The official blog of the Libertarian Party
June 16, 2005
Give us a Slogan for our Membership Drive!
You may have noticed on the home page of LP.org that we are looking to gain 5,000 members by July 31st. We've created an interesting "thermometer" to report on the progress but we're leaving it up to you to pick the catch phrase for the graphic.
Click over to our daily poll and vote. We've also added in a suggestion box on that page so that you can submit your own phrase.
Have fun!
Posted by Shane Cory at June 16, 2005 10:39 AM
Reader Comments:
"Government is the problem, not the solution."
I just officially joined you guys! I will be your first. I hope 4,999 follow me.
Libertarians: the after-party you've been looking for
"It's Time To Fix What's Wrong".
"A Return To Responsibility".
(Personal, Corporate, & Government)
"Safety And Liberty Work Together"
"Real Solutions, not Band Aids"
"Restoring The Real America"
"Giving You Your Life Back: The Libertarian Party"
"Restoring America's True Greatness"
Thanks, I got a million of em. Try the veal, I'll be here all week! :D
I voted for the best one out of the four, but I prefer Mr. VanDyke's suggestion, or maybe Carla Howell's "Small government is beautiful!" motto. Maybe we can't use that one, though.
Never mind, I guess something isn't working, and I CAN'T make an online vote. I've tried FireFox AND Internet Explorer, and get an error message when I hit the "vote" button. Anyway, I'd go with the "help us break the two-party system" option.
Libertarians: We put the Party in Politics
At what point will you say "No More!"?
It only feels kinky the first time.
Your Freedom, Your America
Libertarians: the after-party you've been looking for
I like that one:)
The Libertarian Party - The closest thing to a "NO" vote you'll ever get!
Libertarian = Freedom from Government
Libertarian - What Our Founding Fathers Intended
ps: "Government is the problem, not the solution." - Posted by: C. Al Currier
is also good.
Trident
Freedom from Government is not a dirty four letter word
Libertarians - We don't believe in Big Brother
Stop Hurting America - Fire a politician
Stop Hurting America - Fire a bureaucrat
Libertarians - The party for today and tomorrow
Libertarians - Less witch hunts, more progress
Libertarians - Because we are FREE to think!
my .02
the daily poll is and has been broken for a very long time. argh!
I go with the first one on the poll choices, the rest are quite lame.
Libertarian Party-It's not that we don't trust our government... we just trust ourselves more!
Prefer Limited Government and Personal Responsibility Over Government As Usual? Join the Libertarian Party Today!
I suggest "VOTE LIBERTARIAN: and win a free country!"
I like the "Legalize Freedom" slogan, personally.
Keep your money, vote libertarian
I bet those animals on the front page of the site would "blow up real good" (anyone remember this SCTV skit?)!
The pain reliever voters use most.
You're in good hands with the LP.
the National Libertarian Party- Not all of us smoke pot!
The LP. It does a voter good.
There's liberty in your future.
Let the LP put YOU in the driver's seat.
The L in Louisiana should stand for Libertarian.
Liberty has fallen, help it get up.
Everything you always wanted in a party, and more.
The Libertarian Party...
what part of "unalienable rights" dont you understand.
or
The Libertarian Party...
we remember what "unalienable" means
We get votes the old fashioned way. We earn them.
Obey your instinct. Vote Libertarian.
Government should be run like a government, not a buisness!
Liberty is a terrible thing to waste.
Vote the same old parties, get the same old results.
the revolution will not be televised (source unknown)
Punt, vote Libertarian.
You're not fully free until you vote for liberty.
how are these two working out for you ?
Here is my slogan. "We the Libertarian Party put your personal and Economic Freedoms First" the slogan would be a true statement because the Libertarian Party does.
The Libertarian Party : Real solutions for the real world
"Declare Your Independence!"
"Reclaim your Independence; Vote Libertarian"
"The Libertarian Party: Your Ticket To Freedom"
"Hop Onto the Freedom Train And Vote Libertarian"
"Arm yourself for change."
"some people are born with star spangled eyes they send ya down to war, we ask them how much should we give, and they only answer more, more , more. If your tired of giving more,more,more and recieving less.Vote Libertarian
We Can't IGNITE Freedom In America...With Only Hooves.
