Why, Rand, Why?
Instead of covering directly the problem, it is important to understand Rand’s strategy. I have no doubt that many of the Liberty Movement, my fellow Libertarian brothers experience hatred Rand now because it seems he has betrayed us. However, how is this so? Rand is a professional at politics, he knows what he is doing and we must follow him all the way until he truly betrays the movement. Rand Paul is a Statist, but not of the same brand as the Neocons. Rand Paul is neither a Libertarian of the same brand as many of those who hate him. Rand is a Minarchist, a Minimal Statist Libertarian who stands up for our rights as well as guarantees the safety of our own to practice our rights without government intervention.
If we are to look at the long run like the Anarcho-Capitalists don’t want us to, it is wise to gain the support of the Republican Party’s mainstream. It is almost impossible to gain the support of the Democrat mainstream because of their desire to condemn Capitalism despite the facts of why real Capitalism works in the interest of the whole nation. The only real desire of the Republicans is to spit at the face of the Democrat politicians and will do anything to do so. Even though we don’t agree with the method of enforcing ethics on others, there is no other choice than to gain their support. The fact is this: without Republican, Green Party and fellow Libertarian support then we cannot win in politics against the Democrats. Rand Paul is a wise enough politician to understand this and thus he had to give his support to Romney.
Let us also look at the facts of Rand Paul’s questionable voting record because of the accusations made by the Anarcho-Capitalist. The sanctions against Iran did not conflict with Libertarian principles because the United States does not have to take part in the intervention by military means. Even under the conditions of military threats by the UN against , the United States could just either give word, approval, diplomatic support or economic support. When American blood is spelt in the middle of the conflict as a combatant or spilled other blood and when the American soldiers are occupying foreign countries does it mean that America has intervened militaristically. The majority of Rand’s voting record besides that and a few other questionable votes are in accordance with the principles of Libertarianism.
Another thing is that there are two different streams of Libertarian thought and both are equally involved in the Liberty Movement and the Rloveution. Rand Paul and Ron Paul are both Minarchists, but Ron Paul is a Voluntarist morally which balances him between the two streams. Rand Paul however, is more a Minarchist who believes in a small amount of governmental intervention to protect us against things that go against our rights. Who is to say that a Minarchist is a traitor? There is no need to cause further division by slight differences in opinion. Surely as well that it is not likely that the Anarcho-Capitalists will gain any say or success unless the Minimal Statists were involved in the movement. Otherwise, no one besides Anarchists will take the Anarcho-Capitalists serious due to the current desire for a state of some sort.
Rand Paul is obviously not a traitor to the Liberty Movement. His political wisdom is clearly needed for our future success as a movement, Minarchists like myself and Rand should not be labeled as allies rather than people who are loyal to the movement. Anyone who thinks Anarcho-Capitalism should stand alone in the Liberty Movement has the burden of proof. We need Republican mainstream aid in order to further the goals. Therefore, Rand Paul is not a traitor to the movement and is a loyal servant as well as leader in the movement.
