It's been an interesting year...

It's been a year since I dipped my toes into the world of political groups. I am a very private person preferring to take council from a small but eclectic group of friends and associates, most of whom are very different from myself. I brought a business principle into my private life: surround one's self with people who have different ideas if you are interested in learning new information instead of merely confirming that which you already know.

I'm a Libertarian. That translates into a fiscally conservative, socially tolerant, Constitution loving, small Government biased Independent voter. It also means that my life is one of compromise because "one size doesn't fit all" when it comes to political groups, parties or candidates. Most groups expect anyone who walks in the door to "drink the Kool Aid they are served". I prefer to sample whatever flavor is available (and really wish there were a Glenlivet Scotch party) depending on my inclination at the time. I also don't like to be told what to think, do or say. This "disqualifies" me from most of these groups.

So, this is the year I decided to "look around". What I found exploring these groups was that most people are interested in spending a lifetime confirming the cultural beliefs into which they were born and subsequently exposed. I translate this into insecurity in what one believes manifested by intolerance of others who believe differently. If you "bet your life" on a belief, you really don't want to be told that you are wrong. These groups are formed to confirm their heritage or political beliefs (which are often related), and this often translates into a birthright of hate.

I also found that folks who aren't interested in participating in this confirmation process are not generally welcome. These folks (actually, folks like me who question everything) pose a risk to the group. This "take away" has profound implications. You may trace the cause of pretty much every war or social conflict in human history to sides committed (right or wrong) to something that is generally an accident of birth or circumstance: one's most personal beliefs (Catholic, Muslim or Jew; Democrat or Republican; Libertarian, or whatever).

So, a year later, I've sampled all of the available beverages and find something I like in both. As is always the case, political candidates are a compromise for a Libertarian because we must pick the candidate who offends us least. The "good news" is that there are now Libertarian candidates getting national attention and winning elections. Even these candidates require compromise sometimes... but perhaps less compromise.

I have found that there is an element of liberal progressive revolution in the air that really scares me. I spent most of my military service watching the major socialist powers in the world (quibble as you wish with the definition of "socialist", I see the now failed USSR, the evolving PRC, Cuba, and Venezuela as potential "end state examples" for Socialism) and recognize the propaganda (and I claim subject matter expertise on the subject of propaganda). "Code words" for this group are "income redistribution" (brings the Guillotine to mind), "evil Corporations" (even though we "own" those "Evil Corporations"), and the latest, "Citizens United" (or a misunderstanding of the larger Constitutional issue - the First Amendment) to name a few. The good news is their rhetoric is much larger than their actual numbers. The bad news is that they have figured out how to make a very small movement look larger in life thanks to the internet.

My association with the left moved me from center to moderate right. I still distrust the Extreme Right (which to me is the mingling of Religious doctrine and public policy); however, that's a compromise that I may make to mitigate the left's message.

So, I've sampled all of the available beverages, found something I like in all of them, but plan to prefer Tea for the time being. Everything that I know and believe is based upon what I've learned to this moment. What I believe is more of a working theory (as is all human knowledge). I’ll meet with like minded people any time and any place to discuss pretty much any intellectual subject to evolve my view of the world (and perhaps contribute to your world view). My usual office is the Starbucks at the corner of the Prince William Parkway and Hoadly Road, Prince William County, VA... but I'm flexible.

Coffee... or tea... anyone?