Libertarian Party sees 25% gain in membership

Washington, D.C. - While Republicans and Democrats struggled with members abandoning the party in pursuit of political alternatives, the Libertarian Party saw an increase in membership of 25 percent for the year. "The numbers show what everybody has been saying--people are not happy with the two-party system and are ready for a change," says Libertarian Party Executive Director Shane Cory.

"The two-party system has failed the American public," says Cory, "and people are looking for a viable alternative in hopes of returning America to the right path. Our numbers are a clear indication of the failure of Republicans and Democrats."

From Dec. 2006 to Dec. of this year, the Libertarian Party saw an increase of 25 percent in membership. Major issues for new Libertarian members include disapproval of the war in Iraq and the use of torture in the so-called "War on Terror," excessive spending by the President and Congress, as well as rampant civil liberties violations.

"We're attracting members from both the Republican and Democratic Parties," says National Media Coordinator Andrew Davis. "People are tired of their old political parties, who care more for power than they do for freedom, and these people see the Libertarian Party as the most viable third party alternative. The 25 percent membership increase should serve as a example to the two major parties of what happens when you sacrifice your core values for political power."

The Libertarian Party has also attracted a sizable portion of new members who serve in active duty in the United States military. The LP's soldiers, sailors and airmen range in rank from junior enlisted personnel to Vice Admiral Michael Colley, USN, [Ret.], who now serves on the Libertarian National Committee.

"Military service men and women recognize the value in the Libertarian Party's non-interventionist foreign policy position," says Cory, a Marine Corps veteran. "Members of the Armed Forces, just like their civilian counterparts, feel betrayed by Republicans and Democrats, and are searching for an alternative."

There are approximately a quarter-million registered Libertarians in the United States, and the Libertarian Party boasts more than 105,000 members. To join the Libertarian Party, members simply have to sign a pledge that says the member does not believe in nor advocate "the initiation of force as a means of achieving political or social goals."

The Libertarian Party is America's third largest political party, founded in 1971 as an alternative to the two main political parties. You can find more information on the Libertarian Party by visiting Official Website of the Libertarian National Committee. The Libertarian Party proudly stands for smaller government, lower taxes and more freedom.

Official Website of the Libertarian National Committee




Finally!

IV. Foreign Affairs

American foreign policy should seek an America at peace with the world and the defense -- against attack from abroad -- of the lives, liberty, and property of the American people on American soil. Provision of such defense must respect the individual rights of people everywhere.

The principle of non-intervention should guide relationships between governments. The United States government should return to the historic libertarian tradition of avoiding entangling alliances, abstaining totally from foreign quarrels and imperialist adventures, and recognizing the right to unrestricted trade, travel, and immigration.
Official Website of the Libertarian National Committee

This is the major problem I have with that party. They're living in the past here. Besides that, they seem pretty solid. We DEFINATELY need a third choice that doesn't have the name Nader.

Have a good one!:s4:

I highly recommend listening to Free Talk Live if you are someone who is liberty oriented. I've made a few threads here based on what has been discussed on the show. Some topics may seem a bit extreme if your not a libertarian but will introduce people to new ways of thinking and approaching the ideas of liberty.

Link to the show can be found in my sig below.

It would be great to see a viable Libertarian party, atleast at the state level. A libertarian will still never be elected president in my life. But hopefully somewhere down the road this country will become a democracy and we'll actually be able to vote for who ever we want.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Psycho4Bud

IV. Foreign Affairs

American foreign policy should seek an America at peace with the world and the defense -- against attack from abroad -- of the lives, liberty, and property of the American people on American soil. Provision of such defense must respect the individual rights of people everywhere.

The principle of non-intervention should guide relationships between governments. The United States government should return to the historic libertarian tradition of avoiding entangling alliances, abstaining totally from foreign quarrels and imperialist adventures, and recognizing the right to unrestricted trade, travel, and immigration.
Official Website of the Libertarian National Committee

This is the major problem I have with that party. They're living in the past here. Besides that, they seem pretty solid. We DEFINATELY need a third choice that doesn't have the name Nader.

Have a good one!:s4:

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I consider myself a Libertarian/Independent and I agree ... the only issue I have is the idea that America should isolate itself from the world. We already saw where that got us. We need to have a voice and presence in the international community ... but I think we can be more open minded.

IMHO, The Libertarian Party maintains the integrity of our founding father's ideals better than any other party. Jefferson would be happy. :thumbsup:

(I actually voted for Harry Browne in 2000 to declare my liberation :D)

idk depends on how old you are but if you are just starting your life theres a chance since most of all the young people will vote that way.

Well, I don't agree with Libertarians 100%. But that's okay. You'll never find a party or politician who is EXACTLY in line with what you agree with.


However, the Libertarians are a lot closer to my political views than the other parties.

I like a good mixture. Maybe 75% libertarian and 25% republican. That way I can keep the good things from the republican party like: gun rights, low taxes, keeping our border CLOSED, anti-illegal immigration, economic ideas, no socialized medicine, and things like that. But I can cut out all the religious crap and all of the big government that seems to be growing bigger by the day.

But I can also have the good libertarian things like personal freedoms, small government, more state rights, getting tougher on real crimes, ending welfare for 90% of the other countries, complete freedom of speech, no FCC, cutting down government (I would say we could cut almost half of the government), backing our money with gold and silver, no welfare, completely free internet (It's a complete government free zone), more intense privacy rights, eliminating social security, letting parents choose which school their kids go to, and much more.