"Lighting the Fuse of Liberty"
(paraphrasing Badnarik's campaign) for the LPUS membership drive graphic (I tried to send this in via the Daily Poll but didn't get any response when I pressed the SEND button).
For the LP in general, I suggest "Less Government...More Sense" which was the result of a contest by LP Colorado for a bus bench ad campaign a couple of years ago. Graphics are available. Several bus bench ads were leased. I'm not sure but I think the author and artist assigned all rights to LP Colorado.
I already sent in my renewal last week. I wonder if LPUS will count it toward this membership drive.
"Cause welfare ain't well fair!" :-)
"Be Free - Join the LP"
"The LP want you, the Free and the Brave."
But a cathier one might be:
"Don't be a mindless, nipple-sucking slave" - this one has some real potential. :)
Libertarians: The taste of a new generation.
There are some really good suggestions here!
Don't just hope for a better life
Vote for one
Vote Libertarian
Heres one for liberals.
If it's society's resposibility, why are you letting the Government handle it instead? (We'll need a different one for conservatives) Sorry, I'm not all that good at making slogans.
I like:
Libertarians: the after-party you've been looking for
Its fresh and appealing to younger people. Shouldn't it read "Libertarian: The after-party..." ??
"Let's start living free, instead of just talking about it. Vote Libertarian."
"The Republicans and Democrats talk about freedom, we live it. Libertarians."
Don't steal, don't lie, don't work for government. Go libertarian.
Fight government people, join the libertarians.
Libertarians: Less than half the taxes of the other leading party.
Proud to be Uncle Sam's Least Favorite Nieces and Nephews. The Libertarians.
The LP; an oddest amalgalm between die-hard capitalists, and pot-smoking hippies.
Help turn big brother into little brother...
In a blind taste test, people share the Libertarians views more than any other leading party!
"Everything you want in a government,
and less"
Libertarians suck, and medicinal marijuana is gods goft to me!
Vote Libertarian.
Because America Deserves Better.
Libertarianism: Americanism At Its Best.
Better Than Left. Better Than Right. All The Way To Free.
(plagiarized from savings bonds ... show a picture of the Statue of Liberty, then the caption) Show Respect For An Old Lady. Join the Libertarian Party.
The Libertarian Party : The ONLY political party that is 100% Pro-Gun Rights!
If you love your country, but hate your government, join the Libertarians!
The Libertarian Party : The Real Defenders of Freedom!
Friends don't let friends vote for the wrong party. Vote Libertarian!
The Good (Lady Liberty), The Bad (the democrat donkey) and the Ugly (the republican elephant)
Slogans that represent the Libertarian Party (and offend right-wingers):
Don't steal. The government hates competition.
Gun Control works in New York City and Washington DC, doesn't it?
If guns are outlawed, then only outlaws will have guns.
If Pro is the opposite of Con, then Progress is the opposite of Congress.
Born Free and Taxed to Death!
Work Harder! Millions on Welfare depend on you!
Conservatism is a curable disease.
Sworn to Fun,
Loyal to None
How about "Double the Dues, Half the Votes"?
The live and let live party!
DUO - Due unto others...
Use your brain and be libertarian.
I hated all the slogans in the poll, but I loved these:
"Less Government... More Sense."
"Help Turn Big Brother into Little Brother."
"Better Than Left. Better Than Right. All The Way To Free."
Can I get any of that on a coffee mug or window cling or something? And "after-party" merchandise would be pretty cool, too...
Seriously, though, the LP needs real marketing. SMART marketing. None of the crappy slogans in the poll. The slogan should be the kind of thing that makes people want to know more... something they can identify with... something they'll remember. It should be catchy and clever and clear and pithy... the kind of thing that people smile and nod as they read, and that they mention to other people later. It should not be boring, forgettable, complicated, offensive, confusing, or anything else that would be detrimental to LP credibility and/or a waste of LP resources. We want to make people THINK, but we don't want them to be thinking of rude, hard-hearted, strung-out, rebel-without-a-cause anarcho-capitalists.
A slogan alone won't convince people to switch to a third party, but a clever marketing campaign could make increase LP "brand recognition" to a competitive level. Study some consumer behavior and you'll find out that name recognition alone is enough to raise a person's opinion of something.
