Originally Posted by AceArcher (Post 643788)

Absolutely not.. stick by your guns!!! I am actually glad to hear that you intend to vote with your conscience.. we need more... not less of that.

Originally Posted by MathGeek (Post 643761)

For many years I thought my only differences with libertarians were suicide, drugs, porn, gambling and abortion.

Since Sept 11, I've also realized that I am uncomfortable with the degree of isolation many libertarians advocate in foreign policy. I do think that the US should be much less interventionist in foreign wars and avoid being the world's policeman. But when US soil is attacked, or US citizens, we need to put a hurt on the bad people. I also feel strongly that we need to live up to duly passed treaties and international obligations that we have duly incurred. Even if they were a bad idea, backing out on duly incurred treaty obligations is a worse idea. In these cases, we should look for a mutually agreeable way to disentangle ourselves from international messes.

I have also grown to be a convinced federalist. Just because I believe something is a "good idea" or a "bad idea" for government to be involved with; I feel even more strongly about keeping the proper separation between the Constitutional roles of federal and state powers. As a resident of Louisiana, for example, I shouldn't strong arm the federal government for my "good idea" policy changes at the federal level if the matter at hand is not a proper federal power, and I shouldn't exert undue influence on policy issues in other states. It's OK for 50 states to have 50 different state level drug laws, driver's license requirements, drinking ages, etc. The Libertarian party platform almost demands uniformity of laws in different states.

I wouldn't mind too much if the feds got out of the drug game, but the US really needs to extract itself from some duly passed international treaties first, as well as (at the Federal level) get out of welfare, health care and higher education. Legalizing drugs would be much more tenable if the federal government would let abusers crash and burn (per a libertarian philosophy). Legalizing drugs while providing a "safety net" for drug abusers sounds like a step toward libertarian policies, but in the end will yield a bigger and more controlling government.

It is interesting to me that libertarians usually are making public policy pushes for the most egregious parts of their overall platform. Rather than less taxes and smaller government, 2nd amendment rights, and reduced regulation on businesses, they tout stuff like drug legalization, gambling, and pornography. Some even tout gay marriage.

Gambling is a great example where "legalization" increases rather than decreases government control and involvement. I fear drugs will likely turn out the same way.

Originally Posted by longcast (Post 643789)

Geek. You need to go have a drink,smoke a joint and get some *****. Live a little.

Originally Posted by MathGeek (Post 643791)

I really like Ron Paul. If the LP can find a man like him who is pro-life and deeply appreciates (and can elucidate) the important distinctions between state and federal powers, he would likely have my vote in 2016 and beyond.

As it is now, my biggest concern with the LP is that they will allow federal power to grow in ways that impose "libertarian" principles on the states where they can get congressional support or foolish fiats from the federal courts.

Ron Paul staunchly opposed that kind of folly and abuse of federal power.

Most other libertarian candidates are not so principled.

Originally Posted by AceArcher (Post 643795)

I think you should have a closer look at Gary Johson, It's candidates like him who not only espouse "less government" but actually acted on those thoughts and did it when he was a gov. That's the type of person that we should be looking to. IMO.

Originally Posted by MathGeek (Post 643798)

Under his "leadership" the LP has abandoned the key recognition of the importance of federalism and separation of state from federal powers. It certainly appears that Johnson would advocate for the feds running roughshod over state powers and rights if they can successfully force states to implement "libertarian" policies regardless of the desires of those state legislatures. Not sure how you see this being the case, in consideration of the fact that his main message has been a significant reduction in government overall. (and he actually reduced "government" in new mexico by over 10%) But if that's the way you feel... okay.

Ron Paul was clear that recreational drug use is bad, but the federal government should not criminalize it any more than other unhealthy behaviors. Gary Johnson, in contrast, is an actual dope smoking hippie type. True he is a dope smoker, who has climbed Everest (as well as a good number of the world other tallest mountains) Started from the ground up New Mexico's largest Construction Company, and successfully turned the state of New Mexico around by being known as Veto Gary when he vetoed over two hundred bills that included any expansion to government in that state. Guess he is a complete failure because he has used MJ and thinks it's not such a big thing.

I am also uncomfortable with the way Gary Johnson's first marriage ended. If a man can't be trusted to keep the most sacred vows to his wife, how can he be trusted to be faithful to his oath of office? Ron Paul's faithfulness in marriage gains the trust of voters in a much more convincing manner. Divorce happens, sometimes people grow apart. I would rather have a person willing to deal in reality, than one who believes that both people must suffer for a lifetime rather than realize they no longer fit together.

Originally Posted by Clampy (Post 643805)

The 2 party system is a sham and a man of your education does the public a disservice even playing along. We all know this is a joke. People jump on social issues and let that affect how they vote.
" I mean this guy is awesome he could save the country but ........ He doesn't believe in Jesus or he is pro choice and I hear he doesn't care what gay folks do in private.... What what what. Deal breaker "

I find that crazy that we forego the country for social issues.


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Originally Posted by AceArcher (Post 643813)

We all know that we should not judge people based on their appearance or personal choices... we should have an opinion of people based on their results and there previous conduct.

Originally Posted by MathGeek (Post 643794)

I have no idea what smoking weed feels like, but I doubt it can compare to homeschooling my children, a relaxing evening at home with my wife, or screaming drags catching one bull red after another.

Originally Posted by "W" (Post 643824)

Tolling.......is a lazy mans sport of fishing!!! Zero skills

Originally Posted by "W" (Post 643824)

Tolling.......is a lazy mans sport of fishing!!! Zero skills