If anyone has seen the Saw franchise, they will unmistakably recognize the maniacal voice of Jigsaw when it came to his unwilling participants being thrown into a dog-eat-dog game. Now, this might be a very dark comparison when it comes to the film and politics, but when Republicans and Libertarians come into play, it might as well be a game. There is no savior on either side and better yet, there is no winning side to this game. We have seen how conservative candidates run in primaries at the national level and turn it into a disastrous smearing competition. Despite that, now that we have our contenders, who will want to play?
Well, I will start out by saying that the libertarians don’t want to play, and here is why.
With the establishment of the GOP here in Arizona, we have been a comfortable red state retaining our individual values and limited government as much as we can. Libertarians pride themselves of the idea that they protect the Constitution and individual liberties. They protect the oppressed and those persons whose rights have been violated whether it may have been the 1st, 2nd, or any other amendment. Most importantly of all, they embrace the Lockean philosophy of “as long it does not hurt me, you may do as you wish.” But with the increasing youth vote emerging more towards Democrats and Libertarians, it is even more important now than ever to focus on what is the GOP doing wrong than what it is doing right.
Libertarians have an exceptional grassroots activism division but they have a fatal flaw which stems all the way to the collegiate level. It is the all-in play mentality that will be their downfall just as it is of the GOP’s when it comes down to certain issues. This problem presents itself as to who Libertarians portray to be their leader of this movement; former Representative Ron Paul (R-TX) and Senator Rand Paul (R-KY). Libertarians come out proudly saying that they are anti-establishment and will proudly profess that they are the defender of classical liberalism (that they are not), but the argument for anti-establishment is a fragile one that does not make sense. I will boldly come out and say that Libertarians are just as much establishment players just as any other representative and senator in the United States.
Now, before all the Libertarians grab their pitchforks, let me say that while I truly appreciate that my right to my free speech and my right to bear arms are being fought for to the Nth degree by you, that does not exempt you from being the word that should not be said: establishment (oops). By placing yourself in these elected positions, you become establishment. You are not against the man or big brother; you are participating in the game that the political Jigsaw himself has created and you have to make a name for yourself in order to be a significant player in that game. Senator Paul’s filibuster was the most entertaining thing I have seen in a while, but this just proves my point. His action to filibuster wasn’t to explain that drone attacks on U.S. citizens on American soil is wrong, but to flex the Libertarian muscle and prove that he is a major player and eventually a perpetual runner for the White House. If this doesn’t scream establishment participation then I don’t know what does.
Now, you may still run for a position and still uphold the ideals and values that we closely hold dear and near when it comes to liberty and conservative values, but do not act as if you are the savior of this country because certain people know and embrace the word compromise. This childish play of dividing and taking the remains is what is going to make Libertarians and Republicans lose this beautiful state to the democrats. The division of Tea Party, Libertarians, and Republicans is what is hurting the nation overall because we have evolved backwards, where the act of compromise is just as bad as saying establishment (when will I ever learn?). While I do not have an answer to solve this “establishment clause,” I do agree with the Platonic view that some people are not meant to lead this country or hold any position of power. I have had enjoyable conversations with prominent leaders in the liberty movement that will contribute immensely to both sides of the liberty and GOP platforms, but the slaying of the hydra will only prove fruitless.
In the end, we all agree on the basic premise of 85% of the conservative platform (notice I wrote conservative, not GOP) include free markets, fiscal responsibility, first and second amendment rights, and limited government. So instead of being pittied against each other and fighting over who has the superior morals, the conservative movement needs to unite to stop this rapid change fueled by of false hopes. We must unite behind ideas, not fracture a party.