The LP needs to hire some marketing people with a background in consumer behavior.
Ashlee - I wholeheartedly agree.
(picture of Lady Liberty)
"Who would SHE vote for?"
Light the Fuse of Freedom!
Join or Renew Today!
(This is a modification of my earlier suggestion for the Membership Drive graphic but changed to a more active voice with better alliteration. Readers can draw their own conclusions studying the Membership Drive graphic itself. For all you BATF types out there, "I do not believe in or advocate the initiation of force as a means of achieving political or social goals" i.e. lighten up (light up?).)
(shameless plug for a Libertarian friend)
In addition to Daniel's suggestion, there is a very wide range of ideas, concepts, stickers, and possible slogans available at http://libertystickers.com.
The LP, cutting taxes and restoring freedom since 1971.
My vote is for... Libertarians: the after-party you've been looking for
How about "The LP, cutting taxes since 1971, raising dues since 2005"
More FREEDOM.
LESS Government.
The Libertarian Party: Pull your head out of the sand.
I just renewed my membership. Thanks for the opportunity. Whatever our slogan preferences we all love liberty and the Libertarian Party.
Liberty : the only red meat
or some other play on the beef campaign
I have to say - I think this membership drive is a good idea. Previous membership drives always seemed to focus on lofty, long term, or otherwise unrealistic goals (like 100,000 members within a year or two or within an election cycle).
By breaking the drives up into bite-sized, attainable goals, we may actually get closer to reaching our long term goals.
I meant to say a play on the pork campaign.
(remember, "Pork - the other white meat").
Beef was "real food" or something like that.
More FREEDOM.
LESS Government.
--Lyric
That just about sums it up.
By The Way, for those of you interested in linking meat with LP membership campaigns, see http://www.lpcolorado.org/challenge/challenge.htm Badnarik vs. Nicks Challenge (Texas vs. Colorado) just recently posted.
An old lp button I remember said:
"ALWAYS QUESTION AUTHORITY"
When the LEFT leaves you behind,
and the RIGHT is wrong...
Vote Libertarian!
How about just stealing New Hampshire's slogan: "Live Free or Die."
How about "We Can't Achieve Freedom in the 50 States Until You Give Us Fifty Bucks"?
Libertarian: Now you're grown-up enough to decide for yourself.
Libertarian: Freedom is measured by the quantity, not the quality, of choices.
1) Want a larger paycheck? Vote Libertarian!
2) Death and Taxes! Libertarians can't ressurrect...YET
3) Freedom should be $FREE$
4) Give unto Ceasar...nevermind give it back!
5) Democrats = Tax and Spend / Republicans Tax and Spend Light
Vote Libertarian: for a CHANGE!
How about:
The party of reedom, that still apparently cannot part ways with unnatural government-granted business monopolies (also known as Intellectual Property, Patents, etc.).
If I were looking for a party of freedom, I would look for vibrant debate and understanding of this issue. Intellectual property is bondage at least as evil as any other the LP purports to oppose.
This is it:
"With the Libertarians in charge, the lunatics are running the insane asylum!"
Sick of the Democrat Party, the Republican Party, and the so-called Libertarian Party.
Personally, I was always okay with "The Party of Principle".
"Libertarians: the after-party you've been looking for" is a great one
'The BIG, HUGE small government drive'
Join the Libertarian Party.
Because there is no "we" in America.
-- Jeff Daiell
Jeff Daiell, you are brilliant.
I'm right in the middle of watching a terribly stressful movie ("Das Boot," featuring the multi-talented Herbert Groenemeyer), and I decided to come on here for a few minutes to give my racing heart a break, and you just made me laugh out loud. I thank you.
The Libertarian Party: We have Drew Carey and Dirty Harry.
Do unto others as you would like them to do unto you.
Keep your hands to yourself.
I have a problem with the "thermometer" described in the article. How do I tell how far we've gotten with the drive? Without that, the thermometer is useless.
If you want smaller government- VOTE FOR IT.
United we stand. Divided we fall. Come and answer liberty's call.
Lots of good slogans.
One of my favorite:
"Proud to be Uncle Sam's Least Favorite Nieces and Nephews. The Libertarians."
The Funniest:
"the National Libertarian Party- Not all of us smoke pot!"
