My favorite news article from today was this summary and analysis of alternative party candidates and their stances on economic issues at the “Amateur Economists” website. While I disagree that people’s McCain and Obama dissatisfactions stem from their lack of economic knowledge (since most people don’t really understand economics anyway), I do agree that economics is important enough to do a little extra research to make an informed decision.

After reading this article, I’m still in the Barr camp. I agree that it would be great for more emphasis on Fed policy and oversight. I think that indicates a deeper knowledge of economic theory and application to include the Fed in any economic considerations. I’m sure most (but definitely not all) Libertarians are fine with his economic views. His slightly more conservative social views are another issue, however.

One of my favorite political horserace sites is Electoral-Vote.com. In addition to a daily run down of new polls and current projected candidate electoral counts, there’s usually an interesting commentary from the Votemaster. Today’s commentary mentioned the fight over political party platforms. On this the Votemaster stated:

Nobody ever reads the party platforms anyway, but activists are willing to draw blood to get them their way. It is probably the only aspect of American politics where ideas dominate.

He’s probably right considering that his site generally only recognizes Democratic and Republican candidates. However, when considering alternative political parties, he’s not quite right. As a Libertarian, I know that platforms occassionally are considered sources of ideas for negative attacks. And activists do their darnedest to make the platform represent the philosophy. Usually, alternative political parties and their candidates even express these ideas (often to their electoral deaths). I would say that this is the other place where ideas dominate in politics. But the general reluctance of people to vote for these idea-filled candidates gives us an insight to the American’s regard for the concept of ideas in politics.

It’s that time of the year again. Independence Day is one of my favorite days of the year, but for the past six years it has been more of a bittersweet experience. Ever since that first July 4th after 9/11, I just haven’t been able to really feel free. I often sarcastically say that we are still free to pay our taxes, still free to get a driver’s license, and when we want to say something, we are now free to go to a “free speech zone” to say what we want to say — so why am I complaining? Yeah, there’s been a marked reduction in freedom over the few years. A frog will allow itself to be boiled alive as the temperature in the pot is slowly raised. So goes our freedoms.

As typical also for this time of the year, I am also railing on about the perception that we have a choice — a choice of two polished, professional politicians to vote for every year. While this angst is typically geared toward getting political parties on the ballot, my focus is now encompassing the plight of the lone write-in candidate whose votes get thrown out if they can’t complete a petition drive before the election (as is the case in North Carolina).

But even getting past the politics, I’m finding more and more that I’m not free. Getting past the existence of the government in my life, I am a slave. I look at where I’m at situationally. Who got me there? For the most part I did. How do I deal with my situation? Not well usually. I’m angry, anxious, exhausted, fearful, nervous, and depressed most of my waking hours now-a-days. I could live in an anarchist paradise, with only myself calling the shots for my life, but I still wouldn’t be free because of what I’m feeling and how I’m dealing with it.

As I reflect upon the true meaning of freedom, independence, and liberty, I’m reminded of the title of a book by 1996 and 2000 Libertarian Party Presidential nominee Harry Browne. It’s called “How I Found Freedom In An Unfree World“. I’ve read excerpts. It sounds like something we all start reading immediately as we not only reflect, but as we begin to realize what being free truly is. Hey, it’s Independence Day — what are you doing just standing there? Watching fireworks?!