Subject: PCP and LP
Issue: General
Date: September 13, 2004
Author: Ken Larsen

The last time I read the national platform of the LP was 1993. I don't know how they have changed it since, but at the time I could find nothing with which I disagree. Libertarianism is about limiting government to preventing us from initiating force on each other. I think that is exactly what Thomas Jefferson was writing about when he wrote down the political beliefs that were popular at his time and place. Each of us is equal. Each of us has personal rights. We must not violate each others' equal rights. The only just purpose of government is to protect those rights. It's all right there in the Declaration of Independence. That's what America should be about. That's also what the Libertarians are about. Unfortunately, the Libertarians have organized a party very similar to the others. The Personal Choice Party is very radically different. It is not about demanding consensus on every point. It's platform is the two words, "Personal Choice." Read the preamble to our constitution. Libertarians seem to have the practice that they must agree on everything before they can work together. Personal Choicers tolerate where they disagree so they can cooperate where they agree. You might say it is libertarianism in a libertarian package. I strongly doubt there are two candidates on our ticket who could not find some issues on which they disagree. We don't have any thought police. Each individual has total authority to decide what "personal choice" means for them. Nobody can say, "If you believe that way you can't be a true Personal Choicer. So, we are libertarian and a lot more. If you agree with me on any single issue, let's work together to make that issue happen, rather than try to change each other. Libertarianism is for thinkers. Personal Choice is for the other 95% who don't think. If we are successful in building a coalition that can make a difference, Libertarian candidates will be welcome with open arms, along with the Constitutions, Greens, Independent Americans, and yes, even the Republicans and Democrats who realize their parties have abandoned their founding principles. If you call your idea "Personal Choice" it is what the PCP means for you. You become a member by choosing to be a member. You stop being a member when you choose to stop. Nobody has the authority to challenge your interpretation of the platform.

Personal Choice is libertarianism raised to the second power.

The smiley face is our logo because it represents your right to your own pursuit of happiness : )

Ken