I have been an active observer and participant in American politics since before I could legally vote. (And no, even thought I grew up in the corrupt state of Illinois, I was not one of many who voted while dead or before I registered legally.).
I was always very interested in history, politics, government, demographics, economics… you get the idea—even in high school. My political instinct has always leaned very libertarian. Even though I personally have a strong desire to see fairness, equality, charity… implemented in our society; I’ve never viewed the government as the best mechanism to accomplish those goals. I really have never seen a better idea for government than maximum individual freedom with minimum government regulation.
Don’t misunderstand. I believe crime should be punished. Murder, assault, robbery, rape, kidnapping—crimes that have an actual victim should be punished, and we need systems in place for justice, law enforcement, and penalties. Where we go wrong is creating crimes where no harm is done to another human being.
Now here’s my point: there used to be a time when true conservatives and libertarians agreed on many issues—simply because that which was being conserved was the Constitution and it’s Bill of Rights. That is simply no longer the case. The most recent “conservative” President actually increased the debt and federal spending, increased gun regulations, and routinely called for for actions that violated the Fourth, Sixth, Ninth, and Tenth Amendments.
Republicans now have a chance to choose someone who at least talks the talk of Constitutional Conservatism. The question that remains is, will they?
What thoughts do you have?
