Screaming Penguin

I consider myself fairly libertarian in terms of my philosophy. I believe in less government (generally, except in terms of "shared property," which is another discussion), free markets (when they are actually free and open), and complete social liberties. Most of the "libertarians" I meet though, are far from my positions. Ask the run of the mill self described libertarian in my area about the legalization of drugs or prostitution, homosexuality, gay marriage, plural marriage (for that matter "marriage" at all being recognized by the state), church and state, etc. - and it becomes readily apparent that they are not in favor of liberties in general, but rather liberties according to their views and their religion. And, a government that sanctions their religion, and their religion only. In other words, Republicans (or Constitutionals, the CP actually is the third biggest party in terms of voter registrations, at least according to the CP website). Most of them aren't batshit crazy like Kevin Craig (running on the Libertarian ticket in MO), but they aren't really very liberal with their ideas either (at least not social ones, fiscal ones yes). What amazes me is the diverse opinion, and as Ed notes in the aforelinked article, the fact that these guys get on the ticket to represent the party. (I do have several notions about why that happens, including: getting anyone you can on the ticket from the LP; and just being LP in the first place, anyone should be allowed to run, etc. But overall I do not think it is good for the party in general.)