Why is Bob Barr considered a loon?

[szh]

And Bob Barr used to be a loon.

Really? Why do you say that?

He seems a lot more accomplished than that: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Barr.

Z

[szh]

That article provides a pretty good explanation of why.

What specifically though? Reason I ask is that the article seems pretty good overall about his accomplishments. Sure he has some unusual positions and stands (like the tax repeal issue), but nothing that would cause me to say that he is a a loon.

Z

[AZhitman]

...back on topic.

ish, knock it off.... start a new thread if needed.

[ishkabibble]

Take it up with your own staff, not me. Z is the one trying to continue the discussion.

[szh]

Take it up with your own staff, not me. Z is the one trying to continue the discussion.

Sorry, Greg, I'll split it out, because I still want an answer from Ish. Random comments should not be allowed to stand unchallenged.

So ... why do you consider Bob Barr a loon? My reference link seems to point to some pretty interesting accomplishments.

While I don't agree with every stand he takes, I like his positions on taxation for example. And his willingness to say when he believes himself to be wrong, and then change his stand.

Z

[Cold_Zero]

The Republicans during the 2008 Presidential Primary said the same thing about Ron Paul. They went as low as mocking him during debates. I only bring up Ron Paul because he is very close to being a Libertarian and may have even been a party of the party at one point.

I firmly believe that both parties think they are what is best for the countries and will attempt to marginalize all other parties, especially when they have some good ideas.

A lot of what the Libertarian party has embraced is tried and true American Conservatism. Things like less government intrusion, preservation of liberties, fiscal responsibility and individual responsibility. I would join them, but I can't get over their stance on drugs. Other than that, I love listening to Libertarian Politicians and talk radio hosts speak.

[HashiriyaS14]

I only bring up Ron Paul because he is very close to being a Libertarian and may have even been a party of the party at one point.

If Paul runs as a Libertarian in 2012, the Republicans will have serious problems both that year (split vote) and especially in 2016 (if Paul gets 5% of the vote, which is almost assured, and thus federal funding for 2016).

Frankly, as someone who *hopes* to be able to go back to voting Republican in the future, I welcome this calamity. I think that matching federal funding for Libertarian campaigns will be the decisive event that forces a reshaping of the GOP (i.e. I think the Obama victory was NOT that event).

[ishkabibble]

Barr, in the past:

-pro PATRIOT Act (original version)-pro War on Drugs, including prosecution of medical marijuana users-anti gay marriage

He has since come around, and I supported him in the last election.

caveat: I think most politicians are loons.