Are Republicans turning into Libertarians?

[LittleWyvern]

Last week's Tea Party protests had their origins in the libertarian movement. Although many conservative groups were eager to co-opt their purpose, the core of the message -- anti-tax, anti-big government -- was about as libertarian as it gets. Participation in the rallies was also proportionately quite high in areas like New Hampshire and the Interior West, which are traditionally more sympathetic toward libertarian concerns.

...Of the roughly four different pathways the Republicans could take in the post-Obama universe -- toward Ron Paulesque libertarianism, toward Sarah Palinesque cultural populism, toward Mike Huckabeesque big-government conservatism, or toward Olympia Snowesque moderation/ good-governmentism -- the libertarian side would seem to have had the best go of things in the First 100 Days.

Article

I think this would be an interesting idea for the Republican party to get some new ideas and fresh faces after the Bush era. Or maybe this can be thought of as a return to traditional conservatism? Over the course of history the Republican party has certainly forgotten its original small government ideas.

Edited April 21, 2009 by LittleWyvern

[prisonchaplain]

IMHO the GOP is suffering from a lack of confidence, understandable in light of the economic turmoil of late. Additionally, the majority of the electorate choose youthful, but vague calls for change vs. McCain's promise of a steady hand at the till. Whatever the lessons we will learn from the current economic chaos, I'm convinced that small government with limited regulation, and yet one that does uphold virtue and goodness, not forsaking the war on drugs, unfettered pornography, or traditional marriage--these standards will weather this storm. If we forsake our core values in attempt to widen the tent, we risk become a moderate, tepid version of what the Democrats are offering.

[LittleWyvern]

A commenter in the article brings up this interesting counterpoint:

Let's consider two possibilities:

1. The Republicans are embracing Libertarianism.

2. The Republicans are just reflexively saying no to everything, opposing everything the government must do simply because the opposing party is running that government.

How would we tell the difference?

[Just_A_Guy]

I think the classic counter-argument to #2 above is the Republican (and, to some degree, Blue Dog Democrat) opposition to the first time TARP came up for a vote, even when Bush was still in the White House.

Republicans have lost their credibility on matters of financial responsibility, but the fact that they were mostly against TARP even before the election suggests that their current stance is not just a tantrum over losing the Presidency.

[Moksha]

A commenter in the article brings up this interesting counterpoint:

Let's consider two possibilities:

1. The Republicans are embracing Libertarianism.

2. The Republicans are just reflexively saying no to everything, opposing everything the government must do simply because the opposing party is running that government.

How would we tell the difference?

Perhaps with an Ouija Board?

I would go with number two because:

My guess is that the Republican's following their golden rule - he who has the gold makes the rules - would never be satisfied that a school of thought like Libertarianism whose underside is anarchy, could be adequately able to protect their gold.

.

[Palerider]

the GOP lacks a leader that will stand up to the Democrat agenda...

[RachelleDrew]

Ugh, no they most certainly are not.

As others are said, they are just lacking a leader. So the poor old Republicans are coming to the Libertarian table for dinner scraps.

[Moksha]

the GOP lacks a leader that will stand up to the Democrat agenda...

What about the present leader, Rush Limbaugh?

[Palerider]

What about the present leader, Rush Limbaugh?

Not quite sure everyone will rally around him.....

[Hemidakota]

Perhaps with an Ouija Board?

I would go with number two because:

My guess is that the Republican's following their golden rule - he who has the gold makes the rules - would never be satisfied that a school of thought like Libertarianism whose underside is anarchy, could be adequately able to protect their gold.

.

I thought the Ouija board and those peeping spirits selected Obama vice McCain? :lol:

[Hemidakota]

Ugh, no they most certainly are not.

As others are said, they are just lacking a leader. So the poor old Republicans are coming to the Libertarian table for dinner scraps.

Actually between them both, McCain is a better choice in making decisions. Though, neither would make a great president.

[prisonchaplain]

Rush Limbaugh as leader of GOP? I'm afraid that's beneath his pay grade.

[john doe]

I identify myself as mostly conservative, neither Republican or Libertarian. I am registered as a republican in my state so I can vote in the primaries, but I have never donated a dime to any party, even on my tax returns.

[Madriglace]

I identify myself as mostly conservative, neither Republican or Libertarian. I am registered as a republican in my state so I can vote in the primaries, but I have never donated a dime to any party, even on my tax returns.

Our state government tried to pull that nonsense on us and it lasted all of one election ... there was such a protest by voters that it got changed so that you can vote in the primary no matter what you are registered. I am registered Independent ... I vote for the one that will get the job done not the party. From personal observation we have no leaders because the good ones that actually go in and work for the people don't last. Which is just sad. People need to do their home work as far as their leaders are concerned and stop following what the party says .... how much better it would be if instead of Rep or Dem we had informed voters.

[Dravin]

From personal observation we have no leaders because the good ones that actually go in and work for the people don't last.

Its been said that politics is the art of compromise. The less you are willing to compromise the less successful as a politicians you'll be. Also, it may be the cynic in me, but to get to high level politics you end up strongly indebted to various factions to get there and your constituents and your own ethics and morals don't seem to end up on top.

[a-train]

Are Republicans turning into Libertarians?

We can only hope and pray.

-a-train

[Maxel]

We can only hope and pray.

-a-train

Another example supporting the fact that we need to be able to both 'Laugh' and 'Thank' the same post.