Democrats Campaign for Libertarian Votes

In reading the blog for the Cato Institute this morning, Markos Moulitsas (better know by his blog nom de guerre of the Daily Kos) is imploring Libertarian voters to back a party which has a larger tent than the Republicans, namely the Democrats. In discussing his version of the 'lesser of two evils' theories, he writes:

"Isn't that the story of modern-day politics? Isn't that the dilemma most voters face, having to choose between the lesser of two evils? Everyone is looking to be inspired. More often than not, we have to abandon that wish and choose the candidate that least offends, or the person we think will cause the least amount of damage."

Mr. Moulitsas sounds like Democrats have sounded for generations, pandering to groups, offering them hope, only to have those hopes dashed. This is just recylced rhetoric to get the roughly 4% of national Libertarian voters to swing their respective elections. In doing so, however, he neglects to understand the Libertarian mindset as I see it. Libertarians don't vote for their particular candidates because it is the 'lesser of two evils.' A Libertarian rejects that concept outright. In fact, the reason Libertarians vote as they do is because they are the "party of principle." People with principles such as those espoused by Libertarians don't vote for the lesser of two evils. They vote with their principles. And if there isn't a mainstream candidate who espouses their principles, they vote for someone who does.

Libertarians nationwide, "don't believe the hype," as Chuck D once said. Don't get suckered into voting for someone who cares more about power than about principles. Otherwise, you will grudgingly further this two party system that has stymied our liberties on both ends of our spectrum, social to economic.