More on Bob Barr and the LP Bob Barr is now my representative on the Libertarian National Committee. I think that the way that Barr was appointed stinks, and that there are serious issues raised by Barr's continuing apparent pro-drug-war stance and questions to be asked about his foreign policy position. However, naturally I am delighted at the prospect of a new member in the Party. However, I am concerned that someone with little understanding of the LP could walk right into a leadership position in the Party. I feel that a lack of institutional background could be more of a minus than a plus for the Party. A friend (and Barr supporter, incidentally) put it well at the WakeLP meeting last night - he described Barr as needing work in speaking to Libertarians. I think that should be a paramount consideration for a representative.

Ideally, I would like to see Barr and other higher-profile defectors from the D/R Party used in such a way that their expertise and other resources are available to the Party, and that the Party is there to help them become more than disgruntled D/Rs, to become in fact active Libertarians. So I was very pleased to see a similar - and better-developed - thought in the comments section of an article on Barr at LFA. Michael Gilson (aka Michael Gilson-De Lemos, aka MG), who served as SE region rep on the LNC from 02-06 (Barr's position now), had a great suggestion for bringing folks like Barr into the LP in a manner best suited to both their own personal development and that of the Party. MG wrote:

Re: Barr–I did my part in bringing him into the movement. Without offering an opinion on Bob’s qualifications, I have long advocated creation of an advisory board of eminent persons to shuttle these ’stars’ so that…

a)They’re not disheartened by criticism or being expected to understand organizational detail, and members are not outraged by placement of people who have at best a general understanding of LP culture and Libertarian ideology in key positions; and

b) They and our fundraisers can use their strength–publicity and goodwill–to best effect.

The Democratic party loves Barbara Streisand. But they are unlikely to appoint her to an executive board or a platform committee.They do appoint her to other goodwill boards.

By all means we should develop and appoint 100% Libertarians conversant with ideology, practice and organization to the most key positions whereever available. The result of not doing so are ‘leaders’ with limited understanding who therefore de-educate members while proudly re-inventing the flat tire.

Libertarianism is a body of knowledge, like medicine, to preserve human rights, rebuild bonds through the pledge, and replace coercive government management with the voluntary approach. Anything less is a path to statism, gangsterism. There are plentry of parties advocating less–we should not join them. There is theory and practice. It takes time to acquire.

Labels: LP

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