There seems to be some angst in Colorado about the upcoming elections. I received a few emails today concerning the rift inside the Republican party. I parted direction with the Republicans back in 2005, although I still have many friends who are Republican activists, I’ve become an activist of my own political persuasion. I grew tired of hearing rhetoric from Republican politicians about the benefits of the free market economy, only to later learn that the same politician employed command and control economic strategies to solve a “crisis”.
I admit, I was tricked. It won’t happen again.
But, alas I still pay attention to the politics, albeit much less. I find Colorado to be in a very interesting political period. The state has become increasingly more socialist and invasive. I don’t believe that represents Colorado becoming more democratic and less republican. I think there has been a general movement towards increased levels of state involvement in the individual’s life and thus my life. I don’t like it.
In my younger and more naive years, I’d probably pick up a picket sign and go protest this interference into my life. If I did that today where would I turn? Could I go down to the Republican headquarters? No, actions of Colorado republicans over the last few years has left me skeptical of the rhetoric I hear. I accept the principles of limited government, low taxes and individual freedom. I once thought the Colorado Republican party represented these values but I no longer believe that.
So what about the libertarians? Well, I do like those guys. If you put me in a room full of these cats I could talk all night about the virtues of free-market capitalism. In the early hours of the morning I’m sure I’d be involved in an argument with someone regarding whether or not we should privatize the police force. That’s where I snap back to reality. Although most libertarians I know have a wealth of knowledge, and in philosophic terms, are probably correct. But most people will not spend all night debating minarchy vs. anarchy. Where I do agree with my libertarian friends, they have not been able to establish a coherent message that resonates with the general population and thus impact policy.
So what about the Democrats? I have actually dreamed about going to some Democrat conference and convincing them to accept a view of limited federal and state government, with local governments dealing with much of the service needs of their locality. Then, after convincing them of this decentralized governance concept, slowly persuading them to start shifting the local tax burden to the private market. But, this is where the dream turns into a nightmare. As soon as I mention the word private, someone yells “get’em” and I later wake up in a field, tar and feathered.
Ok, so then what? I figure I belong in the realm of individual activists. People who take up their own cause and those of their friends and family. As an individual you can fight the influx of tyranny into your own life. This requires only a computer and an internet connection. If you want to communicate your message even better, buy a DV cam. Progressivism requires the perception of a common good. It requires the use of “we” and “us” statements to break down the individuals decision making process. Americans generally root for the underdog and there isn’t a better under dog than that of one guy vs. a giant bureaucratic machine.
I believe that people can be informed more effectively though communications from one to another. I believe that the mass communication one individual can access using YouTube or blogs greatly enhances ones ability to stand up to progressive programs that violate individual liberty. Here’s an idea. The next time you go to the DMV, bring a video camera. If things don’t go well, post the video on youtube, that way other individuals who need to visit the DMV can plan for their visit. If the bureaucrat thinks that at any given time they could be held accountable to the general population, their perception will change. In the past, newspaper journalists and tv reporters wielded this power, today its you.
