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Model Libertarians
The following is another essay written by California LP member Bruce Cohen, who is currently campaigning for the US House of Representatives, 48th District (Laguna Beach, Irvine, Newport Beach, etc.). You can visit his site, GetBruce.com, for details on his issue positions, donation information, and other related topics. Though none of us here at LAN are within the 48th Congressional District, we extend our support to this competent and viable candidate and wish him luck in the upcoming elections. Now, without further Adieu, the Libertarian Action Network is proud to present...Cheaters Never Prosper
Libertarians play by the rules.We love the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. We believe in the rule of law, level playing fields, and equal treatment. We are bound by an unwritten code of ethics, to tell the truth, to play and fight fair. We believe in personal responsibility and voluntary goodwill.
Even the 'Non-Initiation of Force' Pledge, was written to underline our commitment to working within the system, not 'cheating' by using violence or coercion to achieve political or social goals. The NAF Plege derives intellectually from Ayn Rand's Objectivist thinking first. Then it was Nolan's 'inoculation' against a fearful federal government.
We must operate ethically above reproach. As Libertarians, we must not lie, cheat or steal. I'm not talking about differences of opinion, definitions, policy, strategy, tactics or discussion.
What I am talking about is that when our political allies, opponents or the general public considers what we say, agree or disagree, it should be as the truth. Our veracity as individuals and as a movement, should above all else, be beyond reproach. Certainly in life, the adage of 'Cheaters never prosper' is a truism. So also it goes in politics.
Libertarians live or die based on public perception. Are we to be a respectable bunch, with a new and refreshing approach to politics? Are we to be perceived as the nice folks next door with interesting and worthwhile approaches and solutions to problems? Or are we to continue on being considered a strange clan of misfits without manners or real world ideas or methods?
If we engage in dishonest methods of politics, the public will notice. So will our opponents, and even our own base. So, not only morally, principally and ethically we should not lie, cheat or steal, but also practically. When one of us acts in such a manner, it damages the image of the movement, and pushes the day of our success that much further away. With that in mind, I'd like you to consider an action item a Southern California Libertarian recently asked us all to participate in.
It was regarding a worthwhile cause, certainly. I would support it too if I lived in the community it is relevant to, Huntington Beach. It's a step towards privatizing a local utility, allowing production of water by desalinization. Privately funded and run, it's a great idea!
What's the problem? A local Libertarian activist implores us to e-mail the Huntington Beach City Council, but to give them the impression we're from Huntington. This is stooping to the level of our (sometimes) dishonest opponents and should not be done. Please, if you wish to support the project, include your address and phone number. ('Don't worry, they never check' is just not good enough, getting caught is not the issue here.) Frankly, I've already been contacted by Huntington City Staff to discuss what is going on. I assured them it was not anything official, but rather one over-enthusiastic local Libertarian. Who, in his enthusiasm overstepped his moral bounds, not out of malice, but out of his, well... enthusiasm.
Remember, this is the exact kind of thing that's been our downfall, since the inception of the LP. People who believe the ends always justify the means. In the past, we have lost many members from unethical and dishonest behavior. Folks see this and leave the movement. I'm not talking about differences of opinions or mistakes at all. I'm suggesting that teamwork, dependability, kindness and friendly deportment towards each other, the public and our opponents is mandatory to our success.
The only way for us to grow is to be inclusive and professional. That along with the respect of the press and public. Then and only then can we recruit and grow. No matter how much better Libertarian ideas are, no one will listen until they respect us as individuals and as a group.
Written by Bruce Cohen
Libertarian Candidate for US Congress WWW.GetBruce.Com
1-866-OC-Bruce or 1-866-622-7823 (toll free)
Bruce@GetBruce.Com
If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions about this article, please e-mail me at firefox-spam@walala.org. We value your feedback, so please e-mail or visit the forums.