Christian right allowed their reach to exceed their grasp, but that does not mean they should be jettisoned.

The left wing wackos overplay their hands on a daily (kos) basis but still managed to get elected... NOT because of Evangelicals but because Bush and the most recent Republican Congresses were NOT conservative.

[Cleets Part 2]

It is also true that the politically-inexperienced Christian right allowed their reach to exceed their grasp, but that does not mean they should be jettisoned.

The left wing wackos overplay their hands on a daily (kos) basis but still managed to get elected... NOT because of Evangelicals but because Bush and the most recent Republican Congresses were NOT conservative.

I actually agree with the above (almost completely)

[AZGrizFan]

Will not happen, because the Eastern moderates are for the most part junior varsity liberals with no spine or commitment and the shouting libertarians have not the sense to make peace with the evangelicals. Instead, they cater exclusively to the libertines. There IS common ground - LIMITED GOVERNMENT AND STRICT CONSTITUTIONALISM BASED ON ORIGINAL INTENT - but both sides are too blind to see it.

Isn't that basically why the GOP is a farcical shadow of it's former selves? The fact is, unless the GOP weens itself from the evangelical teet, then it is a non-entity in future elections....the ability of the evangelical wing of the GOP to dominate it's party has led to it's current demise...so much so that liberterians and moderate GOPers were willing to vote for a no-show third party or cast their lot with the moderate dems...it amazes me how the Dems, in all of the screw-ups and liberal demogoguery, still made a place at the table for the moderate faction of their party (which enabled basically a sweep in the last election) yet the GOP, in their infinite wisdom, seem to think staying the course on their exclusionary ideology is the way to grow the party....the GOP is losing middle America...they'll keep it until the current 50+ crowd of middle America die off, then they will go the way of the Whig party whistling the theme to Rush's show on their trek to obscurity.....what a shame....

Much as it pains me to say it, I agree with Appaholic.

[TwinTownBisonFan]

Lots to cover:

The LP is a shitshow because it can't get out of it's own way and stop, as was said above, appealing to extreme, damn near anarchist base. they nearly soiled themselves over Bob Barr, and even after endorsing him, much of their membership screamed "sell out"

as for the "they need to make peace with the evangelicals" as was said above... that's what got you the farce of the last few years... like it or not... that party is gone in terms of electoral viability in most regions of this country.

the Dems model of allowing moderates to be moderate and winning congressional elections at the local level has been the underpinning of their success.

The fact is, the GOP has too very distinct ideologies in their ranks and they essentially have nothing in common anymore.

as for Z's quaint notion that they will return to "goldwater principles"... I remind Z that Barry himself recanted his right-wing positions later in life... as for their ability to wrest control of the party... those conservatives make up far too small a faction to have much of a chance.