Us vs. Them

Reason's J.D. Tuccille takes a look at a writer for Salon magazine who seems to have his panties in a wad over an informal alliance between progressive groups and libertarians protesting NSA surveillance practices.

The writer agrees that NSA surveillance is a problem, but doesn't think progressives should be seen in the company of non- lefties protesting it. Libertarians are the enemy says he. It doesn't matter what issues you may agree on. The enemy is the enemy. Yuck!

Reminds me of years ago when I was a dues paying supporter of Gun Owners of America. I got wind of a situation that developed involving GOA boss- guy, Larry Pratt:

There was some gun control issue being fought over in the Northeast. I can't recall the exact state. A petition was written up and signed by groups who opposed the gun control measure. GOA signed as an interested party as did a number of other groups, including the Pink Pistols- a gay/ lesbian shooting group.

When Pratt heard of an LGBT group with their name alongside GOA's on the petition he had GOA remove their name from the petition- apparently being so worked up over homosexuals he couldn't even sign a petition on an issue he had common ground with them on. Yuck!

I stopped being a dues paying member of GOA because of that. Larry Pratt is one of the best I've heard when arguing against gun control issues, but when he can't even make a short termed alliance with a group because he dislikes that group over a totally unrelated issue, it makes me question not just his efficacy as a leader, but his common sense.

That's especially true when it's a single issue organization such as GOA. You don't get on bad terms with another group for something that has nothing to do with your issue. You get support wherever and from whomever you can.

That's why I like being with the libertarians. We can join with any group on any issue so long as it's in support of individual liberty.

I remember doing a Libertarian Party table at a gun show at Redwood Acres some years ago and having a short chat with the Republican Women's Federation at their hot dog and chili stand. I told them, "The Democrats wouldn't be seen dead doing a gun show. The Republicans wouldn't be seen dead doing a hempfest. That's what I like about being a libertarian: We can do both!".

As expected, mention of the hempfest didn't go over well with them, but that's not the point. The point being we'll join anyone in support of a common cause, even if some might think the other group is one  of Them.