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A quick update from Christine Smith, December 8th, 2007
I have received over 100 replies to my December 6, 2007 message.
Approximately 95% of those are from individuals who have left the LP (most of them
current Ron Paul supporters) or are current members who are experiencing similar
disillusionment with the LP as I have; with many sharing personal stories of the
reasons they left or are thinking of leaving. The other 5% of messages have come
from LP members asking me to stay in the race and be a leader in the LP, but
few of them cared to contribute to help me be the leader they say they want in the LP.
My goal is advancing liberty and joining only with others who share that commitment.
I thank each of you for taking the time to write and share so much with me; my suspicion
about the LP is being confirmed.
A message from Christine Smith, December 6th, 2007
Why did Ron Paul leave the LP as a means to advance liberty as a candidate? I'm asking this of myself over and
over. Is the reason because he saw the LP as a futile path? A waste of his time and energy? No place for an
individual who really wants to be part of achieving liberty in America now? For myself, as someone who is
devoted to advancing liberty and sharing libertarianism, I am having serious doubts as to whether the LP
deserves individuals willing to give of themselves so selflessly. Perhaps Ron Paul's experiences brought
him to such a point and decision. I know my experiences with the LP are pointing that way.
Every several days, it seems I learn of yet another individual I respect who has left the LP, and always for
reasons I now more completely understand than ever before.
They are individuals who achieve progress in advocating liberty. They are the truest libertarians I have ever met.
And they left the LP.
These are all individuals who tried to make a difference within the LP and finally made the decision that the LP
was unworthy of their continued support and participation, that the LP did not deserve what they offered to give,
that they could accomplish much more good work for liberty outside the LP rather than within it
(and they've done it!).
I am at a point where I am seriously questioning whether the LP is a political party to take seriously at all
or is it primarily a place for those who merely sit around and talk and argue but never actually do anything
of substance? Is it a place where winners (those who actually work hard to achieve progress and success in
advancing liberty in our nation) find themselves surrounded by losers (those whose priority is not liberty
but who use the cause of liberty for other agendas)?
I have been reluctant to follow that line of thinking until now.
Because now, the more experiences I have, the more I wonder if all those who left the party are right.
I know it was the right choice for themselves because I see them joyfully doing good work which makes a difference,
and now I also am thinking that maybe they are right about the utter failure of the LP as a means to make
meaningful progress toward liberty...maybe it is a waste of one's time.
Since writing 'I Will Not Compromise - An Open Letter to libertarians,' I have obviously become even more
discouraged, and even more disillusioned about the LP.
I am yet undecided, and though I yet am making a conscious choice to believe there is yet hope and yet a
possibility that the LP may be a viable vehicle to advance liberty, I am uncertain. I am discouraged.
I am wondering...and I am watching.
Meanwhile, my appreciation goes to Ron Paul (and his supporters) for doing more to advance liberty in this nation than anyone has ever done in the political arena before.
I Will Not Compromise - An Open Letter to libertarians
by Christine Smith, Libertarian candidate for president
November 25th, 2007
“Compromise is but the sacrifice of one right or good in the hope of retaining another--too often ending in the loss of both.”
Tryon Edwards (American Theologian, 1809-1894)
I have hope in the LP, although some long-time Libertarians/libertarians (former members & previous activists),
individuals whom I deeply respect have told me they feel otherwise and they tell me that I, as they did years ago,
will become disillusioned with the LP as a means to affect the political climate of our nation. They indicate that
it is not just the entrenchment of the two-party system of bias in our country that I'm up against, but also that
it will be the LP itself which will most disappoint me. They tell me they hope I do not turn away from politics
just because of the discouraging disappointment they predict I will experience because of the LP--again, they were
not referring to the battle of bringing our message of liberty to the American people but to the disillusionment
they predict I will develop, based on their experiences, about this political party itself.
Essentially, I've been
told that a principled, anti-statist, no-compromise articulate Libertarian is not what the LP will accept, embrace
or support. They say the mediocrity and incompetence, and worse yet the lack of integrity I will find in the LP,
will show me it is no place for someone who takes their politics seriously. That I will come to find it to be
intolerable, as they did, because finding oneself embroiled in LP politics furthers not our cause of liberty, but
certainly can take its toll on the one trying to make a positive difference. They tell me the LP is its own worst
enemy and barrier to success, and that I would do far better to advance liberty in other ways since the LP in all
its years has yet to embrace the vision I and so many other Libertarians hope for it. I listen and ponder what
has been shared with me because they are individuals who I respect due to the views we share (our commitment to
advancing liberty). They tell me that perhaps I will have to suffer my own experience to learn what they learned
years ago...perhaps so...because again, at this point, I still have hope and am choosing to yet believe that the
LP is still the party of principle...that it can be recharged/salvaged by liberty-minded individuals.
