I agree with the first commenter, I also oppose an open border. I also oppose amnesty for border hoppers. If you "reward bad behavior" you get more of it. The LP is for amnesty, as long as they do, they will NOT get one cent from me. Also, there is NOT enough outreach and advertising, so hardly anyone knows about the LP. There is also TONS of infighting about party by-laws. The LP is like a ship WITHOUT a rudder, going in no direction at all.
Jeffrey Lawson - 2 days ago
Basically all of the above. I really oppose open borders and I won't support any Libertarian who advocates for such.
Libertarians are branded as "right wing" and in California, that is the kiss of death.
Sandra Kallander aka IMissLiberty - 3 days ago
We have too many INTJ's, too many NT's, too many introverts. We need more willing candidates who are probably not introverts, and we need way more people who are Sensates, rather than iNtuitives. Sensates know how to deal with paperwork and regulation where necessary (and they know how to get around it, too). Plus, they're not satisfied with abstract ideas. Make it real. Sensates probably don't get bored at meetings either because they're playing games on their phone or they see what benefit the meeting is going to produce and they want to play a role.
INTJ's get bored thinking about having to attend meetings.
75% of the human population is Sensate (prioritizing their senses for a source of data--not dreaming it up by abstract thinking or feeling). 75% makes them dominate as voters. The messaging to them is different than it is for NT's (we have lots of these).
Meyers/Briggs (both were INTJ's, themselves) created an elegant way of describing personality differences. There is no question that the LP has the corner on programmers (especially old ones), mathematicians, physics teachers, insurance actuaries, economists, and the massively innovative segments of the legal, medical, and engineering professions. Too much of a good thing. We need to recruit their spouses and children, too.
I'm hopeful that when the dollar dies and no votes can be bought with them that the People will negotiate for smaller, limited government. Sensates can see, smell, hear, feel, and weigh the value of small government vs large, when it is up-close and personal. Sensates learn through sensory experience. We need more of them to vote and run for office and help keep the lights on, even if they are liberal, conservative, or authoritarian in their personalities. As long as they have learned the lesson that government is not the proper tool for most things, and that politics is not a sport (for making losers), and they can take the NAP. An authoritarian coach who doesn't want strangers to vote on how he plays a game should be welcome. A liberal helping of ice cream should always be welcome. Let's not confuse "libertarian" (personality) with "Libertarian" (LP member). Isn't it obvious?
Yes, if I had more time, I could edit this into something less iNtuitive.
Joe Shea - 3 days ago
I used to have a libertarian button that said, "Libertarians are pro-choice on everything", because back then it was a given that we opposed government interference against abortions. Then the coalition gang fell in love with Ron Paul and other Republicans of his ilk and eventually we tossed the pro-choice plank to appease the people we thought were going to join us. Predictably, giving up our principles (when that was basically all we had) for the chance of power led to us being neither powerful nor principled. When Roe v. Wade was overturned, we couldn't make any hay of that moment because we were just another timid group of politicians, but Green and PF parties could say they'd always been for abortion rights. Are there other problems with the LP? Sure, but this shows what happens when we give up on our principles.
Todd Brown - 4 days ago
I agree with the sentiments expressed by Ed and Brian - I don’t know what the LP stands for anymore, because it doesn’t stand for anything anymore as far as I can tell. Not out loud. So why would anyone without any previous association with libertarianism even pay any attention?
In the face of the two most blatant authoritarian assaults on liberty in recent memory—the covid crackdown and Trumpism—the LP has done, let alone even said—nothing.
I don’t think that under the current environment that much progress will be made toward growth by trying to focus on California-specific issues. Most people’s attentions are focused on international and national issues because that is what dominates the media and because of the individual who is dominating center-stage. It’s a target-rich environment in that regard, but where is the LP? Take a look at the press releases being put out by the national party: an esoteric dissertation on federal investment in private companies. Who cares about that with the government violence bombarding the airwaves every day?
With the exception of Richard Fields, I don’t recall anyone in the LP with a platform calling out Donald Trump by name for his authoritarian actions (I hope I am wrong about that). The LP as an organization has been hiding in the weeds from my perspective. With Trump’s approval rating touching the 30’s, what is it afraid of? It should be leveraging this golden opportunity.
Ever since the 2024 national convention debacle I wouldn’t even label the LP as “Republican-lite” but rather “Trumpian-right”. If anyone off the street even knows of the LP, likely that would be their impression, because that was the goal of the LP leadership at that point. I know because I was involved in a late-email chain with the lot of them just after their announcement inviting Trump.
