A little perspective I am a small “L” libertarian who has voted democratic in every presidential election since 1984. (To be more precise I have vote against Republicans in every election since 1984.) I have strongly supported Obama since last Fall and have regularly posted here. I realize, however, that as a libertarian I am a bit in the minority here and wanted to point out why I, and I believe other libertarians do and should vote for Obama, and as second issue maybe start a discussion with some of my progressive fellow Kossacks.
Two more points before I state my case for Obama. One, the reason that prompted me to write this diary is I notice a distinct prejudice against ‘individualism’ in many diaries and posts on Daily Kos. I don’t think it is coming from any bad place or ill will, but just carelessness – indeed carelessness of the type that is often capitalized on by republicans. As an example of this I cite a poll on one diary which asked “which ‘conservative value is most destructive,” and listed “Individualized values of: freedom, liberty and responsibility,” as one of the possible choices. Let me very clear, I do not believe that the diarist meant any disrespect but as a strong believer in individual freedom, I was still taken aback. Respect for freedom, liberty and responsibility is not a destructive value.
Secondly, I think it appropriate to set forth what I mean by small “L” libertarianism. As a libertarian I do prioritize the rights of the individual and generally do believe in minimal governmental involvement. But unlike some of my fellow Libertarians in the party, I do not take an absolutist view of these rights. I consider them “fundamental,” but like all fundamental rights, I believe there is room for governmental regulation when there is a ‘compelling governmental interest’ to do so. Thus while I respect the individual right to use his/her property as he/she sees fit, I also understand that individual action can affect others in such a way that regulation is necessary. For example, I believe that the scientific evidence on global climate change is so clear – that an individual’s freedom to use fossil fuels must be curtailed to prevent harm to others. Okay enough of that; let me get to the libertarian case for Obama.
Reason One: The Fallacy that the Republicans support Individualism:
At least since Reagan, the republicans have promoted a myth that they stand for American Indivualism and that somehow the democrats are just short of socialist collectivists. This is, to be frank, bullshit. While I will not say that the Democrats have been perfect champions of the individual, they have been far more consistent in protecting individual rights than have the republicans and even when they step over the line, they have generally been at least apologetic when doing so. On the other hand, the right, since Reagan, has not promoted ‘individualism’ as a goal – it has used the phraseology of individualism to promote a conservative version of “collectivism.’ Constantly we hear from the right chants arguing the right of the ‘moral majority,’ the silent majority,’ the traditional values crowd that the individual must give way to ‘the good of society.’ I point you to the entire social agenda of the religious right as examples (abortion, gay marriage, stem cell research, Terri Schiavo, prayer in school etc.) Each of these arguments are, as Rick Santorum points out – arguments of the collective society against claims of individualism. The right clothes itself in claims of ‘individualism’ only to serve as cover for their assault on the individual. Therefore, even if it is the choice of the lesser evil, all libertarians should vote Democratic.
Reason Two: Obama stands for respect for Constitutional Government.
Obama has consistently stood up against the ever-expanding grab of power by the Executive vis-à-vis the Congress. Unlike, McCain (and I would add Hillary Clinton) Obama has never supported the claims of broad presidential power. He voted against Roberts – in part because of this. He voted against the declaration of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist group (which was essentially a blank check to Bush). In short he has the best record of supporting a strong role for Congress and a limited role to the Executive.
Reason Three: Obama has stood up for Individual Rights
As a libertarian blog stated:
On the most pressing issues of the day, executive power and civil liberties during times of war, Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) is by far the most palatable. For starters, he's clearly on record against the Bush administration's illegal wartime power grab—what the University of Chicago's Richard Epstein has called "executive power on steroids." Obama has said repeatedly that he'll close Guantanamo, restore habeas corpus to American-born enemy combatants, and end "the practices of shipping away prisoners in the dead of night to be tortured in far-off countries." He thinks the detention of American citizens without trial is illegal and is opposed to both warrantless wiretapping and the use of presidential signing statements to bypass federal law. Any judge sharing most or all of these views would be a welcome addition to the current Supreme Court.
Additionally, demonstrating his respect for individual rights, Obama while in the Illinois Senate, spearheaded a law requiring that police interrogations be videotaped to ensure against coercive police practices.
Reason Four: Obama places Diplomacy at its heart.
Unlike McCain, Obama recognizes that U.S. foreign policy must not intervene in the affairs of foreign states unless it is absolutely necessary and all other avenues have been exhausted. In order to achieve a viable a successful role in the world of nations, the US must be willing to negotiate with those who oppose us; build friendships and generally behave as a responsible world citizen respecting the rights of other nations. Can anyone honestly claim that McCain has any intention to reverse the neo-con domination of US foreign policy? Clearly, Obama is the only choice.
Reason Five: Obama supports reasonable immigration reform and does not demonize immigrants.
Other than Richardson, Obama is the only major candidate to support driver’s licenses for undocumented immigrants. He has consistently refused to demonize those who come to this country for a better life. His support for a comprehensive solution to the immigration issue is now, after McCain’s flip-flops, the only reasonable voice left.
So I hope that this gives something to think about.