Libertarians: the Wookiees of politics.
Who are we trying to attract into the Libertairian party? The 50% of Americans who don't bother to register to vote, the 50% of the registered voters that don't bother to vote, or the people who sit around smoking dope who never really do much? Does the party want 5000 people paying dues or 50 people who are creative, motivated, and active?
I believe we want the people who are,"mad as hell and their not going to take it anymore!" The 66% of the people who feel Congress is doing a poor job. The people who are fed up with the president and Congress ignoring the will of the people. The people who, like myself, not a pot smoker, are outraged by the Supreme Court's decision on medical marijuana. The people who are so frustrated with a government that accomplishes nothing, they would stop whining, stand up, and change the system. People who will run for office, help with campaigns, and donate money to them. You want 5000 new members, that's quantity. I would rather have 50 members of quality.
I would like to offer a slogan that reflects my view that the members are responsible to guide the party based on the Libertarian philosophy and not the party leaderships job is to tell us where we are going.
Freedom begins at Home, at your Home.
or the fun slogan;
The RIght Way, The Left Way, or The Free Way.
The Silent Majority, Silent No Longer
Smells like bacon. Tastes like eggs.
Goes good with cream cheese.
Kill your local politician.
This is your brain. This is your brain on Freedom.
Dude, where's my rights?
Look deep within yourself and then try to tell me you're a Democrat or Republican.
"Believe those who are seeking the truth. Doubt those who find it." -Andre Gide
"So long as we live among men, let us cherish humanity." -Andre Gide
"Work and struggle and never accept an evil that you can change." -Andre Gide
"Dare to be yourself." -Andre Gide
"If government was the answer, it must've been a dang peculiar question. Vote Lib!"
I like this one:
I suggest "VOTE LIBERTARIAN: and win a free country!"
Posted by: Mat at June 16, 2005 08:08 PM
or how about one from me:
Tired of "Politics"? Vote Libertarian!
govern yourself: vote libertarian
You already have two types of socialism,give freedom a try.....Vote LIBERTARIAN
Join today, or lose Liberty tomorrow
taking ourselves too seriously,2005...
Libertarian Party: Vote Patriot, not Patriot Act.
Rediscovering what government is suppose to be
"Hey government, the people called, we want our country back."
We really have to start personalizing the oppressive nature of government. With the New London(CT) Home Seizure ruling, we could probably recruit the entire population of New London and half of Connecticut. Read about it, spread the word.
"allow us the liberty to down size goverment"
To the goverment of the USA, We the people are not your little tax drones you over bloated bully"
"Now that you can take my land what was it I was working for?
"Give me liberty or the death of big goverment"
I'll huff and I'll puff and I will blow your house down, said the big bad goverment. PS brick will not help you this time.
"They will pave your paridise and put up a parking lot" Were is your freedom now!
Live Free and Dial (Insert Libertarian Party 800 number)
T H E A L T E R N A T I V E
Wow, we have hecklers in our posting forum. We must be having an affect out there.
Of course, they appear to have only visited our 'posting' page and not done the research into the other areas of the site. . . like the issues or platform section, but that's fine.
THE party - The party that trusts you to have self determiation.
Name the drive??? howzabout-
The 'Help Starve a Feeding Beurocrat' Drive
The 'Downsize DC NOW' drive.
The 'What part of 'Freedom' do you not understand' drive.
Scratch that last one.
"liberty for all, does NOT just mean you. Liberty requires political tolerance for all."
Also,
It would be funny if the fuse were a thermometer and the hotter it got the more uncomfortable it would be for the donkey and elephant at the end of the tip.
But that's WAAAAAAY over the top so I won't even suggest it here, or there, I will not suggest it anywhere.
How about spending whatever money we have (if any) to advertise that Libertarians will correct the gross Supreme Court error on eminent domain?
This seems to me to be our best opportunity in years to win support among the indifferent masses.
(I am Vice Chair, York Co. South Carolina LP)
The only good Patroit Act is a dead Patroit Act.
vote and join the true party of liberty, The Libertarian Party.
Individual Freedom starts, continue, and ends with each and everyone of us. The Libertarian Party, because freedom is continuously earned not given.
>Wow, we have hecklers in our posting forum. We >must be having an affect out there.
