The American Electorate is dissatisfied with the two major political parties. Recent polls suggest that a majority of Americans yearn for a viable third party that reflects their values and better serves their interests. With great fanfare, Ross Perot and his supporters established the Reform Party in California in eighteen days; they expect similar success in other States. But, where is the Libertarian Party? After all, the Libertarian platform espouses most of the tenets of the so-called "Republican Revolution," and the Libertarians were saying it first. The libertarian philosophy is gaining wider acceptance throughout America, especially in the West. The Libertarian Party, however, suffers from disorganization and parochialism. The Party has thus failed to assume its proper role as the real alternative to the Democrats and Republicans.
Libertarianism emphasizes individual freedom, small government, and low taxes. Libertarians stress personal responsibility, with minimal government intrusion on the individual's ability to succeed or fail. Established in 1971, the Libertarian Party has gradually swelled to a national registry of 120,000 citizens; 70,000 of these registered Libertarians live in California. The Party faithful comprise 12,000 dues-paying members, 2,000 of which reside in California. With their focus on the individual, however, Libertarians tend to distrust government and other social institutions. This philosophy impedes Party growth; it's difficult to build a political party with members who don't believe in political parties. Therefore, most Libertarian Party policy is shaped at the local level, with little coordination between County Chapters or oversight by State and National leaders.
This fragmentation is exacerbated by the split nature of American libertarianism. Few are sure whether libertarianism represents a political party or a philosophical movement. Most would say both, but many would argue that this duality undermines both the principles and the Party. Too often Party leaders support an ideal, and reject pragmatic positions that would appeal to more Americans. But should any political party, especially a minor party, demand the whole loaf or nothing?
Conversely, this Party loyalty toward ideals creates great confusion within the Electorate. Those Americans who might otherwise embrace libertarian philosophy often believe the Party stands for extreme political positions. While these voters hate taxes and deplore existing drug enforcement policies, for example, the Libertarian Party positions of closing the IRS and legalizing drugs seem to go too far. The strength of the libertarian message gets lost in the shuffle, and these prospective Libertarians miss the point. They never get past the initial shock of libertarian ideals to consider the underlying libertarian principles. This falsely translates as a political philosophy supporting tax evasion and drug abuse.
Will the Libertarian Party begin addressing these public misperceptions? Will the Libertarian Party prepare a new home for citizens disenchanted with the Republicans and Democrats? This debate has begun within the Party. We may learn more on July 4, 1996, when the Libertarian Party National Convention begins in Washington, D.C.
For information on the Libertarian Party, call the National Inquiry Line at (800) 682- 1776. California Libertarian Party information is available at (800) 637-1776.
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