I Chose Liberty - Ludwig von Mises Institute

Burton S. Blumert 57
Tax protests are as American as apple pie. Indeed, America was born in opposition to
the looting called taxes. But this guy doesn’t seem a part of this glorious heritage. And like
the monster in a scary movie, he never stays dead.
Generally, the U.S. Constitution is the basis for their beliefs and the instigation of lawsuits
their main strategy. Some federal judge will listen to their arguments, and declare taxation
illegal. Unfortunately, when they gain converts, they almost invariably land in jail.
It is difficult for me to generate any enthusiasm about the tax-dissenter movement.
The tax-funded court branch of the U.S. government will never threaten its ability to
collect taxes.
Yes, there are some whackos in the hard-money world, and a few crooks, but, by and
large, these folks are true friends and supporters of libertarian causes and Austrian economics.
They revere Ron Paul and Murray Rothbard. ’Nuff said.
How can a libertarian be critical of the Randians? After all, that fervent band spawned
so many of us. To some, the Rand influence was part of their adolescence. To others, Ayn
Rand’s Objectivism is as potent today as it was 40 years ago.
I still enjoy being in the company of committed Randians, but every now and then I
encounter some with that 1,000-mile stare. When they’re around I feel like it’s “Invasion
of the Body Snatchers.”
These types are typically pro-war. Indeed, they are often so bellicose and strident that
they make the neocons look like Quakers. Talk about whackos.
In its early days, I was friendly to the LP. As a modest donor, I got to know many of
the functionaries. There was a purity about the whole thing. Never winning or even coming
close in a significant election meant that principles were never jeopardized.
In David Bergland’s recent, “How I Became . . .” he covers his 1984 presidential campaign
and my small role in it, but it was Ron Paul’s 1988 Libertarian presidential campaign
that brought our little clique of paleos into the LP as activists.
Once Ron made the decision to run, he did so without any reservation. He viewed the
experience as an opportunity to remind Americans of their tradition of liberty. He campaigned
vigorously in every state, including Alaska.
Lew, Murray, and I made similar commitments to the LP. We became part of the
National Committee and were involved with every facet of the campaign, from raising the
money, to getting Ron on the ballot. (I believe we missed in two states).
Can you imagine what a dream candidate Ron Paul was for this rag-tag third party?
Here was a real-world libertarian, a former U.S. Congressman, a successful medical doctor,
an Austrian economist, and a candidate with the ability to raise millions of dollars.
Did the party functionaries welcome Ron with open arms? Nope.
I remember one typical state LP leader (this one in Ohio) who was openly antagonistic
to Ron. After all, Ron was an interloper, had never gone through the libertarian political
process (like running for dog catcher and getting 1.2 percent of the vote). Also, Ron had
served in the U.S. Congress as a Republican. What right did he have to come and usurp
the Libertarian Party?
As you may surmise, I don’t hold out much hope for the LP. The “two-party system”
has turned so ugly that third parties don’t have a ghost of a chance.