by Zach F

Created on: June 03, 2009   Last Updated: March 26, 2011

The future looks bright for the Libertarian Party for several reasons, which add up to quite a bit of potential momentum.

First, there is the general dissatisfaction with a mainstream political system, in which, the two parties drift closer and closer in principles and policies. As elections hinge less on actual proposals and more on vague promises of "hope" or "change," the savvy get frustrated. The rest of the population will slowly follow as they realize that the "change" and the "hope" they wanted, have been manifested in name and party only. This will drive people to look for a third party to put their hope in.

Moreover, the specific direction in which both parties are moving is a wake up call for members of both parties, and especially undecided voters. As the population and especially the younger generations become more socially liberal, both parties become more focused on socially conservative policies. The Democrats become less pushy on gay marriage, abortion, immigration, and such. Their President denounces "unconstitutional" justice systems, which denies civil rights to detainees, then when in office, announces that he plans on establishing new justice systems which deny civil rights to the same detainees (again, a change in name only).  This among several other promises for results of his first 100 days in office were unmet.

Meanwhile, the Republicans keep pushing the gay marriage issue. We still have a don't ask, don't tell policy and we still don't allow women in "front line" positions in our military. Given McCain's advanced age (and unlikelihood he will run for president again), the leading figureheads for the Republican Party are prominent figures on the religious right.

Economically, the Dems continue to tax, tax, tax and spend, spend, spend. Look at the recent string of bailouts, and the huge burden they put on taxpayers, both present and future. More striking, however, look at what the Republicans did(n't) even try to do to stop it. Look at the new government programs started during a Republican administration. Look at the Republican states and districts across the country who collect government handouts (in the form of earmarks and pork), as quickly as any tax and spend Democrat.

As the voters, and especially the voters who will be around and politically active for more than a couple more election cycles, drift one way and our two parties drift the other way, people will look for another option.

Why the Libertarian Party, though, as

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