The official blog of the Libertarian Party
August 31, 2006
Christine Smith Will Seek the 2008 LP Presidential Nomination
Christine Smith has announced she will seek the 2008 LP presidential nomination. Christine, a resident of Colorado, is a professional writer and was founder and president of a nationwide charity for seven years. She has experience in public speaking, having appeared on many national radio talk shows due to her writing.
Here's more about Christine from her press release:
I am a natural leader and passionate about my LP politics. I am dedicated to growing the LP by reaching out to the American people with our platform; a platform which I think the majority of Americans will respond to if it is given to them by an articulate LP candidate. I have the abilities needed, and the willingness, devotion, dedication; I believe my ability to effectively communicate and articulate Libertarian solutions will generate greater national media coverage.
I am determined to build our party...educate the people...and make a positive difference through my service with the LP. I have given serious consideration to pursuing a major political office as a Libertarian since a position of leadership will permit me to work for the changes we seek in government; the more I have thought about it, after careful deliberation, I feel I could do the most for our party and our country by becoming our presidential candidate in 2008.
Christine does not have a campaign website up yet, but states she will have one up and running soon. She suggests that if you wish to be notified of when her campaign website is up, email notification@christinesmithforpresident.com to be placed on the email notification list.
Posted by at August 31, 2006 04:12 PM
Reader Comments:
>>a platform which I think the majority of Americans will respond to if it is given to them by an articulate LP candidate.<<
Are most people responsive to the "natural rights" position?
In my experience, most people deny this. They believe government gives people rights. When I use the "no government = no restrictions on freedom" argument they concede, but then disclose their preference for civil liberties over natural rights.
Which is mind-boggling to me.
Granted, I'm not the most articulate person, and maybe I'm just conversing with a very vocal minority, but maybe most Americans don't want freedom? They just don't want the responsibility?
What's been your experience with this subject?
For the record, I would not support any party that fought for anything other than natural rights.
It is my experience that the average person on the street thinks that either rights are granted by the government or granted by the Constitution. When I tell them that rights are natural and cannot be granted by government, they usually give me a blank stare.
This is the major problem that Libertarians must overcome. So many people have had statism ingrained into them by the government school system, that they have no concept of a truly free society.
And I do agree with you that many people, if given a choice between liberty or having the government give them a free ride, would take the free ride every time.
It is a conundrum.
Perhaps we need to take lessons from Catholic and other Christian missionaries.
We need a libertarian Vatican. =)
Are there any libertarian judges?
Two comments:
1. As to the natural rights debate...the problem with the American people is that for several generations now they have become acclimated to being given things - by government, by their employers, etc. The entire idea of naturally occurring rights and corresponding responsibilities is almost a foreign concept. It is not taught in schools, colleges, nor least of all in churches; nor are modern Americans given to reading, learning, or thinking beyond thirty second soundbites.
2. But on a different tack - who is this woman? Her ties to the LP have been, until now, non-existent. Her web site speaks to her desire to be a model, actress, etc. Is this just one big publicity stunt? And...does she know that the minimum age to be President is 40?
I would agree with the comments already made on natural rights, and I further believe that we are reaching critical mass on the number of voters that believe government should provide them with everything they need instead of staying out of their lives. Once that portion is over 50%, we are truly in trouble.
On Christine Smith, she will be 40 by the time the elections come around. Born: January 16, 1967, Houston, Texas.
And what difference does it make if she hasn't been tied to the LP before? Read her positions on the issues (http://www.christinesmithforpresident.com/id3.html), I think she articulates them well, and I agree almost 100% with them.
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>>a platform which I think the majority of Americans will respond to if it is given to them by an articulate LP candidate.<<
Are most people responsive to the "natural rights" position?
In my experience, most people deny this. They believe government gives people rights. When I use the "no government = no restrictions on freedom" argument they concede, but then disclose their preference for civil liberties over natural rights.
Which is mind-boggling to me.
Granted, I'm not the most articulate person, and maybe I'm just conversing with a very vocal minority, but maybe most Americans don't want freedom? They just don't want the responsibility?
What's been your experience with this subject?
For the record, I would not support any party that fought for anything other than natural rights.
Posted by: willmack at September 1, 2006 03:51 PM