BlueBloggin

Bob Barr nominated Libertarian Presidential Candidate

Since leaving Congress in 2003, Barr has become a vocal opponent of the Patriot Act and has stated that he regrets voting for it, claiming that the Bush Administration has used it to further erode due process even in nonterrorism matters. He claims that the Clinton administration did much of the same thing.^[38] In 2005–the year the Patriot Act was due for renewal Barr helped found an organization called Patriots to Restore Checks and Balances, a bipartisan group dedicated to eliminating aspects of the Patriot Act that could potentially affect law-abiding citizens rather than terrorists, and to “restore traditional checks and balances on government power so the country can effectively fight terror without sacrificing the rights of innocent Americans, rights that are guaranteed by the Constitution.”^[45] Barr still serves as the group’s chairman.

Barr has been a vocal opponent of President George W. Bush’s claim of authorization to wiretap transnational phone calls without individual judicial license. He has said, “What’s wrong with it is several-fold. One, it’s bad policy for our government to be spying on American citizens through the National Security Agency. Secondly, it’s bad to be spying on Americans without court oversight. And thirdly, it’s bad to be spying on Americans apparently in violation of federal laws against doing it without court order.”

^{Barr has the ability to listen. He has demonstrated he can change his opinions when faced with reasonable evidence. Best of all, he listens.}

March 2007, Barr reversed his stance on medical marijuana and begin lobbying on behalf of MPP.^[52][53][54] Incredibly, this new partnership saw Barr working to repeal his very own “Barr Amendment” — the amendment that overturned a voter-approved medical marijuana initiative in Washington, D.C.,^[52][53] and prohibits consideration of similar initatives.^[32]

Barr has been careful to note that he isn’t pro-drug, but rather against government intrusion.^[52] In interviews he has expressed the nuanced position of simultaneously opposing legalization, yet advocating the federalist ideals of State legislation and enforcement over Federal control.^[55][56]

During an interview with Newsweek following his entrance into the race, Barr responded to a question on why he decided to announce his candidacy two weeks before the Libertarian convention by remarking that hadn’t “seriously consider [running] until about five or six weeks” prior to announcing. When asked if he believed he was a “spoiler” in the race to John McCain, Barr stated that “the votes [he would receive] are not going to come from people that are committed to voting for McCain.” Also during the interview Barr commented that his campaign would make use of the internet like Ron Paul and Barack Obama to mobilize young voters. ^[7]

Representing the Libertarian Party on the presidential ballot.

Now former Rep. Bob Barr has the duty for 2008.

The Libertarians, convening in Denver, named him.

“I’m sure will we emerge here with the strongest ticket in the history of the Libertarian Party,” Barr said in his victory speech. “I want everybody to remember that we only have 163 days to win this election. We cannot waste one single day.”

Winning is a relative term, perhaps.

The party has been good for about 3 percent of the vote in the past.

The party reports: “More than 650 Libertarian delegates met in Denver from May 22-26 for the 2008 Libertarian National Convention. After six rounds of voting…Barr was selected as the party’s presidential nominee.

“We’re proud to present to the American voters Bob Barr as our presidential nominee,” said Libertarian spokesperson Andrew Davis. “While Republicans and Democrats will fight for their own power, Libertarians will fight for Americans. Bob Barr is one of the strongest candidates in the Party’s 37-year history, and we look for him to have an enormous impact in the 2008 race.

“Republicans and Democrats have good reason to fear a candidate like Barr, who refuses to accept the ‘business-as-usual’ attitude of the current political establishment. Americans want and need another choice, and that choice is Bob Barr.”

The Democrats will be convening in Denver, too.

Think it will take six ballots?

Libertarian Party Platform

Barr: Celebrate tonight, work tomorrow

“Then I want everybody to remember we have only 163 days to win this election,” he said. “Do not wait one single day.”

The Libertarians may be the upcoming alternative to the insanity that has plagued Washington. For Democrats and Republicans, Libertarians have never been taken seriously … until now. They may or may not dilute the vote for mainstream political parties, but they are a contender for state and local seats across the country. Voter discontent with the inaction within their respective parties spells windfall for Libertarians. Closer inspection of Libertarian Party Platform will reveal more attractive alternatives for many. Democrat and Republican rhetoric has always bought hope from voters, who only see disappointment once their candidate is elected. Congress is a log jam within a log jam, everyone is afraid of something that might threaten re-election. Then again, too many of our favorite sons and daughters are being caught in the trap of ego and entitlement. Sexual favors, corruption and shady deals are becoming too frequent. America is fed up with more and more sleazy Republicans and Democrats.

Posted by bosskitty May 25th, 2008 | Tags: Bob Barr, Democrat, Libertarian Party, Presidential Candidates, Republican | Category: Bob Barr, Congress, Constitution, Democrat, Elections, Electoral College, Founding Fathers, Freedom, Human Rights, Libertarian, Libertarian Party, National Debt, Politics, President, Primaries, Republican, White House, candidates, civil liberties, election reform | Subscribe to comments | Leave a comment | Trackback URL