Attention Closet Libertarians

[passthecorn]

Is there anyone here, despite their political leanings, that thinks in the back of their mind that perhaps the best our country has been in a long time was when Clinton was President and the Republicans controlled Congress?

They effectively neutralized each other, keeping the extremes from being passed. The DLC's corporate interest weren't the RNC's and vice-versa, so the corporate interests were not getting their legislation passed.

The effect being that not much was done, and rather than the government trying to "fix" everything with new legislation, they did a lot of nothing, and the economy and the country did pretty well.

I know that this post will stir a lot of passions, but please no flaming. I know all the curse words and how to use them, but I'd rather not see people using them at each other in anger over a political/philosophical discussion.

[Loyal]

1. They did a lot of stuff.

A lot of good legislation was passed and signed during the 1994-2000 Congress. I don't know why you believe nothing was. :shrug:

[passthecorn]

5. Broad generalization

I know that some good stuff was passed, but the Democrats in Congress ran against the Republicans as a "do nothing Congress," so the perception was there. There were a lot of vetos and a lot Clinton legislation that was DOA. All that was left was things that both Newt, Dole, et al and Clinton could agree on.

By your post, are you agreeing that the mixed bag was good for the country?

[chadm]

2. I don't know what that has to do with being Libertarian.

But to address your headline, I am first and foremost a Green, and secondarily a Libertarian. I believe in maximizing freedom (decentralized power) and at the same time being a caretaker. Both the Dems and Repubs are for centralized, authoritarian power.

[janekat]

7. What's going on with the Greens? Will they have a candidate and

if so who might it be? Haven't heard the latest....

[passthecorn]

9. Why libertarian?

The best government is one that does the least and leaves America alone, and stops trying to fix everything. Since we can't elect libertartians (yet anyway), the best we could do, theoretically, is to elect people who cancel each other out.

[Feanorcurufinwe]

3. Libertarian issues helped by Clinton and the Republican congress?

Can you name one?

[Character Assassin]

4. Did a lot of 'nothing' further prosecuting the WODs, as well

Tried the Communications Decency Act, then there was NAFTA, etc...

No, I don't believe that there has been a 'best' that our country's ever been.

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

6. no, the DLC and the RNC corporate interests were EXACTLY the same

The major corporations played both sides, and got whatever they wanted, while Democrats and Republicans argued over Clinton's penis. No thanks! I want Congress.

[janekat]

10. The Dems represent environmental groups, unions, teachers, etc.

Trial lawyers, (who represent the little people vs. corporations in many cases), The AMA. The Dems also advance (sometimes successfully) the position of the weaker members of society (the elderly, minorities, the poor, children). THESE are the main groups that the Dems get their money - (I'm sure I left out a few).

When the Reps tried to limit unemployment for the "little people" the Dems fought it, when the Reps tried to make it next to imposssible for people to declare bankruptcy the Dems fought for the little people vs. the credit card companies.

Who do the Republicans represent? Big Corporations, oil, polluters, automobile manufacturers (who don't WANT any mileage restrictions, safety regulations, pollution controls, defense contractors. Persoanlly, I like the groups better that the Dems represent.

Until there is EFFECTIVE campaign finance reform, I would rather see the side who is more likely to represent the "little people" be in power. I don't believe that it's possible for EVERY individual to be off on their own with no assistance from the government. Who will look after the elderly, mentally ill, etc.

[patdem]

8. If the Libertarians had taken and held power in the Middle Ages

would we still be throwing trash out the 2nd floor windows and having open sewage running down our streets???

Libertarians care NOTHING about the common good...only not out of my pocket...it will NOT be paid for out of MY pocket.

And Chernobyl...now there is a Libertarians DREAM COME TRUE...no controls just let it blow up...it's not MY problem...Not out of MY pocket you don't. Don't ja just lovem?

[Character Assassin]

11. It's wise to actually know what you're talking about before speaking...

Libertarians care NOTHING about the common good...only not out of my pocket...it will NOT be paid for out of MY pocket.

To give you the benefit of the (substantial) doubt, please support that statement.

And Chernobyl...now there is a Libertarians DREAM COME TRUE...no controls just let it blow up...it's not MY problem...Not out of MY pocket you don't. Don't ja just lovem?

That is a totally dishonest, and frankly, stupid, characterization of the situation.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

12. Absolutely not

Over 70 judges had their nominations blocked for no valid reason except Republicans could. Can you tell me that there was ANY good that came out of Monica gate?
Was the CONTRACT ON AMERICA a good thing? How about the PSLRA which Clinton vetoed and the Republicans overrode with a handful of Dem votes? You know...the law that made the ENRONS, GLOBAL CROSSIngs and Worldcoms possible ( Or do you know?)

How about trading away the electromagnetic field out from under the American public?

While I agree that we are actually safer when Washington DC is doing NOTHING rather than passing PSEUDO REFORMS I reject the logic of your statement and notice you have not posted one scintilla of proof in defense of your basic premise.

Pass the puke bucket. :puke: