This page contains selected current event issues of interest to libertarians. If you want a particular issue highlighted here, please contact us.

Changing Party Affiliation

Not everyone was born Libertarian. Many people first register with the political party to which their parents or friends belong. That’s a good place to start. Later, when people discover their philosophical or issue stances aren't aligned with the party’s platform. The majority of these seekers find the Libertarian party to be a good fit. What’s their next step?

Glenn Beck, national radio show host and host of the “Glenn Beck Show” on CNN (Bresnan Channel 27) considers himself “Libertarian at heart,” and that seems obvious from his pubic opinions and focus of his broadcasts. Yet, Beck retains his Republican Party registration.

It isn’t unusual to find registered Democrats and Republicans regularly attending Libertarian functions. They choose to fight for Libertarian principles within their old political parties. Janie, a registered Libertarian from the Oklahoma told me she was changing party affiliation to Republican, so that she could vote for Ron Paul in the Republican Presidential Primary. Colorado does not participate in the Presidential Primary for which many states are now preparing, so Janie’s efforts would be wasted here.

Others feel betrayed by their old party’s drift from the traditional platform or its stance on key issues. They want to make clean breaks from their old parties, register as Libertarians, and show loyalty only to the Libertarian party.

Janice Rich, Mesa County Clerk & Recorder, said the deadline for changing party affiliation to participate in the neighborhood political caucus passed, but the deadline is July 14, 2008 for changing party affiliation to participate in the 2008 elections. The process to change party affiliation is to fill out a form available at the local DMVs, the Mesa County Election office, or online at http://vote.mesacounty.us

Net Neutrality

Without Net Neutrality, websites like this one wouldn't exist. Right now, the internet in the US functions like a democracy. All content is available for those who choose to view that content. Large cable and telephone companies are lobbying Congress to change this. They want the internet to be regulated similarly to cable and radio stations. The ISPs would control which internet channels (content and websites) are available to its subscribers. Both Senators Allard and Salazar have undeclared positions on the issue of net neutrality.The official libertarian position on this issue supports net neutrality and rejects additional government regulation and censorship. This video explains net neutrality. For more information visit http://savetheinternet.com Join us in our local forum to discuss net neutrality.