Some thoughts on new libertarian Democrat.
August 7, 2006
Changing Parties: It's not always a bad thing when officials change parties.
Clean Coal: Those who oppose replacing old plants are just blocking environmental progress.
Confidentiality: My safe guards against revealing political secrets on NYC.
Conservatism: A look at real conservatives.
Democrats and Taxes: Overcoming the weakness Democrats have on the issue of taxation
District Attorneys as Agents of Political Change: District Attorneys have an important role beyond just enforcing the law.
Global Warming: Global warming is a real problem needing real solutions.
Healthcare is Responsibility, Not a Right: Government has a moral responsibility for it's people, but it's not a natural right.
Liberal Cowboy: Why one liberal is proud to wear his cowboy hat.
Liberalism v. Conservatism: Neither ideology is desirable in it's pure form.
Libertarianism: A pratical look at libertarianism.
Non-Partisan as Liberal: Many organizations claim to be without partisan affiliation, but are they really?
Progressives: An Uneasy Relationship: Progressives need to do more to change insitutions and not individuals.
Radicalism: What does it mean to be a radical?
Ron Paul's Revolution: His libertarian ideas deserve consideration, as does the commitment of his supporters.
Self-Enrichment in Government: Just because people benefit from a policy doesn't mean they're corrupt.
Shovel the Cow Dung: Sometimes you just have to get a little dung on your shoes to be succesful.
What is a Watt?: People don't often under the cost of energy.
Why Ideology Based Parties are Bad for America: A short essay discussing the pitfalls of ideology and politics.
We live in a conservative country where people tend to support the status quo over bold social change, at least those changes they believe work against him. There are ways that we can balance people's desires to stay the same and not be unduly interfered by big government policies. We are the richest country in the history of mankind, and we can do what is right if we choose to do that.
I propose a follow up to Daily Ko's idea of the Libertarian Democrat with one that:
We need to be absolutely clear that we pursue fairness and not unduly single out specific individuals to the target of our abuse. There are many ways we can obtain those goals. Let's investigate some of the possibilities.
The War Mongers. We can go after big corporations and government that pursue unnecessary war that dries up resources that could be used to better the lives of all Americans. We can peaceful dissent but also be Proud Americans who love our country and all the good that it stands for today.
Big Polluters. It's time to go after the big businesses and power plants that excessively pollute our environment while simplifying and repealing regulations on individuals. It makes sense to ensure that massive power plants are complying with the clean air act law, but it's silly to go after people for burning trash or methane releases from hundred cow dairies.
Protect and Access the Environment. ATVs don't destroy the forest, but unplanned suburban develop certainly does. There is a major difference between the damage a new housing development makes versus some ruts in the woods.
Build Safer Cars and Better Pickup Trucks. It's possible to make cars and trucks safer without making them less enjoyable. Let's make our next generation pickups get better gas millage, while improving off-road capacity and usability.
Those are just a few examples. When we are truthful to ourselves, and authentic to who we are as individuals we can do great things. We should spend as much time outdoors, try to learn as much as possible, and try to learn what it's like to farm or a drive semi truck for a living. It's possible to be a cowboy and an environmentalist at the same time. Be one hell of a tough pinko bastard.
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