06-08-2022, 08:52 PM
Big disclaimer because there will likely be some upset people or others claiming I'm raining on parades. The following sentiment comes after my own personal experiences. Maybe others will have better results, but it's unlikely given libertarianism simply isn't popular with the mainstream. It's always one of the smallest third parties and will be.
It's too bad this didn't happen 20 years ago. Or 10 years ago. Maybe then time would be on our side.
I joined the MC and LP a couple years ago. I got out when I realized it was folly. I've used this example in another thread, but taking Oklahoma for example, registered LPers are outnumbered by the GOP something like 60:1 and 30:1 by Dems.
Realizing the war is in the thick right now, going off and joining a mercenary force far lesser in numbers but who are screaming to join the battle probably isn't the best idea. Please keep in mind that even if the national LP 10X their numbers today, they'll still be outnumbered across the board.
And who will you mostly be pulling from at this current point in American society to join the LP? The GOP - the only vehicle right now that is even trying to get the engine going from the grassroots, MAGA types (I'm not a fan of MAGA or Trump, but there's more common ground with them than Dems), etc. And I'm not seeing too many Dems putting their egos aside (certainly not in the hard blue states) and willing to convert to libertarianism. This isn't 08 or 12 anymore.
If you're going to get political again, I highly encourage all of you to really think about the long term. The GOP is the fighting vehicle that just needs new paint and some ammo. I understand the GOP is taken over and is part of the monopoly, but there's been some encouraging signs that victories can be won. Trust me, I'm not some GOP apologist.
The LP is a cardboard box and a couple molotovs... But it's "exciting" right now because they had an injection of cash and Dave Smith is trying to rally. Dave Smith won't be on the debate stage. Dave Smith won't get more than 5-7% of the national vote. The LP is still trying to fight for ballot access in several states. Just keep these things in mind.
If you have certain objectives and think they can be achieved with your local/state LP - go for it. But bigger picture it's not effective.
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