That hope still exists in me despite negative experiences I've already had (experiences which certainly are
evidence for those who have had shared with me their own disillusionment with the LP...these experiences
certainly give me pause and make me wonder), but yes that hope still exist in me solely because of the good
Libertarians I have thus far met and heard from across the country. I think there are enough of us who sincerely
care about the future of the LP as a political party who will not let it be destroyed--enough of us who do value
principle and who will not compromise.
As a Libertarian, I fundamentally believe in freedom...free enterprise...free movement of people...freedom of
association...freedom over our own bodies...freedom to live in any way we choose as long as it harms no other...always
freedom...always economic and personal liberty.
Since beginning my campaign, I have learned much about people, politics, and the LP...those who share my commitment to freedom and those who do not.
Truth is my highest priority. Thus, my respect is only for those whose character is one of integrity, and I am
fortunate in having had opportunity to meet such rare individuals during this campaign.
Though we may disagree with one another in terms of approaches to creating the solutions, we enter into constructive
dialogue free from attacks or hostility against one another. We truly want to share with one another in our quest
to learn, grow, and make progress in society. And for me 'progress' means advancing liberty...restoring protections
for our intrinsic freedoms as human beings. It means noninterventionism. It means limiting government at all
times...never growing it. That's the progress I devote myself to in this country, and is why I choose to enter
the political arena. Those principles comprise my platform on every issue-no exceptions.
I will not compromise those principles.
I believe the truest test of one's integrity is whether one will unequivocally refuse to compromise the principles one
espouses-regardless of the possible 'gain' you are offered or may receive.
I joined the LP because of it being the 'Party of Principle,' and I am glad to say I have met plenty of Libertarians
who also cherish principle.
But I have also encountered a number who believe that to advance their agenda (even if it is a goal we agree on as
Libertarians) justifies compromising principle.
Some have gone so far as to promise my campaign much support if only I would modify/weaken my platform by to getting
rid of its 'radical' stances as they perceived it. They wanted me to become 'moderate' in my libertarianism and in
turn they offered me support.
Well, I reject such compromise.
The end does not justify the means.
You can't be 'moderate' when it comes to principle, just as you can't be 'moderate' in matters of right and wrong.
'Moderation? It's mediocrity, fear, and confusion in disguise. It's the devil's dilemma. It's neither doing nor not
doing. It's the wobbling compromise that makes no one happy. Moderation is for the bland, the apologetic, for the
fence-sitters of the world afraid to take a stand. It's for those afraid to laugh or cry, for those afraid to live
or die. Moderation...is lukewarm tea, the devil's own brew.'--Dan Millman from The Way of the Peaceful Warrior.
Such moderation is why we've got a majority of politicians nationwide who do nothing that promotes liberty
which is in the true best interests of the American people, but who use moderation as a means to advance
political agendas and careers.
It was because of principle, and its clear elucidation in our previous platform, that I found a political home in the LP.
No perceived political advantage for my campaign, my political party, or our shared goals of advancing liberty,
is worth compromising that which I hold dearest: principle.
Compromise is only valid in areas where there is more than black and white...where there can be a middle ground
or gray area if you will...But when it comes to principle--you either have it or not. Principle, by its very
definition, cannot be compromised...it can only be forsaken and thereby destroyed.
Principles mean something only if you adhere to them...once they are compromised, they cease to exist.
I appreciate 'The Party of Principle,' though it appears there is a substantial infiltration of people into the
LP who would prefer it become 'The Party of Compromise.' Some have told me it has been this way for years. Those
who value principle feel alone, some have left being involved in the political realm of the LP altogether,
others despair...and others are willing to, at this point, continue to actively work for principles of liberty
through the LP.
My political principles stem from my values: They emanate from my heart and mind's awareness that only liberty for
all and in all circumstances holds the key to advancement in society.
