Morning all,

Mr Gordon's article has some salient points, but I think the larger question is what do Libertarians or Independents need the GOP or the Democrats for? Both political brands are trashed and spinning in the wind, the republicans for the oft repeated abuses of the past eight years and the democrats for their astonishing excesses of the last 120 days or so.

A Gallup poll published 18 MAY 09 titled "GOP losses span nearly all demographic groups" reveals some startling data for my Libertarian brothers and any independents out there. When asked their basic party identification, 37% of the respondents to the poll answered "Independent" as opposed to 36% who identified themselves as Democrat and a measly 27% who identified themselves as Republican. Imagine that, the largest group of respondents in this latest poll declared themselves not to be either democrat or republican. So once again, why should Libertarians be concerned with helping either side gain or retain political power? Neither side has shown much concern for our basic positions of smaller government, lower taxes and more freedom. Both sides have squandered their political capital and the public's money in massive efforts to reward their respective core constiutencies at the expense of all of us.

It would appear that a major shift is occurring in America. The Tea Parties that sprang up nationwide in April are evidence that americans of all stripes are not satisfied with the status quo, and this poll reinforces that perception. The task at hand for the Libertarian Party is to get the word out to the 37%'ers that there is a third political party with a national organization that gives voice to their concerns and provides a viable alternative for change.

As Libertarians we should take heart from these developments and continue to raise our voices and our our keyboards to defend the republic, support the constitution and, most importantly, vote Libertarian.