The upcoming election is shaping up to be yet another disheartening spectacle for those of us who genuinely value limited government and personal liberty. As a libertarian, I can confidently say that no matter who wins, we lose.
Yet, it’s amusing to see some conservatives poking fun at libertarians for not winning elections.
Why?
Because they are no closer to being represented in the government than we are. In fact, we are in the same boat. If you are an actual conservative who wishes to shrink the government, eliminate all or most federal agencies, cut taxes nearly to nil, then you are a political minority like yours truly.
Welcome to the club, fellow discouraged voter!
The Republican Party, despite being the supposed home of conservative values, doesn’t truly represent your desires and probably never has. The reality is that most GOP lawmakers aren’t actual conservatives; they’re Diet Democrats who pay lip service to limited government while expanding the state’s reach in practice. And deep down, you know this. I’ve heard you complain about it time and again.
You rail against the “RINOs” (Republicans In Name Only) who dominate your party, and rightly so. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: If you genuinely want a smaller government, YOU are the RINO. The Republican Party isn’t a vehicle for limited government conservatism, and maybe it never was. Despite what many like to believe, Trump can’t change this, and even if he could, it’s unlikely he would.
Here’s the kicker—most Republican voters aren’t actual conservatives either. Sure, they might lean conservative on certain issues, but the hard truth is that most do not share your zeal for shrinking government. The “RINOs” you despise are voted in by these moderate Republican voters, who outnumber you and people like you. So, if you’re truly a limited government conservative, I hate to break it to you, but you’re not winning when Republicans win.
At this point, you might be wondering what we should do about this. The answer lies in focusing local. National elections are a lost cause for those who want real change, but local government offers a glimmer of hope. It’s the local government that has a more direct impact on your life, and it’s here that you can make a difference.
Look at what’s already happening. There are countless examples of local officials standing up against state and federal overreach. During the COVID-19 pandemic, sheriffs across the country refused to enforce mandates and lockdowns. In Illinois, half of the sheriffs refused to enforce the state’s assault weapons ban.
These actions might seem small, but they’re significant. They demonstrate that with the right people in the right positions, you can create pockets of liberty in a sea of government overreach. Imagine what it would look like if your mayor, city council, law enforcement, and even dogcatchers were willing to stand up and say “hell no” when state and federal governments try to pass intrusive laws. Would that not be more effective than hoping to get enough people in the White House and Congress who might actually want to limit the government?
If you’re feeling disillusioned by the national political landscape, consider taking matters into your own hands. Either move to an area where local government more closely aligns with your values, as some have done, or work to turn your own community into a bastion of limited government.
Get involved in local politics, support candidates who genuinely believe in shrinking the state, and hold them accountable once they’re in office. The federal government might be a lost cause for now, but your local government doesn’t have to be.
This is probably the only hope we have for living in a society that truly values liberty. It’s not a glamorous solution, and it won’t happen overnight, but it’s the most practical path forward and it’s the best shot we’ve got.
As libertarians and genuine conservatives, we need to focus on what we can change and start building the kind of society we want from the ground up. The national stage might be a circus, but local government is where real change can happen. Let’s start there.
An Appeal to Discouraged Conservatives