Perhaps your "effect" is repulsing the sincere who care about the issues and freedom. This seems like nothing but a love fest with no content, credibility, or real discussion.
>Of course, they appear to have only visited our >'posting' page and not done the research into >the other areas of the site. . . like the >issues or platform section, but that's fine.
Care to give a reference? When I do a site search on several of the issues I care about getting the government out of my life most, it comes up empty. How about government-granted monopolies, such as patents, that prevent developers from working or competing? This appears to be a party with no serious beliefs. Trademarking the term Libertarian is counter to any principle of the appropriate role of government that might be addressed by the party. Just because you succeed in redefining it does not mean people who really care about the issues will follow.
I left the Republican party in dusgust, and I would join LP if it stood on Libertarian principles. There appears to be no serious thinking or principles going on here. A real libertarian discussion forum would have passionate discussions and as much conformity as a herd of cats, but they would value real freedom more, I think.
>THE party - The party that trusts you to have >self determiation.
If it were true.
>The 'Help Starve a Feeding Beurocrat' Drive
Start with the US Patent Office.
>The 'What part of 'Freedom' do you not >understand' drive.
Freedom from thought police, AKA Patent Office? In the past, your site has been full of articles by patent attorneys defending the practice of patents.
etc.
Don't take anything in these forums seriously. These forums usually do not reflect the party itself. Heck, you don't even have to be a member to post here! Most of all, don't let people in these forums chase you away from the LP.
On patents:
How would you like to invent something and start a business with it only to have competitors with better funding and resources crush your business right away using your own idea?
>On patents:
>
>How would you like to invent something and >start a business with it only to have >competitors with better funding and resources >crush your business right away using your own >idea?
How would you like to invent something and try to start a business with it only to have competitors with better funding prevent you from using your own ideas because they have lots of lawyers? The patent system is far less fair than no patent system at all. It does nothing to guarantee you the right to use your own ideas and does much to threaten your rights to do so. I have invented a number of things and know where the risks lie. I would compare it to most forms of government interventionism, but it seems far worse than most, and completely undefendable from a starting point of libertarian principles (not the trademarked variety, but real libertarian).
"forgetting that all political spheres have a place in a libertarian society...not just capitalists...2005". libertarians (yes, i am one) need to stop pushing the capitalist mantra downn peoples throats, and start selling the fact that a libertarian society includes a place for fascists, communists, anarchists, etc. thats the beauty of small government. stop selling old ideas...stop selling monochromatic ideas... sell libertarianism as true diversity...
If I put my money where my values are, what will the LP do with it? A website doesn't seem like the best way to reach the average person. Will you purchase, for instance, full page ads in daily newspapers, highlighting your platform and seeking members? Or holding press conferences, or supporting candidates for local and national office? How will you use the money to get the word out and get some visibility with Joe and Sally Average American? Just want to know the money won't languish on the www. somewhere, without having some real effect.
I'm coming to this slogan thing late. Been Away.
A suggestion:
"I'm a grown up. I can take care of myself. I'm a Libertarian."
"Republican or Democrat? They're just two sides of the same tarnished coin. But no matter which side comes up, you still lose. But there's one sure bet: the Libertarian Party."
"There's always another choice."
The LP-Donkeys and Elephants won't solve the problem!
ADVERTISE LIBERTARIAN PARTIES ON WEB TV, tables set up at the malls, grocery stores for registering libertarians and or signing petitions. Think about have a big poster, especially on LEST NOT FORGET EMINENT DOMAIN.
Hey another idea, how about a both next to the Republicrate and Democins parties that are merging,(maybe they will be adopting a new name, The Socialist party.) oh make sure you have some bouncers there, haaa haa haa LOL
Listed below are links to weblogs that reference Give us a Slogan for our Membership Drive!:
» LP.org Official Slogan Contest from Hammer of Truth
Well, there’ seems to be a good shot at a drive to increase membership in the LP by 5,000 members by July 31st (complete with front page image of an adorable burning fuse ending at a bomb set to blow up a donkey and elephant, awww). Shane Cory i... [Read More]
Tracked on June 16, 2005 12:31 PM
| 
"Government is the problem, not the solution."
Posted by: C. Al Currier at June 16, 2005 11:15 AM