mushinnoshin

Interesting email just in from the Restoration Caucus, penned by Libertarian Party founder David Nolan:

Is Richard Viguerie Trying To Buy The Libertarian Party?

Recent developments in the weeks leading up to the Libertarian national convention (May 22-26) show a disturbing pattern. While none of them is sinister by itself, they all add up to a strong indication that “outside” forces are in the process of trying to take over the LP and turn it into an arm of the conservative movement.

First, the convention organizers were told that they MUST have former Congressman Bob Barr of Georgia as the convention’s keynote speaker. When Barr became a Presidential candidate, they were then told that his replacement would be fund-raiser Richard Viguerie, a conservative Republican and strong Barr supporter. This choice was imposed on BetteRose Ryan, the convention manager, against her will — even though dozens of LIBERTARIAN speakers were available and eager to fill the keynote slot.

BetteRose was also told that she MUST invite Neal Boortz, another Barr supporter, to be the speaker at the Sunday Banquet. Boortz had to cancel because of knee surgery, but the pattern of placing Barr supporters in all of the prominent speaking spots has continued.

Yesterday it was announced that Mr. Viguerie has purchased the popular blog Third Party Watch (see http://tinyurl.com/6ryy6v), which until now has been a largely unmoderated site where proponents and opponents of all third party candidates express their views. This morning, longtime libertarian activist Tom Knapp attempted to post a message about a story in the Atlanta Journal Constitution which is highly critical of Bob Barr. Within minutes, his post was deleted! The AJC story can be read here.

Clearly, Barr and Viguerie are attempting to gain control of the LP so that Barr can campaign on a conservative/libertarian hybrid platform and Viguerie can extend his fundraising empire into the libertarian quadrant of the political universe. If they succeed, the Libertarian Party will become just one more mouthpiece for malcontent Republicans.

What can we, as Libertarians, do about this?

First we must unite behind one of the Presidential candidates who have signed the Restore ’04 petition. They are: Steve Kubby, George Phillies, Mary Ruwart and Christine Smith. As events unfold at the convention in Denver and it becomes evident which of these four enjoys the most support, we must quickly rally to support that candidate. Otherwise, the Viguerie/Barr juggernaut will steamroll its way to the nomination.

Second, we must unite behind one of the two National Chair candidates who support the Restoration effort: Ruth Bennett or Ernest Hancock. We should know after the first ballot who is the stronger candidate.

The 2008 convention is shaping up to be the most critical in the party’s history since 1983. Be there if you can!

And please forward this message to every Libertarian on your mailing list. Now.

– David F. Nolan