I attended my first Libertarian Party meeting today.

This afternoon, I attended my first Libertarian Party meeting. It was the Libertarian Party of Northern Virginia Board of Director's meeting (and was open to the public). With Ron Paul's recent popularity, my Dinner with Rand Paul (he thoroughly impressed me as "what's next"), the Tea Party's love affair with Libertarians over a mutual love of a small, Constitutional Government (and little else), and more and more folks coming out Libertarian, Libertarian leaning, or Independent Voters who share my philosophy I thought now would be a good time to see what's going on.

I wasn't the only Libertarian who was looking for information. There were probably a half a dozen guests. The Board of Directors were competent, committed and enthusiastic. This wasn't a meeting to discuss philosophy, it was all business. They were planning a number of fund raisers and preparing for the 41st District Nominating Convention scheduled for Saturday, August 13, 2011. The group was committed to Libertarian Candidates.

As I sat there, I realized that I Was not. I have prided myself as being an independent voter for quite a few years. I mentioned this and was "lectured" a bit on the reason I should vote exclusively for Libertarian candidates. I'm guessing every political party gives a similar lecture. My response was that I do the "political calculus" every time I vote to select the candidate who "offends me least" (since neither the left nor the right can fully fulfill my expectations). I usually don't vote Libertarian because that may cause my "compromise candidate" to loose (since my compromise candidate is usually Conservative and those are the votes that a Libertarian usually takeS).

On the ride home, I realized that I am a Libertarian philosophically; however, I will never actually join any organized political party (including the Libertarian Party). I'm comfortable with that. I've met a few honorable men with whom I may disagree on the issues who get my vote. I value honor and integrity above all else. Notice the use of the word "few". The rest are compromises.

That being said, I'm watching Ron Paul with interest. Just as we never expected to see an African American Street Organizer in the white house, Ron Paul always looked like a stretch. Now... not so much. I think he has a chance. He'll get my money and, if nominated (or if he runs as an Independent), my vote.

I have been active with the Cato Institute for years and support the Students for Liberty. These folks remain out of the political fray focusing on education and information. Cato will remain my philosophical home.

I do have one major regret: These guys really know how to party. A couple of events were discussed that I will sorely miss attending... such is the price of my choice.