Could we just… NOT?

Just… no.

There are many great mysteries in this world and many topics that deserve further discussion, consideration and research.  Conspiracy theories can fit into those categories.  However they are part of a rather paranoid niche and are not fit for public discussion unless you have hard evidence. Of course if you have proof, it’s no longer a theory, is it?

Why am I bringing this topic up?  Because this election, the Libertarian Party stands to have its best showing ever.  In order to make that happen, we need people to vote for the Libertarian candidates.  Now I realize, that not all libertarians (small ‘l’) agree with, are part of, or support the Libertarian Party (big ‘L’).  That’s fine.  I just respectfully ask that we not do harm to each others efforts (NAP for the win, ya?), as ultimately we are on the same side.  Toward that end, we need to be mindful of public appearances.  Libertarians, as a whole, would benefit their cause best by acting and appearing in a reasonable, respectable, logical and intelligent manner.  Please don’t be this imbecile!

With public relations in mind, let’s talk about our messaging. A few people with whom I am Facebook friends have been posting some material which I personally find inappropriate.  Of course they are free to post whatever they like, and I’d not have it any other way.  But remember public relations.  Conspiracy theories are not appropriate PR.  If we want to bring more individuals into the fold, we have to show them that our philosophy is reasonable and sane.  Posting about the Illuminati, Bohemian Grove, 9/11 Truthers, etc… just makes you look like a lunatic to the general public.  Do you want to feed the stereotype that libertarians are a bunch of pot-smoking nut cases?  Because that’s how you feed the stereotype that libertarians are a bunch of pot-smoking nut cases.

That’s not to say that conspiracy theories don’t deserve discussion and should be dismissed out of hand.  Only that if you’re going to discuss them, you should do so with similarly curious individuals, not with a prospective voter you met on the street.  Every non-libertarian you meet is a prospective future libertarian.  Don’t blow any chance of showing them the light by punching them in the face with some crazy-sounding conspiracy theory.  Focus on what matters.  Introduce them to the Non-aggression principle.  Introduce them to sound economic theory. Introduce them to Ron Paul, Henry Hazlett, Murray Rothbard, F.A. Hayek, and Ludwig von Mises.  Save your ranting about the Rockafellers and Rothschilds for another time, and another place.  And for the love of God, don’t even think about mentioning Alex Jones.

Most sincerely yours,

A pragmatic libertarian

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