No More Lesser of Two Evils!

In this current state of high unemployment, worries over Richland County's property rights-destroying Land Development Code (a.k.a. "Town & Country" plan), taxes which are increasing at an alarming rate, and much more, why is it that we don't have more Libertarians in office? I'll tell you why: The RepubliCrats have attempted to convince citizens that the Libertarians are dope-smoking, hippie, hedonist, anarchist slackers - and that couldn't be further from the truth.

I have never used any kind of illegal drug, and I don't even like to take aspirin for a headache. I have never drank any kind of alcoholic beverage, I am a God-fearing man, loyal mate, I believe in having a strong sense of morality and personal honor, and I'm a business manager.

I said all of that to ask this: How does that description fit into the RepubliCrats' Libertarian stereotype? The truth is, it doesn't.

Libertarians are some of the brightest, most sensible people I've ever had the pleasure to meet. They are just like anyone else; they are concerned about their jobs, providing for their families, getting a great education for their children, and many other day-to-day necessities. What's so unusual about that? Nothing.

The problem is that most people have been lulled into what I call a "walking coma," induced by the "rat race" and sometimes-overwhelming daily distractions (both parents having to work, daycare needs, overtime on the job, living paycheck to paycheck, etc.).

It's sad that in the so-called "Land of Opportunity and Freedom" we have a large percentage of American citizens who are worried about where their next meal is going to come from. Is it just me, or is there something very wrong here?

Most citizens believe that this is "just the way it is," and simply accept their fate, because they "can't do anything to change it." Congratulations, government officials.

Libertarians are different; we know that there is a better way. We also know that the Founding Fathers had a vision of America that is very different from what we have today - and one that's very different from many of the modern government-school textbooks that are teaching our children a revised and slanted version of history and government.

Libertarians also understand why our Founders warned against majority rule. When 51% of the population can rule over 49% of the population, that's not individual freedom that's a popularity contest, and destruction of rights for millions of people.

If more Libertarians were currently serving in office, we wouldn't be worried about outrageous taxes, out-of-balance budgets, special interest spending and legislation, over-regulation of businesses, government in our bedrooms, handing nearly half of our earnings over to government every year, removal of children from their mothers because the mothers didn't make a certain score on an IQ test, destruction of privacy and patients' rights, destruction of property rights - and the list goes on and on.

It's time to dispel an old myth: "If you don't like the way your politicians are conducting their business, vote 'em out!" I agree that anyone who isn't following the will of the people should be removed, but if you vote to put another Republican or Democrat in office, you're only going to get more of the same.

Not one single Republican or Democratic administration has actually reduced the scope of government from one year to the next. And what I find so presently disappointing is the fact that the party that is supposed to be for limited government and conservatism - the Republican Party - has been out-spending the previous Clinton Administration.

As Hugh Downs, former co-host of ABC's 20/20, once stated, "This country is a one-party country; half of it is called Republican and half is called Democrat. It doesn't make any difference. All the really good ideas belong to the Libertarians."

You no longer have to choose between the "lesser of two evils." The Libertarian Party is the nation's third-largest political party, and we have accomplished more than all the other third-parties combined - even though the Big Two have done everything they can think of to keep us out of the media and off of the ballots.

If you want more of the same, continue to vote for the Republicans and Democrats, but if you want to help restore the true American Way of freedom, equality, civil rights and prosperity, vote Libertarian.

Doug Kendall
South Carolina Libertarian Party Membership Chairman & Executive Committee Member
Co-Host & Producer of the "Unauthorized Access" Radio Show on WCEO 840 AM
LibertarianNews@earthlink.net