Whose liberty would you sacrifice to supposedly gain some advantage?
On every political issue where I see a Libertarian compromise, I see that for their supposed gain of 'freedom' they
are willing to let some people continue to suffer persecution at the hands of government. Big government is all
about compromise of principle and to the degree a Libertarian compromises they, too, are pro big-government.
Compromise, for political expediency, results in the loss of integrity...and a willingness to engage in all
manner of evils since compromise once it enters a person always promises more and more gain--all at the cost of
the individual's integrity, a group's goodness, and a society's future. It is an endless march to defeat for the
individual as well as any group or organization.
It is due to compromise of principle that human rights, civil liberties, and economic freedom has been abandoned
in America. We are so much less than we could be due to compromise...it is the cause of the statist mentality.
Government is not the answer, it is the problem.
I believe we can create the freest most peaceful society in the world if we adhere to principle, and that is why
I became a Libertarian, to join with like-minded individuals committed to principle.
That which I've always believed separated the LP from the other political party (I now regard both main political
parties as essentially one party-the party of big-government, big spending, big oppression), was our adherence to
principle.
Thus, on every issue - I will not compromise. On every social and economic issue I unequivocally support freedom.
My Libertarian stances on issues such as U.S. government empire building/militarism/worldwide aggression, immigration,
taxation, free trade, the drug war, equal legal/economic/governmental treatment of all Americans, are not negotiable.
To compromise in any of these areas is to deny liberty to someone.
Compromise is the enemy of any individual committed to truth.
Compromise is the enemy of any worthy good cause.
Compromise is the enemy of character and integrity.
In short, compromise is the enemy of liberty.
There are areas which we some Libertarians choose to support (even if it doesn't eliminate government intrusion
completely) because it will limit or cut government...but never can what I define as a 'Libertarian' agree to
compromise in any area which directly results in the growth of government or results in restriction of any
other's liberty/freedom of choice as to how they wish to live their life.
Why do some choose to compromise principle? I believe there are only two emotions in life: love and fear. Love
is bold, strong and courageous. Fear is weak and takes many forms. Those who compromise principle are full of
fear: fear of rejection, fear of not having enough, fear of losing something, fear of ridicule; the list is
nearly endless. Fear, too, is the reason so many in America have accepted trading liberty for 'safety.'
Compromise of principle, for example, is exemplified in many of the U.S. government actions we as Libertarians reject
such as suspension of habeas corpus, torture, regime change, the deaths of millions of innocent civilians worldwide
due to our military interventions worldwide, the suffering of all the victims of the insane 'War on Drugs,' etc.
Compromise of principle is responsible for the ills of the welfare state, taxation, and enormous oppressive
government regulations and mandates--all of which inhibit your freedom as an American. Any why was principle
compromised? For some perceived gain the government thought it would attain and some perceived gain it promised
the people...power...control...greed...presented to the American people in the guise of compassionate
assistance/help. All charity must be voluntary--not funded by extortion upon the American people by the force
of government. But again, those are just more examples of compromise of the fundamental values
(such as self reliance) which created our great nation, and now without which, we see our nation sadly
spiraling downward.
All of the oppression we now are burdened with under this government is a direct result of compromise: Compromise of the very principles this nation was founded on: individual liberty and personal responsibility.
Everyone who has been a part of rubberstamping such policy has compromised principle...and others worldwide
suffer as a result...and we as Americans suffer because of what our government has inflicted upon others as well
as directly upon ourselves.
Compromise is what we see in the majority of politicians. Compromise makes them equivocate...they don't answer
straight because they fear alienating some group of people...they fear standing for anything less they loose
support...and thus they stand for nothing but the corrupt status quo we now have.
Allowing any compromise of principle results in corruption. A little compromise...a little corruption...like a little poison...is never the answer.
'Have you ever asked yourself why one person is honorable and another dishonorable; why one is honest, another
dishonest; why one is moral, another immoral? Most individuals do not intend to be dishonest, dishonorable, or
immoral. They seem to allow their characters to erode by a series of rationalizations, lies, and compromises.
Then when grave temptation presents itself, they haven't the strength of character to do what they know to be
right.' --Ezra Taft Benson (1899 - 1994) from 'Be True to God, Country, and Self.'
