By Matthew La CorteSpecial to the Chronicle
American politics have always been dominated by a two-party system. Currently, the Republican and Democratic parties remain at the forefront of the political world. But what the previous election demonstrates is that ideas of libertarianism are undeniably on the rise.
Recent state-level individual rights victories were decisive and inspiring. Massachusetts legalized medical marijuana to become the 19th state to allow sick people to receive treatment from cannabis. Colorado and Washington legalized marijuana to become the first two states to end cannabis prohibition. Gay marriage was legalized in Maryland, Maine and Washington.
Also Gary Johnson, the Libertarian Party presidential candidate, received 1.2 million votes, acquiring 1 percent of the popular vote. Also, eight libertarian-leaning Republicans won seats in the House and Senate.
Something must be said about the “Ron Paul Revolution,” which doubled voter totals from 2008 to 2012. Paul collected 10 percent of Republican primary votes in 2012 and energized crowds of young libertarian students. Paul’s son, Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), is actively blocking federal drug bans and Internet censorship bills.
More and more people are starting to reject the two parties, which place voters in an ideological box. Most party loyalists care less about issues and more about being on the “winning team.” Libertarianism is becoming more popular because young people understand that freedom works as it truly brings people together. A free society does not endorse lifestyles; it allows for the freedom of people to live how they see fit without harming others.
Student organizations such as Students For Liberty and Young Americans for Liberty are massively expanding worldwide to promote the philosophy of liberty.
Students For Liberty held 20 libertarian conferences this fall, 15 in America and five in Europe, with over 2600 attendees in total. Freedom is definitely popular.
In examining polls and the recent election, it is a safe bet that more states will legalize medical marijuana and gay marriage in the future. Legalization in Washington and Colorado will provide a clear case study to other states with massive budget issues and younger demographics on the benefits of legalization.
A recent Gallup poll showed that 20-23 percent of Americans fall into the category of being fiscally conservative and socially liberal. In essence, their poll finds roughly 20 percent of the electorate is ideologically libertarian. With tougher criteria, The Cato Institute’s recent study found about 15 percent are ideologically libertarian.
Libertarians are becoming an imperative part of the electorate. If Democrats want to continue winning elections, they must begin to sincerely push for gay rights, end marijuana prohibition and scale back of the American Empire abroad. If Republicans would like to continue competing in elections, they need to lose the social conservatism, reign in their hawkish war mentality and match their free-market rhetoric with action. Simply: both parties should begin to take cues from libertarian victories on the state level and accept the fact that libertarians are becoming a much larger part of the electorate.