The response of certain Libertarian Party people to Ron Paul’s proposal reflects the influence of what I call “make-believe libertarians” within the LP. For every philosophically-centered and insightful Harry Browne, there have been far too many semi-reformed conservatives who have not taken the time to think through what is implicit in libertarian thinking. Such people seem to enjoy basking in the imagery of a “radicalism” opposed to an ossified “status quo,” but without understanding the deeper meaning of this philosophy. The changes of which they speak are confined within boundaries that would not be offensive to the sentiments of the statists and collectivists whose respect they desire.
As much as I loved Harry Browne – who saw the LP as an opportunity to educate people and with no delusions that he might become president – the fact remains that Ron Paul has tapped into a tremendous energy source for the advancement of libertarian thinking and action in a politicocentric world. Ron Paul has been a lightning rod for the attraction of pro-liberty sentiments; a phenomenon so powerful that the political establishment has had to go out of its way to pretend he doesn’t exist (even the votes cast for Ron Paul at the GOP national convention were not announced by the chair!). His proposals strike at the core of statism, instead of just tinkering with the details of existing programs. The establishment in general, and the GOP in particular, are terrified that the influence of his ideas will spread.
Ron’s message has probably increased Bob Barr’s vote totals beyond what Barr would have received from his appearances on a few late-night radio shows in the Dakotas. So, what did the LP spokesmen fear from participating in Ron Paul’s press conference, and then go so far as to insult the man who had just benefited them? Are the LPers fearful that they might lose their traditional 0.5% base of voter support? Or, like other make-believe libertarians, might they not wish to be challenged to examine their own thinking?
