Letter from a Libertarian

The Massachusetts Special Election for U.S. Senate poses a dilemma for many Libertarians. Joseph L. Kennedy, the Libertarian candidate, is running a decent and honest campaign. If you’ve watched the debates, you’ve seen him speak out forcefully about the need to make government smaller. The Republican, Scott Brown, accepts the Libertarian position on some issues (Obamacare, taxes, gun rights, and financial regulation). But on others (same sex marriage, decriminalization of marijuana, and medical quarantine), his Big Government views have caused two prominent Massachusetts Libertarians to call him “a fake ally” who is “more dangerous than an open enemy”. Clearly, Joe Kennedy is the better candidate on issues of freedom vs. state control.

Unfortunately, according to the January 12 Rasmussen poll, only 3% of likely voters support Mr. Kennedy, while Sen. Brown is in a statistical dead heat with the “open enemy” Democrat Martha Coakley. Under those circumstances, a vote for Joe Kennedy really is, as Howie Carr says, a vote for Martha Coakley.

What’s a minarchist to do?

One of my friends, who asked to remain anonymous, has supported the Libertarian Party for as long as I’ve known him (and I’ve known him a quarter of a century!). The following is his answer to that question. This is an e-mail that he’s been circulating among his associates:

Subject: Support a Republican?

Hi, all.

You know that I am usually not one to support a Republican. But the special election for US Senate in Massachusetts next week is different. I think that the result will actually make a big difference in policy for the next year, and recent polls say that the race is too close to call. So this is a rare opportunity when individual efforts could actually make a big difference.

You probably know the issue I'm talking about, which is presented nicely here: http://nexusofpower.com/about.htm. In summary, with Democrats in control of the presidency, the House, and 60 votes in the Senate, the normal checks and balances are gone. There have been unprecedented increases in government spending and control of the economy in the last year (financial industry, auto industry, health care). Energy is next. If Republican Scott Brown wins this election the Republicans will get their 41st seat, allowing them to block legislation by filibuster, restoring some balance. I certainly don't agree with everything that Scott Brown has done in the state legislature, or that Republicans have done in congress, but by and large for the last year the Republicans have worked to limit the damage, and one more vote will allow them to do so much more successfully.

Scott Brown was at 47% in the most recent poll, so there is a real possibility he can win. His opponent has far more funds, so contributions make a difference.

I have contributed to Scott Brown's campaign (by credit card to make sure the money is received in time). I urge each of you to do the same. Donations can be made here: https://www.icontribute.us/scottbrown

Thanks.