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Friday, November 13, 2009
Libertarianism and me
Here's the text of a speech I recently gave to the Ontario Libertarian Party.
It'll make you laugh; It"ll make you cry; It'll make you wish it was shorter!
Posted by Gerry Nicholls on November 13, 2009 | Permalink
Comments
OK. I'll be the first to post on this thread.
Posted by: set you free | 2009-11-13 2:06:00 PM
In Gerry Nicholls recent book he admitted that he frequently advocated positions he did not believe in order to be a player in the Conservative party. I wonder if anything he said to the Libertarians was anything more than his latest attempt to be a "somebody". Gerry says:
"But I know you like me. And I like the Libertarian Party.... it's the coolest party in Canada.... And most importantly, the Libertarian Party is the only party which invites me to speak at its annual general meetings."
That answers all my questions. The belle of the ball has found a new party.
Posted by: Fact Check | 2009-11-13 3:30:06 PM
I am a member of the libertarian party, however I don't know where they officially stand. It's all in your definition of libertarian. I have the impression that they are getting in bed with social conservatives. I want to find a party that fits my political views, ie fiscal conservative, social moderate, classical liberal influenced by John Stewart Mills and Ayn Rand.
Posted by: Doug Gilchrist | 2009-11-13 3:49:24 PM
Doug,
"John Stewart Mills"???
He's the guy who is on TV before Colbert, right?
Posted by: Fact Check | 2009-11-13 4:09:36 PM
Good grief Fact Check, No one thinks that they are anybody because they are talking to the Libertarian Party. And everyone in politics has at one point had to advocate a position that they didn't fully support. It is called having a job. You should look it up.
Posted by: Hugh MacIntyre | 2009-11-13 5:05:01 PM
Hugh,
So your defense of Gerry is this: He doesn't lie to get attention, he just lies for money. So why, exactly, should I take seriously what he says now?
With friends like you....
Posted by: Fact Check | 2009-11-13 7:02:28 PM
Gerry Nicholls is a respectable, libertarian leaning social democrat.
Probably also a nice guy. Sometimes even moderately amusing.
But this "speech" was flippant fluff betraying a fundamental lack of understanding of, and respect for, libertarianism.
Which of course is the fault of libertarians. Why they would invite and/or pay for Nicholls' chat speaks to the all-too-frequent lack of focus exhibited by the PARTY claiming the nomenclature of liberty.
As long as -- admittedly well intentioned -- and relatively pro-freedom social democrats are like Mr. Nicholls are feted by the alleged proponents of liberty, the creed ain't gonna make many real inroads.
Posted by: JC | 2009-11-14 12:30:40 AM
Doug,
"John Stewart Mills"???
He's the guy who is on TV before Colbert, right?
Posted by: Fact Check | 2009-11-13 4:09:36 PM
Ok Fact Check. I'll check every fact you give and let everbody know the facts you get wrong. You want a war? I'm game.
But remember: No matter what the game, no matter what the rules, the same rules apply to both players. Do you really want me as an antagonist. Everytime you say something stupid I will comment on it.
Posted by: Doug Gilchrist | 2009-11-14 10:21:39 AM
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