I’m tired of the ‘purist’ memo.
The whole idea that one should work as diligently for any nominee because they are a member of the ‘party’ is absurd. Many members are frustrated and tired of this accusation. Ignoring this reality is not good politics either. People choose to be involved for numerous reasons and factors. If they are not inspired or enamored with a particular choice, the expectation that they will waste their precious time or resources is equally absurd. Perhaps some sniping damages others efforts, but it doesn’t block or preclude them.
I’ve spent much time trying to mend fences with long time activists and supporters who were not at all happy with this choice. While I can claim decent success, it is not because of the illusion that somehow we are like or can be in the same league as the two heavies. Anyone who believes that we can or should, might be interested in a bridge that I’m selling pieces of in Brooklyn.
I’ve stated from the beginning, despite my anarchist predilections, that I would support the nominee if it were Lucifer himself. As I’ve worked with Bob on the LNC, I don’t consider him that evil entity. I do have my misgivings in regard to a vote for an unjust occupation and the Patriot Act while in Congress. I believe sufficient reconciliation has been made in these regards, so as not to derail support. I too, have worked very hard this summer to attain ballot access for our ticket in a very limited time frame. If anything, I feel it entitles me to an occasional barb about a botched effort here or there without having to hold my tongue indefinitely as to risk choking.
I do share Mr. Wall’s concern that the Ron Paul snub has created problems down the ticket and activist lines. We must realize that as a party, we are not a major one. Winning is not necessarily why people sign on. They are tired and frustrated with what the others have done with the country. Most people will just accept the choices given and carry on with their lives.This is real political science, see Steven Rosenstone’s Third Parties in America. Talk of ‘lists’ and ‘cancer’ is just as dangerous as any negativity that may be circulating about.
We spend far too much time obsessing about the President. Canada recently declared no confidence in Parliament and scheduled elections within a month and a week of said announcement. Would that we could do so, in such a timely and efficient manner. Instead we carry on for almost two years about an either/or choice that will bring little change in the welfare/warfare state compromise. I would caution our ranks not to yearn too much for ‘success’. The mantra that we are a ‘political’ party as opposed to a debating society changes nothing. Libertarians have traditionally been highly critical and intelligent people. Suggesting that their proclivity to discuss issues and ideas is somehow the cause for our failure is highly deceptive and quite frankly, wrong. We lose because we are a third party. We fight because of what we believe in. We win when we drive issues, IMO.
Yes, we should welcome and aspire all to join us in the struggle for Liberty. But we should also realize and accept that struggle in its infinite possibilities and ultimately frustrations. That’s realism.
Eric Sundwall
Chair, LPNY