Same Desires

Sometimes in our haste to confront adversity, we lose sight of the fact that we struggle for the same cause. This came to my realization over the past couple of weeks as a series of events unfolded. In the context of my attempt to bring the Libertarian Party into the mainstream political view, I clearly belong to the “reform” camp. If someone had told me in the summer of 2004, that I would be heavily involved in politics, I would have laughed, handed them another Shiner, and suggested they seek professional help.

When I reluctantly entered into the power structure of the Party back in 2004, it was the result of a request from a member of the State Party Executive Committee, and as a result of certain events that opened my eyes to the dire need of my becoming involved. I had been asked to attend a committee meeting in a neighboring county. To my dismay, the meeting devolved into a debating match between those who held fast to a rigid libertarian philosophy and those who floated somewhere within the libertarian quadrant of the Nolan chart. All who sat at the table were Libertarians. However, differing views were as abundant as the participants in attendance. The candidate had been selected. The convention was over. Yet here these folks were arguing about philosophy instead of discussing how they were going to get out the vote.

I realized at this point that the Libertarian Party, at least in my area, had no clear path promoted by strong leadership. I was extremely reluctant to accept any position in an organization so abundant with conflict. It was not until I witnessed imminent domain abuse that I got involved. I rationalized that if I could help one person by exposing government abuse and corruption, it would be worth all the trouble.

Eventually, I was invited to join the State Executive Committee. This brought me in direct contact with those who were clearly in the anarcho-capitalist camp. On one occasion, one of my colleagues was riding with me to a meeting. The trip would take almost three hours each way. I must admit, I was not looking forward to being confined in an automobile for that length of time with a member of the anarchist faction of the party. Our conversation, however, resulted in a newfound understanding and mutual respect.

At the conclusion of the trip, it became clear that we both desired the severe reduction in the abuses of government. We both desired a strict adherence to the Constitution. We both desired expanded respect to our individual liberties. How we differed in views was primarily the path to which we would attain these goals. We did agree that in order for our party to achieve success, we would need to become politicians, organize down to the precinct level and develop fundraising infrastructure that could support both the party and it’s candidates.

During the weeks that followed, we both engaged in a debate with a delegate of the Democratic Party. The debate was regarding healthcare and how to reduce costs. As expected, my colleague took the strict supply and demand point of view. I must point out at this point that I have worked in healthcare administration for 15 years. I can testify that there is NO free market of any degree in the entire healthcare industry.

A fundamental argument maintained by LP ideologues is that increasing supply will decrease cost. In healthcare, this will never occur. Price fixing by government and insurance companies maintain a monopoly on the market. It took quite a bit of debate, but my colleague finally came to see my point of view. Neither of us ever came to an agreement to what a possible solution may be. However, we did realize that we both wanted the same outcome. I hope that we may have the opportunity to explore possible solutions that we may promote in the future.

Finally, my colleague attended the first LP County Convention to be held in my county. Upon completion of convention business, we discussed strategies for the upcoming years. It was a unique meeting with two current and one former County Chairmen, two being from adjacent counties, discussing combined efforts to promote our Party. We all recognized some shortcomings in activities we perform on behalf of the party, and we resolved to change things for the better.

In closing, the reforms I have promoted at all levels of the LP are finally beginning to bear fruit. My region is now complimented with a strong Constitutionalists element in key positions of leadership. Those positions range from precinct chairs, to positions on the State Executive Committee and both State and National Platform Committees. While we may be witnessing a change of the guard in certain levels of leadership, we remain committed in continued cooperation and a renewed desire to accomplish our goals for expanded personal liberty and reduced government. A new day dawns. Carpe Diem.