I know pragmatism is anathema to libertarianism; but I am unwilling to allow my ideals to prevent me from influencing and making common cause with conservatives, in our existential battle with the Marxists and Jihadists, who wish to enslave me. E.g. I think drugs should be legal for many very good reasons; but I suppose that since I don’t use them, and understand the irrational fear conservatives have for their potential pernicious effect on their children, I am more than willing to postpone that issue for a later time.

This permits me to propagate ideas about Liberty, in minds that otherwise slam shut at the mention of the Libertarian Party or its candidates. Perhaps incorrectly, but nonetheless effectively in discourse with conservatives, I equate small (L) libertarians with most of our Founding Fathers. This resonates with them, and over the last few years I have perceived a remarkable acceptance of libertarian thinking by conservatives becoming Constitutionalists.

To me, that is a huge step in the right direction, which the Libertarian Party itself does not seem to deserve much credit. I have long said that if the drug issue is removed from the table, I can make a libertarian out of most conservatives in five minutes of conversation. Anecdotal evidence has confirmed that proposition to my satisfaction in the past few years. ◄Dave►