The Libertarian Party was created 37 years ago in opposition to constantly growing power of the federal government under both major parties. When I first became aware of this group, they and adopted as their platform the Bill of Rights, the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution. These amendments were added to the Constitution soon after it was adopted to set specific limits on the power of federal government. It is the opinion of the Libertarians, along with numerous other organizations as well as myself that these limits have been routinely ignored. The federal government is now extended far beyond those limits.
The Libertarians have, in recent years, been overtaken by a radical group who devoted their entire effort to promoting the legalization of gay marriage, prostitution and so called recreational drugs. By allowing themselves to be directed to these narrow, unpopular positions, they have greatly limited their potential.
So far the Libertarians have failed to win any major elections. Their most prominent office holder, Ron Paul, only found success by returning to Republican ranks. They have had some success in local elections winning occasional city council and school board seats.
The fact that their past nominees for president have been little known individuals with no experience in national politics has not helped. Their best showing in presidential elections was in 1980, when Ed Clark ran for president and won 921,299 votes just over 1 percent of the total. He was best known for his anti-war positions.
Bob Barr served four terms in the U.S. Congress as a Republican from Georgia. He joined the Libertarians two years ago after objecting to the failure of the Republicans to control government spending. He is best known for leading the effort to impeach former President Bill Clinton.
Wayne Allyn Root, a sports handicapper, motivational speaker, author and TV producer was chosen for vice president. He told the Libertarian convention that his goal is to learn from the master, Bob Barr, in preparation for his own presidential bid in 2012.
While I see no chance for Barr to win the presidency, he can very well make an impact on the process by gaining enough votes to move the Libertarians into a more prominent position.
A strong showing by Barr will force the major parties to take note of the desire of many Americans to see the federal government greatly reduced and political power returned to the states and to the people where the Bill of Rights places it.
Barr has an opening in the South to actually win a few states, especially his home state of Georgia. The deep South holds very conservative political beliefs, and the expected Republican nominee, John McCain has proven to be too “moderate” for their taste.
Barr might do well here. If so, he will do the nation a great favor by forcing the eventual winners to consider limiting the growth of federal power. That would be a good thing.
Frank Gillispie is founder of The Madison County Journal. His e-mail address is frankgillispie671@msn.com. His website can be accessed at http://frankgillispie.tripod.com/