Most people generally care about two issues: their personal financial situation, or government oppression because of their personal status or beliefs.
With respect to the first item, people’s current financial straits can easily be tied to several top of the news items:
•Illegal wars
•Tariffs
•Monumental deficit spending
•Unauthorized expenditures on stomach-turning vanity projects, e.g., ballrooms, arches, renaming of government property, $250 bills with a still living President’s visage.
With regard to the second item:
•A virulent anti-LGBTQ agenda
•Violent anti-Latino acts, against both immigrants and citizens
•Delisting “approved” religions in the eyes of the military
In the past, opposition to all of the above would have been shouted from the mountain top by the LP.
Since the national organization apparently has no stomach for any of the above national-level issues (I have sent innumerable messages to them in that regard), if the LPC wants to grab attention for itself it should perhaps get out in front with these high-visibility topics.
Sorry for the over-long rant, but you do allow up to 4000 characters!
David Carlton - 4 days ago
All of the Above .
Brian Ott - 4 days ago
The Libertarian Party was silent during Covid tyranny in California to my knowledge. That hopefully was the biggest assault we will ever see on our freedom and the biggest exaggeration of a crisis (my opinion), but to me the Party failed completely when needed the most. I did talk with someone from the party afterwards that changes had been made, but that is what soured my enthusiasm for the Party even though I heavily agree in principle.
As far as I can tell, the public face of the Libertarian Party is "Lower taxes uber alles!" Everywhere I turn, I see Librarians agains this or that bond measure. That doesn't excite people. Libertarians need to be front sand center on freedom: medical freedom, educational freedom, religious freedom, and all the rest. There should be a Libertarian opinion expressed for every bill that comes before the legislature, either for or against. We need to look to be sponsors or dissent4ers for every issue, so voters know what side of everything we're on.
ROY J. KENDALL - 4 days ago
Let's listen.
At my last LP Convention I had an expensive handout about the USS Liberty, June 8, 1967 attack by both Israel and USA, torn up by a member. One June 8th, 2026, Massie spoke on the Floor about requesting an investigation. What is the LP response to requesting an investigation. 559-901-1974 call me.
Let's be honest.
Honestly do we have any mutual responsibility? By stander effect? Kitty Genovese effect? Do we want pregnant women drinking alcohol or smoking cannabis? or men? think epigenetics. Agent Orange? Radiation.
watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoy5zh2Rr_8&t=7s
Let's offer a solution.
Education and Leadership and Motivation will win elections and change public attitude. Think smoking?
Today. What is the LP position on the USS Liberty? Building #7. ae911truth.org
What is the LP stand for? I was told by a volunteer at the last convention that I attended that the LP was republican lite. Is it?
ab initio. What is the LP solution to______________________________________________________________.
Personally I would vote for Massey.
What do we have to loose?
If we keep digging in the hole that we are in....
Do we have 20 years before we financially BK? Can it be stopped?
What do LP agree on?
Please contact me asap 559-901-1974 or royjkendall@hotmail.com
thank you, Roy J. Kendall
Craig Strachan - 4 days ago
The LP has a superstructure, but no infrastructure.
Edward Teyssier - 4 days ago
Nobody knows anymore about what the LP stands for. It's not relevant because the LP isn't DOING anything. I have, repeatedly, urge that the LP form a coalition with those other groups on those ideas that we agree. Carl Demaio is leading the anti-tax charge in California. I don't know if the LP is still against tax increases or not. I remember that, back about 20 years ago, the LP was the leading political party against taxes. Now, I'm not sure what the LP 's position is. If the LP is still against tax increases WHY isn't it supporting Demaio's efforts in that regard?
Fred Singer - 4 days ago
Most people are not ideologically oriented. There is a limited audience for philosophical discussions. The message should be how the application of libertarian principles can help with the “kitchen table” issues of jobs, housing, education.
Rather than a “government should do nothing” message, we should say: “You want to spend billions to “solve” a problem? Ok, but first let’s peel back existing policies that have either caused the problem or made it a lot worse and then see where we are.”
It’s a matter of tone. Let’s be the adults in the room, explaining how we can’t tax, spend and regulate our way to prosperity, not the wild-eyed crazies promoting an anarcho-capitalist utopia (we can save that for later!).
Brett - 4 days ago
I think Libertarians are too often seen as dogmatic nut cases. Not sure what the solution is. I think the future of the movement may lie in pushing for Libertarian wings within the two major parties. You might eventually have enough Libertarian leaning members of the two major parties that they could find common ground to enact Libertarian ideals.
