RE: [lpsf-discuss] Better? Ed Crane

I agree that the new version reflects the nice guy that you are, Mike. It was also all right with me if Cato saw the pissed-off guy that you also are.

Michael,

  Lovely! Put as only you can put it. 8) My thoughts exactly.

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I agree that the new version reflects the nice guy that you are, Mike. It was also all right with me if Cato saw the pissed-off guy that you also are.

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From: lpsf-discuss@...m [mailto:lpsf-discuss@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Morey Straus
Sent: Monday, March 20, 2006 2:00 PM
To: lpsf-discuss@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [lpsf-discuss] Better? Ed Crane

Great letter, Mike. That totally echoes my own sentiment.

I used to donate to several soft-line organizations, including Cato, the NRA, various bikers rights groups, and so on. I eventually came to the conclusion that hacking at the branches of evil is futile - by focusing my efforts on the LP, and in particular the FSP, I am striking the root.

Regards,
Morey

What do you think?

Mike

Dear Mr. Crane,

I am in receipt of your attached letter asking me to reinstate my support for the Cato Institute. Unfortunately, I cannot do so in good conscience and want to tell you why.

First, allow me to say that Cato has done a pretty good job of identifying issues that need to be addressed…social security, health care, property rights and the Middle East. However, I have problems with your political strategy. Allow me to elaborate.

You may remember our dinner in San Francisco around 1999-2000 with two local Libertarians. We spoke at length about the best political action plan to advance the cause of Liberty. You advocated strong support for Republicans and George W. Bush as you and Cato "had their ear" and were confident you could "bring them around". You suggested there were lots of things "going on behind the scenes" you were privy to that suggested George Bush would be a strong advocate for Liberty once he got into the White House.

We Libertarians spoke of the impossibility of moving towards Liberty from within the Republican Party. We mentioned Norman Thomas who ran for president for the Socialist Party six times and never won. Yet his platform was largely adopted by both the Republicans and Democrats. We invited Cato to join arms with the Libertarian Party and use us as a lever with the Republicans. I remember you chuckling as you perceived our reasoning to be naïve.

So now we've had 6 years of George W. Bush and a Congress ruled by Republicans and what does Liberty have to show for it?...very little in my view. I strongly feel Cato will never advance the cause of Liberty by negotiating with the Republicans while simultaneously living in their tent.

I'll support Cato if they get back to their Libertarian roots, roll up their sleeves and show the Republicans what they will lose if they don't take these issues seriously. I'm tired of seeing Republicans use Cato's agenda to secure support for their anti-Liberty agenda. When I see Cato's strategy working, I'll support it. In the meantime, I'll focus my energy locally and work to sell the Libertarian message. I can see progress here little by little…and I'm not seeing it at Cato.

Let me know how it goes. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

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