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.

Having been an aspiring political strategist for a number of years, I’ve sure that I’ve heard the term “triangulation” before today being used in a political sense. Today, one of the talking head bimbos of 24-7 cable “news” used the term in reference to Obama’s move toward the center over the recent few days. Saying one thing in the primary and then changing to appeal to a more general audience is one of the most glaring examples of why I would rather vote for candidates from alternative political parties. At least you know where so-called “third party” candidates are coming from, which is something I wholeheartedly agree we need in American politics today.

Beyond that, though, as a Libertarian, it only backs up what I’ve been saying for years is the basis of the Libertarian Party’s hidden appeal and potential electoral strength. Libertarians don’t need to adopt positions of conservatives or liberals or move to the middle, since libertarianism is a consistent political philosophy that embraces what some would call fiscal conservatism or social liberalism. And what it amounts to — leaving individuals alone so they can live their lives the way they want — is much more easily marketable than the hodgepodge of arbitrarily deciding what part of your life you should want controlled by the political bureaucracy.

Finally, the truth of the matter is revealed. And on CNN, no less. They need to get someone who’s not so dyslexic, though. Hey, dude, the N and the U need to be switched. Coverage of the Obama-Clinton ralley from a place called Unity (New Hampshire, that is).

Anyway, I’ve been convinced that the world, in general, and politics, in specific, is nutty. After the petition drive that I’m working on now is over, I AM OUT!!! I’ve gotta take care of the anxiety and emotional instability that I’ve been feeling lately. Until then, Brien Barbour will be my shrink (since his song “Life’s Too Short To Be Sad” is the only thing that’s made sense today, and it’s been a while since I’ve made a post in support of Brien).

So this is me saying that I’m going to officially be taking leave, probably sometime in mid-July to concentrate on getting my head on straight. I’m talking forty days and forty nights. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the Devil shows up to greet you after that amount of time, especially since he’s been working on me for awhile now… Hey, Devil, we’re on for mid-August, right?