California Libertarians too often mistake arguing about party bylaws with activism. The fact that you participate in endless debates at a state convention is not a plus; it actually reduces your social impact because it diverts you from interacting with people in the real world. For me, I am much happier and much more effective working with non-libertarians in a local taxpayer organization to selectively fight ballot measures.
I agree with the first commenter, I also oppose an open border. I also oppose amnesty for border hoppers. If you "reward bad behavior" you get more of it. The LP is for amnesty, as long as they do, they will NOT get one cent from me. Also, there is NOT enough outreach and advertising, so hardly anyone knows about the LP. There is also TONS of infighting about party by-laws. The LP is like a ship WITHOUT a rudder, going in no direction at all.
Basically all of the above. I really oppose open borders and I won't support any Libertarian who advocates for such.
Libertarians are branded as "right wing" and in California, that is the kiss of death.
We have too many INTJ's, too many NT's, too many introverts. We need more willing candidates who are probably not introverts, and we need way more people who are Sensates, rather than iNtuitives. Sensates know how to deal with paperwork and regulation where necessary (and they know how to get around it, too). Plus, they're not satisfied with abstract ideas. Make it real. Sensates probably don't get bored at meetings either because they're playing games on their phone or they see what benefit the meeting is going to produce and they want to play a role.
INTJ's get bored thinking about having to attend meetings.
75% of the human population is Sensate (prioritizing their senses for a source of data--not dreaming it up by abstract thinking or feeling). 75% makes them dominate as voters. The messaging to them is different than it is for NT's (we have lots of these).
Meyers/Briggs (both were INTJ's, themselves) created an elegant way of describing personality differences. There is no question that the LP has the corner on programmers (especially old ones), mathematicians, physics teachers, insurance actuaries, economists, and the massively innovative segments of the legal, medical, and engineering professions. Too much of a good thing. We need to recruit their spouses and children, too.
I'm hopeful that when the dollar dies and no votes can be bought with them that the People will negotiate for smaller, limited government. Sensates can see, smell, hear, feel, and weigh the value of small government vs large, when it is up-close and personal. Sensates learn through sensory experience. We need more of them to vote and run for office and help keep the lights on, even if they are liberal, conservative, or authoritarian in their personalities. As long as they have learned the lesson that government is not the proper tool for most things, and that politics is not a sport (for making losers), and they can take the NAP. An authoritarian coach who doesn't want strangers to vote on how he plays a game should be welcome. A liberal helping of ice cream should always be welcome. Let's not confuse "libertarian" (personality) with "Libertarian" (LP member). Isn't it obvious?
Yes, if I had more time, I could edit this into something less iNtuitive.
I used to have a libertarian button that said, "Libertarians are pro-choice on everything", because back then it was a given that we opposed government interference against abortions. Then the coalition gang fell in love with Ron Paul and other Republicans of his ilk and eventually we tossed the pro-choice plank to appease the people we thought were going to join us. Predictably, giving up our principles (when that was basically all we had) for the chance of power led to us being neither powerful nor principled. When Roe v. Wade was overturned, we couldn't make any hay of that moment because we were just another timid group of politicians, but Green and PF parties could say they'd always been for abortion rights. Are there other problems with the LP? Sure, but this shows what happens when we give up on our principles.
I agree with the sentiments expressed by Ed and Brian - I don’t know what the LP stands for anymore, because it doesn’t stand for anything anymore as far as I can tell. Not out loud. So why would anyone without any previous association with libertarianism even pay any attention?
In the face of the two most blatant authoritarian assaults on liberty in recent memory—the covid crackdown and Trumpism—the LP has done, let alone even said—nothing.
I don’t think that under the current environment that much progress will be made toward growth by trying to focus on California-specific issues. Most people’s attentions are focused on international and national issues because that is what dominates the media and because of the individual who is dominating center-stage. It’s a target-rich environment in that regard, but where is the LP? Take a look at the press releases being put out by the national party: an esoteric dissertation on federal investment in private companies. Who cares about that with the government violence bombarding the airwaves every day?
With the exception of Richard Fields, I don’t recall anyone in the LP with a platform calling out Donald Trump by name for his authoritarian actions (I hope I am wrong about that). The LP as an organization has been hiding in the weeds from my perspective. With Trump’s approval rating touching the 30’s, what is it afraid of? It should be leveraging this golden opportunity.
Ever since the 2024 national convention debacle I wouldn’t even label the LP as “Republican-lite” but rather “Trumpian-right”. If anyone off the street even knows of the LP, likely that would be their impression, because that was the goal of the LP leadership at that point. I know because I was involved in a late-email chain with the lot of them just after their announcement inviting Trump.
