The problem with the Libertarian Party is that it is a political party. A true libertarian would not pledge allegiance to a party, but should recognize that his or her personal views carry the value of a vote that needs to be earned.
Our government has become a true cesspool of corruption between elected representatives and the wealthy masters who they serve. A party that controls a majority, can demand more bribery money for their support. I have no doubt that the Libertarian Party would become equally corrupt if it came to power.
The real strength of the American people is the collection of individuals, not the strength of the group. We must demand that our elected representatives be accountable to us, the people, not a political party.
Another foundation of our strength is that we have a Constitutional Republic bound by a constitution to protect individuals or minorities from the masses. Anyone who has read or studied the U.S. Constitution has to admire the debates of our forefathers while creating such a revolutionary document, even with bitter disagreements among themselves about the shared, but limited, powers of government and where they should lie. Thomas Jefferson stood out for me as the leader of personal liberty in regards to the creation of our Constitution.
As a political party, Libertarians will never have any real power, and will be doomed to locking horns with the Green Party to keep control of a very distant (and irrelevant) third place in party politics.
However, if the party was scrapped, and it became a Libertarian Movement, there would be significant attention paid to their efforts by both parties, but specifically the Republicans who would strive to win Libertarian votes. The movement could also appeal to moderate Democrats who were willing address the concerns of Libertarians.
In time, the movement could rapidly grow in numbers as both Republicans and Democrats left their respective parties, registered as independents, and joined the Libertarian movement. The appeal? A real voice in controlling the actions of the government. Politicians from both parties would have to answer to the movement, which under proper leadership, would push for libertarian values under the umbrella of centrist control. This would reduce the outer fringe elements of political influence, and restore some voter control over our elected legislative bodies.
It is my belief that the single most destructive element to individual liberty in the United States is the corrupted two-party system where each party is solely focused building party strength by demonizing the members of the other party.
This is the primary cause of political division in this country. They have put the majority of Americans into an “us versus them” box, regardless of the party to which you belong.
The real fight is the “us” (the citizens) versus “them” (the government). Another party is just more division; however, a true movement of enlightened, freedom loving Americans who demand a government that serves us and obeys our Constitution, could actually start a true political revolution.
* Mark Tyndale is a retired homicide detective from the Sacramento Police Department, where he worked for 25 years. He also served in the U.S. Air Force for 6 years as a law enforcement/K-9 handler. His 31 years of law enforcement experience has given him the wisdom to become libertarian in beliefs; but he is not a member of the Libertarian Party. He is a registered independent voter.
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