Libertarians Are Not the Answer

Hillary Clinton will be the Democratic Party nominee. It's an unfortunate truth that, nevertheless, must be accepted by anybody with an understanding of mathematics. Personally, I think Sanders should drop out now that his candidacy is simply a vanity project, but that's a different story. The end of primary season leaves millions of Sanders supporters in a bit of a bind. According to former Labor Secretary Robert Reich, who, presumably, knows what he's talking about, 1/3 of Sanders will definitely vote for Clinton, 1/3 will definitely not, and 1/3 are on the fence. The Libertarian candidate, former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson has, in the last few days, made overtures to the 2/3 of Sanders not completely committed to Clinton. Below, a discussion the relationship between the Libertarian Party, Johnson's personal beliefs, and Sanders program of "political revolution."

The Libertarian party is relatively young, founded in only 1971, and is among the most consistently "successful" third parties. I use scare quotes for successful because, for American third parties these days, success is receiving 1% of the vote or more. Ideologically, they borrow elements of both the traditional Republican and Democratic platforms: emphasis on individual liberty (drug legalization, pro-gay marriage, pro-choice, pro gun rights, etc.) with minimal government oversight of business (reduce/eliminate the EPA, IRS, Federal Reserve, lower taxes, etc.) Personally, I think the popularity of the Libtertarian party is going to explode over the next few decades, perhaps even this year. I suspect that they will either replace the GOP as the main center-right party, or that their program will be adopted so completely by the GOP that they will be indistinguishable. Admittedly, I'm basing this mostly on my own experiences and instincts. Ron Paul, a former LP member and 2004 and 2008 presidential candidate, had a surprisingly strong following on college campuses, because of his relatively liberal positions on individual rights. As millennials and Gen-Xers become dominant voting blocs, the GOP is going to have to move away from its indebtedness to far-right Evangelical voters if it wants to survive. Most young people want gay marriage and minimally restricted abortion access. Far fewer are clamoring for a cradle-to-grave welfare state. Many, quite unfortunately, think Ayn Rand was a prophetic genius.

As far as Gary Johnson, the current LP nominee and former governor of New Mexico, he's in the more moderate wing of the party. The hardcore libertarians are the ones who sleep with a copy of Atlas Shrugged under their pillows and have fundamental problems with the whole idea of government. Johnson isn't in that camp. However, this doesn't necessarily make him a suitable alternative to Sanders. They do, in fact, agree on some issues: they're pro-choice, anti-bank bailout, pro gay rights, pro drug legalization. But the similarities are shallow, and the differences profound. Here are some of the most dramatic differences between the two:

• Doesn't support requiring insurers to provide birth control
• Subscribes to the usual conservative obsession with the national debt.
• Wants to eliminate the federal reserve, and presumably go back to the gold standard.
• Wants to eliminate nearly all corporate taxes.
• Supports the private prison industry.
• Plans to eliminate student loans for higher education.
• Supports abolishing the department of Housing and Urban Development, as well as he dept. of Education.
• Against strict environmental regulation -- favors "voluntary partnerships."
• Strongly pro free trade.
• Believes in unlimited campaign contributions from corporations, as long as there's disclosure.
• Supports few, if any, restrictions on gun ownership.
• Against both Obamacare and single-payer healthcare.
• Does not support raising the minimum wage, or the idea in general.
• Supports privatizing Social Security.
• Favors a flat tax rather than income tax. 

Many of these differences are central points in Sanders program. His positions on campaign contributions, healthcare and the environment are especially disturbing. If you're a Sanders supporter, don't be blinded by anti-establishment furor. The fact that Johnson isn't an "establishment" politician doesn't mean that his beliefs are similar to yours. The ideal candidate is somebody who's anti-political-establishment AND anti-corporate-establishment. Johnson fails on the second count. If you're bound and determined to find a third party candidate, I recommend Jill Stein of the Green party. However, if you plan not to vote for Clinton, I hope you'll keep a close watch on the polls in your state, and do what is necessary to stop Donald Trump. Electing Clinton would ensure four more years of oppressive plutocratic dominance. We've made it this long, we can make it another four years. Electing Trump could have much more catastrophic consequences for our democracy, free press, security, and economy. 

Sources:
www.politics1.com

www.ontheissues.org