Outright Libertarians congratulate the Log Cabin Republicans

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Rob Power, the national chairman of the Outright Libertarians commended the Log Cabin Republicans Executive Director Patrick Guerriero, Board Chairman William Brownson, and the Log Cabin board for refusing to endorse George W. Bush for reelection as President in 2004. He then went on to chide them for helping elect Bush in the 2000 election.

In an email yesterday to the Log Cabin Republicans, Mr. Power approved of their action Tuesday, and agreed with them that John Kerry doesn't offer Americans a better choice. "Kerry is on record as being opposed to same-sex marriage rights. The only difference between Bush and Kerry on this issue is whether they want to ban gay marriage at the federal level or instead at the state level. Kerry has stated support for a state constitutional amendment in his home state of Massachusetts, the only state that currently allows same-sex marriage, and in other states such as Missouri," said Power.

Power then offered to assist in the preparation of an issue scorecard of alternative Presidential candidates who are on enough state ballots to have a theoretical chance of winning the electoral college vote. That would be; Michael Badnarik (Libertarian), David Cobb (Green), and Michael Peroutka (Constitution). Ralph Nader (independent) is not yet on enough ballots even to theoretically win.

Power thinks that many Log Cabin Republicans might find more common ground with Michael Badnarik's positions on the issues than with Bush's, Kerry's, or the other "third party" candidates. Libertarians are for individual liberty and personal responsibility, a free-market economy of abundance and prosperity, strong but non-interventionist national defense, and free trade. Since their first platform in 1972, the Libertarian Party has been a strong supporter of equal rights for gays and other minorities, as for all individuals. Badnarik is opposed to the federal marriage amendment and supports marriage equality as an inalienable individual right, not to be abridged by either the state or federal governments.

Cobb and Peroutka would probably not do as well on a Log Cabin scorecard. Peroutka is even more strongly opposed to any gay rights than Republicans, and Cobb's position on many taxpayer-funded social programs would likely be a sore spot for Log Cabin members.

Speaking to the betrayal of the Log Cabin Republicans, who supported Bush in 2000, Power said, "This is what happens when you vote for the lesser of two evils. If Log Cabin Republicans want lower taxes, a strong national defense, personal liberty coupled with personal responsibility, AND equal treatment for LGBT individuals under the law, as they say they do, then they really have their work cut out for them in the Republican Party. It's no surprise to the Outright Libertarians that Bush and the Republicans have failed them this term by supporting the federal marriage amendment. Just look at what Bush and the Republican-controlled Congress have done to federal spending, federal entitlements, and personal liberties," said Power, referring to the record federal deficits, massive new healthcare programs, and the Patriot Act.

"Guerriero says the battle for the heart and soul of the Republican Party has just begun. We learned thirty years ago that we were not going to win Liberty by working from within either of the two major political parties; the differences were too great. That's why we formed the Libertarian Party. It is endearing that the Log Cabin folks keep trying to reform the Republicans from within, but as we saw just a few weeks ago with the hateful positions taken towards gays in the Republican platform and convention, the battle has not just begun, but rather it's finally over."

"We welcome any disaffected Log Cabin Republicans to the Libertarian Party, where we can work together to achieve equality under the law for all individuals. For those who wish to remain with the Republicans and continue fighting the now certain right-wing takeover of that party, we wish you the best of luck. You are going to need it," concluded Power.

About Outright Libertarians
The Outright Libertarians is a national organization with local affiliates across the country and members in approximately 30 states. Its dual mission is to represent Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender (GLBT) issues within the Libertarian Party, and to promote the Libertarian Party to the GLBT community. While composed primarily of Libertarian Party members, it is not officially connected to the Libertarian Party. Membership is open to anyone with a common interest, gay or straight. Membership and more information about the Outright Libertarians may be obtained at http://www.OutrightUSA.org or by contacting mailto:chair@OutrightUSA.org.





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