November Election
I am torn right now between two candidates. One is a member of a party I identified with for my entire life (John McCain) and the other of as the potential nominee of the Libertarian Party of which I have just become a member. The decision is an important one and one that all Conservatives and Libertarians should consider if they truly support smaller government and individual liberty. The risks are large as a Democratic Presidency is very likely this year. The decision will be far from easy, as one will be a vote to keep the Democrat out of office while the other will be a vote based more on principal, and will not likely be resolved by myself well into the year, probably not until November.
Please take a moment to read this article by Bob Barr on his blog at bobbarr2008.com.
Light Up the Darkness
April 23, 2008 by Bob Barr
The time is drawing near for me to make a final decision on whether or not I will seek the presidential nomination of the Libertarian Party and run against John McCain and the Democrat candidate.
This decision does not come easy.
If I decide to run, not only will I be affected by the events of the next six months but my family, and those for whom I care, will be forced to sacrifice a great deal in their lives. Indeed, whatever the outcome of the election, my decision will impact the lives of my family for many years to come.
Powerful people and parties will do all that they can to discredit and discourage me and those close to me. As a matter of fact, this pressure has already started to a significant degree.
Just the other night, I discussed this matter with my friend, Russ Verney, who will be managing my campaign if I choose to run. Russ ran the campaigns for Ross Perot and witnessed firsthand what can and does happen when a credible, third party candidate enters the presidential arena.
Russ was completely candid with me and did not hold back on the tactics and strategies that will be used against me and my family.
This is both discouraging and infuriating, but it is a reality in today’s political climate. Anyone who dares to challenge the establishment, two-party system is bound to pay a price for such audacity.
While this factor alone hardens my resolve to seek the nomination, it also gives me pause in making a final decision.
In choosing my future path, I’ve thought back and imagined what some of my personal heroes would do in a similar situation.
One man I admire answers also to the name, “Bob.” He was a person possessed of a gift that allowed him to speak to and lift the spirits of other men and women with his words and music.
When watching a film one evening, I was reminded of an event in his life and how he inspired so many with what would normally have been an easy decision.
In December 1976, this other Bob, along with his family and friends, were rehearsing for an upcoming concert when gunmen burst into his home and opened fire.
Bob was wounded, with a round entering his chest and passing though his arm. His wife, Rita, had been struck with a bullet in the head while fleeing with their five children.
Both survived and were rushed to the hospital, treated and released a day later.
The following evening, the concert went on but, out of fear of further violence, without many of the acts that had been scheduled to play. Despite a realization that the main performer and others would most likely not appear, a crowd of 85,000 people managed to gather for the concert.
Not to be discouraged, Bob raced to the concert at the last minute and rushed onto the stage.
Wounded and more than likely staring at his own gunman in the crowd, Bob Marley promised the joyous audience, “just one song.” He and his wife Rita, wrapped in bandages, took the stage for 90 minutes.
Later, Bob was asked why he would go through the effort to perform just two days after being attacked. He answered simply, “The people who are trying to make this world worse are not taking a day off. How can I? Light up the darkness.”
I take faith in the brave words and actions of that man and his wife.
We live in increasingly dark times as the flames of liberty diminish with each new grasp at power by those who attempt to control our lives and our nation.
We have a responsibility to ensure that those flames burn brightly for others to see despite the overwhelming challenges that we face.
Because of those odds, it will take more than one man to carry a torch for liberty. It will take the tireless efforts of all of those who truly cherish freedom.
Only then can we light up the darkness.
In 2008, we will face a choice between two candidates, both of who seek to move us further away from freedom and toward increased government power.
Instead, I want to give our nation a choice for liberty.
My time for a decision is now, and I need to hear from you and know that I have your support today and when times get tough down the road.
In the coming days, call up a friend or talk to a neighbor to tell them about this race and the need for a pro-liberty candidate.
Not only do we have an opportunity to make in impact during this election year but I also believe we have an obligation to do so.
However, I cannot do this without your help.
Please do all you can — and together — we can carry a light of liberty to the people.
