Stearns: A Libertarian Call for Civility

Guest post by J. Christopher Stearns, Virginia Campaign for Liberty, State Coordinator

A few days after the CPAC buzz has fizzled, I believe the libertarian movement departed the conference stronger – but not as strong as it could have been.

Libertarian hero Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX) was a star throughout the conference. His presence was the largest in volume, both in chatter and proportion – and it was obvious. However, much of the positive influence Paul could’ve had was diminished by various supporters who consistently jeered speakers throughout the conference – a conference other attendees who may not be as impassioned by libertarianism had also paid to attend.

Some booed Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) as he answered a serious question while participating on a panel regarding “voter trust” (Hatch supported the bank bailout). At times, it was loud enough to prevent him from speaking to the audience. Others took it upon themselves to heckle former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and Vice President Dick Cheney; some members of the audience went as far as shouting “war criminal.” Unfortunately, these outbursts overshadowed a silent walkout by many supporters that could have sent a much more powerful, positive statement.

While I’m not a fan of the Bush-era policies, the past conduct of Rumsfeld or Cheney, or the voting record of Hatch, but this has gone a bit too far.

Over the years, Ron Paul’s political philosophy has been dismissed and his message has been marginalized by Democratic and Republican Party leadership. As his support base has grown, his advocates have become increasingly frustrated with the consistent rejection of the libertarian ideology. As a libertarian and staunch supporter of Paul, I personally have experienced being dismissed by the party “establishment”. Regardless of my annoyances though, I do my best to hold my tongue and maintain civility with my political colleagues.

The fact that we libertarians dissent on issues with neoconservatives shouldn’t merit the disrespect we witnessed at CPAC. The jeers were counter-productive and made Paul’s presence less significant than it could have been.

Strangely enough, I believe there is a connection between political etiquette and libertarian philosophy.

We libertarians promote a noninterventionist foreign policy and are unwavering in our defense of individual freedoms. All of us believe in the concept of promoting liberty by example and neither forcing our ideals through the barrel of a gun nor the rule of an iron fist. Heckling is not respectful and not a libertarian way to protest competing ideologies.

Paul sent out a special e-mail to all of his supporters who purchased tickets to CPAC through his advocacy group, Campaign for Liberty, prior to the event:

“I wanted to take a minute to send this note of thanks to you for investing your time and resources to help make our showing at the Conference the best possible.

“I also wanted to convey a personal request to you as you get ready for CPAC. I ask that you please remain respectful of all speakers and presenters as you attend the numerous events throughout the weekend. Though you may have opposing views with some, it is vital we act in a professional manner which builds up our movement.

“C4L has been welcomed by CPAC as a sponsor and looks to build upon the success we had last year. I believe how we conduct ourselves at this Conference will help set the tone for how the liberty movement is viewed going forward.

“It is precisely because I know you are a dedicated activist that I am asking for your help with this. We must remember that we serve as a continual example of the liberty message.”

It is apparent that some didn’t get the message.

It is incumbent upon libertarians to exhibit humble behavior with our political adversaries – even amidst the arguments between neo-conservatives, progressives, statists and the like. We should treat others with respect, regardless of how they may treat us.

The recent rise of the libertarian movement will continue to pervade throughout the political establishment if we can respectfully and effectively communicate our message with the electorate. As the good doctor famously says, “Freedom is popular.”

A little bit of civility can make an unconventional discussion go a long way.

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