Why did I choose to seek the LP presidential nomination? Because we need a powerful strongly principled knowledgeable
Libertarian candidate who will be a bold, courageous, and charismatic voice for liberty...an uncompromising
spokesperson for liberty and for the LP....and someone with the personal energy to commit themselves to the
task before them. I personally know of only a few such individuals in the LP who fit that description -- and
none of them chose to run. Had they, I could have wholeheartedly supported them...but as one essentially told
me 'Better you, than I' in regards to the stress I have/will undergo in this campaign.
Physical and mental stress is something I deal well with...I am a strong individual. But I confess the greatest
stress of this campaign has not been what many would imagine, it has been the pain of seeing just how many
Libertarians are willing to compromise...just how many resort to the realm of lies, deception, and attempts
at manipulation...just how many believe the end justifies the means. But still, I believe non-Libertarians
masquerading as 'Libertarians' for their own ego-agendas (all those big fish in a little pond playing at
politics), as well as Libertarians who choose to compromise principle for some gain politically, are merely a
minority (though at times a vocal minority) within the LP; I do not believe they represent nor wield superior
power against the principled majority of good Libertarians, many of whom I've had the pleasure of meeting or
speaking with during my campaign.
Time will tell...but at this point I yet have hope, I have enthusiasm for the LP, and I want to try and advance
liberty in this way. I yet believe there are enough principled Libertarians to make a difference
in our party, and across our country. I believe this because I have met, spoken with, and heard from so many
of you! I still believe each of us can be part of advancing liberty through the LP.
I do yet have hope...I have hope in you.
In my life, and as your Libertarian presidential candidate in 2008, I will always work boldly and courageously
on behalf of principle.
I will never compromise principle. I will never compromise what is right.
I value dialogue, discussion, and debate...as each of us have differing perceptions and thus ideas as to how
we can achieve liberty...but I will never compromise the principle behind my politics.
I will only support positions that advance liberty never limit it; I will only support positions that make
government smaller and never increase it; I will only support positions that protect freedom not hinder it.
These are core principles which I will never compromise.
Principle is the standard by which I choose to live my life and to serve.
Principle is how we achieve liberty.
I hope there are enough Libertarians who wish this political party to be one of integrity and ethics committed
to Libertarian principle...that we be a party of the people--all people--growing by reaching out with Libertarian
solutions to people from all walks of life (for it is those most oppressed by government who stand to gain so
much from Libertarianism and yet is those it appears our party has most neglected in enlightening and
recruiting)...that we be a party advocating freedom always on all issues. This is what I devote myself to
in my writing, public speaking, and now in this campaign.
I dedicate myself to the achievement of what I personally believe is the highest ideal the will, the spirit of
humanity, can work toward in this world: the triumph of liberty. And I will not compromise my principles in
the struggle.
Thus I decided to step forward and serve my party in this way due to my principles, my ability to communicate
(as evidenced at all the LP Conventions I have attended and the many radio shows reaching millions of Americans
nationwide I have been on since this campaign began), and my ability to devote myself to traveling this country
to passionately and energetically share our message with non-Libertarians.
As your 2008 LP presidential candidate, I will work diligently for the principles Libertarians hold dear, bringing
our uncompromising message of liberty to millions of Americans.
Unless we remain true to principle, and reach out to all Americans through excellent candidates/spokespersons
willing to passionately share liberty nationwide, I despair for the future of the LP many worked so hard for
in years past. But I am choosing to believe that those who have personally tried to get me to compromise, and
those who themselves compromise principle within our party, are the exception.
It is up to you who will not compromise to be part of creating true economic and social liberty in America...to
be part of restoring the constitutional republic we were meant to be. If you share this vision, work for it
hard...for you are the only hope which remains for the nation, and you are certainly the only hope for the LP
if it is to even survive. Can true Libertarians reverse what has been happening to the party; do they have
the will to come together to do so? Is it possible given the state of the LP now? Can a strongly principled,
uncompromising, anti-statist LP presidential candidate be part of such change? I'm making the choice to try
through my campaign...many others are obviously making that choice as well in their activism...the result remains
to be seen.
Libertarians, it is your choice.
Christine Smith
Libertarian Candidate for President
http://www.LibertarianForPresident.com
Christine Smith for President
15400 W. 64th Ave., E9-105
Arvada, Colorado 80007
(303) 731-5879
PAID FOR BY CHRISTINE SMITH FOR PRESIDENT
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