- By Randy Garbin
- Party Matters
Thoughts on the Pittsburgh prickle
Unless you’re a libertarian living in a cave or without an internet connection, you’re surely aware of the brewing tempest heading to Pittsburgh next week.
I’d like to state for the record that I personally support Marc Bozzacco’s candidacy for Chair of the state party. I like Marc and I think he’s as libertarian as they come. He’s capable, dedicated, and hard-working, and he did an amazing job with his state rep campaign last November. I wish he’d quit smoking, but his health is his concern.
I also know Jenn Moore. She bought a birdhouse from me. She’s also capable with a track record advancing the party and its causes in this state. She actually won an election — no small feat for any Libertarian.
Frankly, I think both are qualified for state party Chair, but for some reason their candidacies now seem to represent a stark choice for members, and that’s what bothers me. It seems that your vote here either means the utter destruction of the party in this state or the triumphant entry into the promised land, depending on who bends your ear.
I stated at the outset of my term here as chair that I really don’t care what happens at the state level. It’s not my concern, and I have zero interest in getting involved in this internecine political warfare taking place between the party stalwarts and the Mises Caucus.
I do have issues with the state party, similar to what I have with the national starting with their belated and flaccid positions on the lockdowns. I do detect some rotten smells coming out of our party headquarters and suspect underhanded maneuverings to retain power, but I know nothing first hand. I leave those conflicts to the political wonks and warriors, of which I am not.
Finally, I think more Libertarians is better than fewer (unless you call yourself a libertarian socialist, whatever the hell that malformity is), so if the Mises Caucus can bring more people to to the party, I see that as a positive. From what I’ve seen so far, they’ve earned their place in the party through effective membership drives and fund-raising. Incidentally, that's how you win elections.
If you want to get your panties in a twist over their fealty to the philosophy, you truly don’t understand the nature of political movements or the purpose of political parties. Do they espouse hurting people? No. Do they want to take their stuff? No? Okay, I'm good.
I will not be going to Pittsburgh because I have better things to do with those three days than defend my libertarian bona fides to party fanatics who have lost all perspective on reality as I cast my vote for leadership. I think those who do go are doing God's work (for lack of a better term), and I applaud their efforts.
I wish everyone good luck and hope that all involved have fun and that you play nice with others. I just hope that Marc doesn’t lose by one vote.
Randy Garbin is the current Chair of the Montgomery County Libertarian Party. The opinions and positions stated in this article are his and do not necessarily reflect those of the Montgomery County Libertarian Party or its members.
