My absentee ballot finally arrived in the mail here in Iraq. After much internal debate (because I know I'm a Conservative but still aren't 100% sure I'm a Libertarian) I made my choice for President. At first, I was willing to compromise with McCain, because he seemed like he may stop the move towards socialism started by Bush while Obama on the other hand is sprinting toward Karl Marx at a rapid pace. But when McCain voted in support of the Wall Street Welfare that was the bailout bill, he effectively lost my vote and the Republican Party lost a member, as I have since registered as an Independent.

I voted for Bob Barr and donated $50 to his campaign. I just can't believe a party that once had such incredible men like Barry Goldwater could be reduced to what they are today and I want no further part in it. It may not be saving the world, but at least I can sleep knowing I did what I felt was right.

Nice Letter!!

@ marinejcksn, first off, thanks for your service! Please make sure to visit with the Dauphin County LP when you come home! Here's an article on McCain-Feingold:

 http://www.reason.com/news/show/34697.html

 

I had hopes that McCain would move the GOP "left" on social issues.  In 2000, he was very combative with the religious right and I don't think him courting them during the primary was anything but political necessity.   You don't go from calling them "agents of intolerance" to being best buds, unless it's politics and only politics .  In addition,  I was hoping that McCain's tendencies for big government in economic issues wouldn't come up; but they did and they did with a vengeance. 

I read his book, and genuinely like the man.  That may not win me any libertarian friends, but his family history and personal story is compelling to me.   I cannot cast my vote for him, though I think guys like McCain, his flaws included, are good to have around in this country.   Selecting Palin (who I consider to be simply not-ready) and his bailout support sealed the deal for me.  There is no chance for the GOP to swing "left" socially and become fiscally responsible again.  The latter of which, would have held me regardless of the former.  I can't cast my vote for big govt lite anymore...

I respect McCain though, I just think he's easily influenced by the people surrounding him on pretty much everything but foreign policy.  I can't help but think how much better off we would be had McCain won in 2000', instead of Bush.  9/11 was tailor-made for McCain's background.  I suspect the Iraq war would be long over in such a scenario, even though it was the wrong move to go, I think he would have had the sense to make the necessary adjustments, get it won and get our guys home.  I don't know.  I wish he would have opposed the bailout.  That probably would have been enough for me, at the end of the day.  It would have at least left me with some hope.

The solution to the massive influence of moneyed interest groups in DC is not to limit the liberties of individuals or groups who have money.  The solution is to dramatically reduce the power of the Federal Government, so that the benefit of pouring money into DC is no longer worth it.

If the government did not have an income tax, or if it had a flat tax with absolutely NO deductions or loopholes of any kind, it would be a waste of money for rich people to buy influence in DC to write the tax code in their favor.

If the government did not meddle in the market or the economy in any way, then Wall Street would have no reason to pour their money into DC to influence the way those regulations are written -- there wouldn't be any to write.

The same goes for regulatory departments.  If these did not exist, then business and labor would have no motive to pour their money into the coffers of politicians.