Take a look at this interesting post at Reason: Hit & Run. There are libertarian stirrings among Democrats these days. Though, for the most part, they are politically motivated (how can the Dems get back in power), such new interest in libertarian ideas can only be a good thing (as Ingrid Bergman said in Casablanca) "for all of us".
Update: The Samizdatistas tear apart the notion of Democrat-Libertarian. But, even though their arguments are correct, I think they shouldn’t dismiss the entrance of the word "libertarian" into Democratic mainstream political discussion. My point is that it will not stay confined there. People, who have never heard the word or have no understanding of its meaning, will begin to hear libertarian ideas, even though they may not be accurately presented or well-articulated. It doesn’t matter. Just getting libertarian ideas into the mainstream of political discussion has to be good. IMHO.
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#1 by Don Bangert on June 9th, 2006
What’s it they say? “Any publicity is good publicity.”
#2 by Don Bangert on June 9th, 2006
FYI: Free Libertarian has a post on this, too. The Libertarian Democrat
#3 by Mark on June 9th, 2006
I don’t agree with Free Libertarian that the "true home" for libertarians is the Libertarian Party. Most people seem to think that the only way to change society is through political means, i.e., through party politics. That only shows that most of us are addicted to politics. What is needed for a free society is the elimination of political influences on our lives. Politicization of decision-making in all areas of life is the collectivist way of running a society.
Joining the Libertarian Party is joining the political process. As in all parties, the end result will be political careerism and political deal-making. Capital-L Libertarians are not necessarily different from any other political operatives. They are subject to (and many will acquiesce in) the pressures on all politicians to keep their jobs and take money for favors.
Relying on the political process to free us from the corrupting and anti-liberty consequences of the political process is a fundamental mistake and a contradiction of libertarian principles.
#4 by Jack Brewster on June 9th, 2006
Since you don’t provide trackback links.
#5 by Mark on June 9th, 2006
Trackback spammers were annoying me so I turned off trackbacks and I think they’re not really necessary.