Most people generally care about two issues: their personal financial situation, or government oppression because of their personal status or beliefs.
With respect to the first item, people’s current financial straits can easily be tied to several top of the news items:
•Illegal wars
•Tariffs
•Monumental deficit spending
•Unauthorized expenditures on stomach-turning vanity projects, e.g., ballrooms, arches, renaming of government property, $250 bills with a still living President’s visage.
With regard to the second item:
•A virulent anti-LGBTQ agenda
•Violent anti-Latino acts, against both immigrants and citizens
•Delisting “approved” religions in the eyes of the military
In the past, opposition to all of the above would have been shouted from the mountain top by the LP.
Since the national organization apparently has no stomach for any of the above national-level issues (I have sent innumerable messages to them in that regard), if the LPC wants to grab attention for itself it should perhaps get out in front with these high-visibility topics.
Sorry for the over-long rant, but you do allow up to 4000 characters!
All of the Above .
The Libertarian Party was silent during Covid tyranny in California to my knowledge. That hopefully was the biggest assault we will ever see on our freedom and the biggest exaggeration of a crisis (my opinion), but to me the Party failed completely when needed the most. I did talk with someone from the party afterwards that changes had been made, but that is what soured my enthusiasm for the Party even though I heavily agree in principle.
As far as I can tell, the public face of the Libertarian Party is "Lower taxes uber alles!" Everywhere I turn, I see Librarians agains this or that bond measure. That doesn't excite people. Libertarians need to be front sand center on freedom: medical freedom, educational freedom, religious freedom, and all the rest. There should be a Libertarian opinion expressed for every bill that comes before the legislature, either for or against. We need to look to be sponsors or dissent4ers for every issue, so voters know what side of everything we're on.
Let's listen.
At my last LP Convention I had an expensive handout about the USS Liberty, June 8, 1967 attack by both Israel and USA, torn up by a member. One June 8th, 2026, Massie spoke on the Floor about requesting an investigation. What is the LP response to requesting an investigation. 559-901-1974 call me.
Let's be honest.
Honestly do we have any mutual responsibility? By stander effect? Kitty Genovese effect? Do we want pregnant women drinking alcohol or smoking cannabis? or men? think epigenetics. Agent Orange? Radiation.
watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoy5zh2Rr_8&t=7s
Let's offer a solution.
Education and Leadership and Motivation will win elections and change public attitude. Think smoking?
Today. What is the LP position on the USS Liberty? Building #7. ae911truth.org
What is the LP stand for? I was told by a volunteer at the last convention that I attended that the LP was republican lite. Is it?
ab initio. What is the LP solution to______________________________________________________________.
Personally I would vote for Massey.
What do we have to loose?
If we keep digging in the hole that we are in....
Do we have 20 years before we financially BK? Can it be stopped?
What do LP agree on?
Please contact me asap 559-901-1974 or royjkendall@hotmail.com
thank you, Roy J. Kendall
The LP has a superstructure, but no infrastructure.
Nobody knows anymore about what the LP stands for. It's not relevant because the LP isn't DOING anything. I have, repeatedly, urge that the LP form a coalition with those other groups on those ideas that we agree. Carl Demaio is leading the anti-tax charge in California. I don't know if the LP is still against tax increases or not. I remember that, back about 20 years ago, the LP was the leading political party against taxes. Now, I'm not sure what the LP 's position is. If the LP is still against tax increases WHY isn't it supporting Demaio's efforts in that regard?
Most people are not ideologically oriented. There is a limited audience for philosophical discussions. The message should be how the application of libertarian principles can help with the “kitchen table” issues of jobs, housing, education.
Rather than a “government should do nothing” message, we should say: “You want to spend billions to “solve” a problem? Ok, but first let’s peel back existing policies that have either caused the problem or made it a lot worse and then see where we are.”
It’s a matter of tone. Let’s be the adults in the room, explaining how we can’t tax, spend and regulate our way to prosperity, not the wild-eyed crazies promoting an anarcho-capitalist utopia (we can save that for later!).
I think Libertarians are too often seen as dogmatic nut cases. Not sure what the solution is. I think the future of the movement may lie in pushing for Libertarian wings within the two major parties. You might eventually have enough Libertarian leaning members of the two major parties that they could find common ground to enact Libertarian ideals.
California Libertarians too often mistake arguing about party bylaws with activism. The fact that you participate in endless debates at a state convention is not a plus; it actually reduces your social impact because it diverts you from interacting with people in the real world. For me, I am much happier and much more effective working with non-libertarians in a local taxpayer organization to selectively fight ballot measures.
All of the above!