By Lina Bryce
Even though grassroots organizations serve to mobilize and energize the base like none other, we have to be realistic in our expectations with third-party runs when it comes to presidential campaigns. Overall, the Libertarian Party has proven to be ineffective in gaining enough votes in general elections to qualify for matching funds and the chances of that happening with a celebrity-type, populous candidate in the race, are slim. This isn’t to say that libertarians have not succeeded in their messaging; the idea lives on, but we must allow that message to permeate other political parties.
The reality is that a Republican will more likely vote for a libertarian-leaning nominee than an individual from any other party. It’s clearly demonstrated in recent GOP political polls that the prospect of having Democrat in the White House for another four years terrifies Republicans more than a candidate that doesn’t quite fit their mold. In fact, the moment for libertarians to work within the GOP, entrench the party with ideas that will broaden the Republican base is now.
Here’s a suggestion on places where we can start.
1. FISCAL CONSERVATIVISM
Republicans and libertatians tend to prefer lower taxes and allowing more people to keep their income. While some libertarians prefer a flat tax (really flat, like ‘zero’) and some Republicans don’t have conservative taxation policies, there is a lot of common ground on this matter.
Republicans don’t always offer the perfect answer for most libertarians, but we should look at the big picture. If the aim is to draw more people to these principles, the best way to do so is by demonstrating how it works in the real world. Working with one of the major parties gives us a more realistic chance at reducing the size and scope of government and lowering our taxes. These policies will make people richer and then even more libertarian approaches can be tried.
2. Free-Markets
In this country, all most people know is a heavily regulated market. Markets that are too regulated which lead to problems that the left naturally blames on private enterprise. Corporatism, the collusion between government forces and their cronies, is the disease and the fiat currency is how its spread. It’s become apparent that more people are coming around to the idea that everything government touches it practically destroys–so now libertarians and Republicans must seize the opportunity.
Libertarians are free-thinkers, intellectuals, and often self-driven entrepreneurs, despite what people say about Republicans, they are too. So, instead of trying to change the minds of liberals who only want more government and more intrusion, libertarians need to be working with Republicans on ending crony corporatism that has given the Republican brand a bad name, sending misguided voters fleeing to the social democrats.
3. Individual Responsibility
We all remember the proverb which lent itself to the title of Hillary Clinton’s book, “It Takes a Village.” This is the mantra for anyone who aims to deflect the idea of responsibility away from the individual, thus, making your problem everyone’s problem. The adage helps them sell the idea that you need government to help. How else can they get everyone to comply with having their money taken from them?
Once more, libertarians can unite with Republicans on messaging on this issue. It’s about personal responsibility. No more bailouts, no more corporate and social welfare, and limit government to the point that lobbyists will see no benefit living in D.C. Let the village liberals are so often talking about provide for welfare through charity. As libertarians know, government force is not needed to feed the poor.
4. Limited Government
The challenge that the GOP faces, as they work towards selecting their presidential nominee, will likely be their anemic support on issues relating to “limited government.” It is no secret that the GOP has found their limit government philosophy at odds with certain factions of the party, who subscribe to a more neoconservative brand of republicanism that includes large military budgets and deficit spending. They have coalesced with the aging faction of the GOP base who fear their social security and medicare will be taken out from under them as a result of reducing spending.
Less is more with both Republicans and libertarians, overall– at least a government that is limited by the Constitution. However, the Republican Party has lost its way on this issue and it’s fair to say that there is much room for a new, growing faction in the base.
Libertarians want to control the government, so we can make sure the government leaves everyone alone.
5. Pro-Constitution
The Constitution doesn’t regulate Americans, it regulates the federal government. It is the law of the land. The organizing document of our Republic carefully separates power between three co-equal branches of government, brilliantly devised with a system of checks and balances on federal power designed to limit government and maximize individual liberty. Its Bill of Rights protects the most important and evident liberties in specific language and bars the government from infringing on any rights, even those not listed.
Libertarians and Republicans can agree that the best path for the US government to take is laid out plainly in the US Constitution.
6. Non-Intervention With a Strong National Defense
Although most Republicans are conditioned to impulsively disagree with the idea of non-intervention, largely due to the misinterpretation of what that means, it is another instance where they contradict themselves those they revere in the party.
If they understand that libertarians agree with a strong national defense, perhaps it will help to move the discussion along. The idea of non-intervention is not only pragmatic fiscally, but a sound and diplomatic foreign policy to hold. Having peace through strength does not mean to entangle ourselves in every foreign affair as international justice warriors, but rather, strength means knowing we stand ready, but will resort to a just war only in defense of the nation.
This had once been a galvanizing issue for Republicans, who were known to end wars, not start them. Ronald Reagan’s presidential campaign messaging of a limited government and a strong national defense resonated with voters, perhaps it’s time we remind them of that.
7. Charity
Libertarians and Republicans believe that charities work better than government when it comes to aiding the poor. In fact, libertarians have proven themselves to be so. Having already been burdened by heavy taxes, libertarians are still insanely charitable.
It’s also been noted that red states are more generous than blue. Perhaps this is because the blue states feel they’ve already donated your money to charity.
Um…you’re welcome, America?
8. Individual Right To Keep And Bear Arms
Republicans are often the most visible proponents of gun rights, but they’re not fighting alone. With a libertarian faction of the GOP which not only defends the Second Amendment, but understands more than anyone how important it is in times of tyranny, there is indeed a united front. The founders knew that without the right bear arms, there is no stopping the power of growing government.
“Shall not be infringed,” is not phasing we should be parsing and anyone who calls themselves a Republican who would suggest it, should consider registering Democrat. Thus, libertarians know they have an ally on gun rights in the GOP.
9. Property Rights
If there is one thing that many red state supporting Republicans can’t stand its when the government land-grabs. One’s right to property is quintessentially American. It’s a core issue of the American right and one libertarians certainly agree with. After all, “Don’t tread on me” is the libertarian creed.
Owning property is a fundamental, constitutional right, federal powers have done an excellent job in succeeding at taking more and more land away from private ownership–having taken nearly 650 million acres. That’s almost 30 percent of the land area of the United States.
10. Right to Life
For those libertarians who posit that life is endowed by our creator, they would certainly align with Republicans on the issue of protecting the unborn. For those that do not, yet agree that under the Constitution, innocent life should be protected under any circumstance, could join forces with them as well.
Despite the growing trend of non-religious or unaffiliated voters, there is still the reality that a pro-life, religious faction is still an influential voting block. Roe Vs. Wade did little to make the issue go away and I’m not suggesting we overturn it.
So here’s the rub: You can defend that unborn life to be protected, without asking government to make it illegal. Urge people to do the right thing, without telling them what to do. The more libertarian-leaning republicans come along in this direction, the more attractive and electable their candidates are going to look to most voters.
That’s how we win.