I can’t believe I even need to defend my membership to the Libertarian Party, but due to recent events and some media outlets who do not know how to do their homework, I feel I must.
First off, what happened in Virginia last weekend was a domestic terrorist attack by a racist white nationalist which left one dead and many injured. Make no mistake, I have nothing but disdain for ALL FORMS of racism and fascism. There is no place in the modern world for that type of behavior and something my ancestors had to deal with on a daily basis.
That said, I’m also a libertarian and as such, I believe EVERYONE has the right to free speech, even white nationalist turds. What I don’t believe in is violence, and neither does any true libertarian.
I was asked today if I held the same beliefs as that “nazi skinhead” on TV. I won’t mention his name but if you research a bit, you’ll figure it out. Look, anyone can claim to be a libertarian but trust me when I say, no true libertarian was in Virginia with tiki torches or committing acts of violence.
In order to join the Libertarian Party at either the national or local level, you must agree to the following statement:
I hereby certify that I do not believe in or advocate the initiation of force as a means of achieving political or social goals.
These white nationalist, alt right types have proven to the world that they don’t mind initiating force in order to gain political or social goals. Some may claim to be libertarian, but they are not.
So no, I’m not a racist and too assume so is asinine. Libertarians, in the simplest possible terms, are socially LIBERAL and fiscally CONSERVATIVE. We are neither left nor right, we are in the gray area where most of America falls. I’m also a huge ANTI WAR advocate in general.
I will admit, it has long been my desire to see more first people involved in the Libertarian Party because I truly believe our policies would benefit our people more than anything offered by the Democrats & especially, the Republicans. We want the government out of your bedroom and wallet. We are for open borders and free trade. We believe this country would benefit from a government which is as small as possible. We are not racists. We will protect free speech but once you cross the line into committing violence, that’s where your rights as a human being ends.
I have joined libertarians from across the country in signing the Liberty Against Fascism letter & I would encourage any liberty loving citizen to do the same. If you would like to learn more about the Libertarian Party, please visit www.LP.org.
Jason Gatties 