This thread discusses the Content article: The Predicament Of Mike Gravel...

It is encouraging that Gravel has changed to the Libertarian Party, however he is far from a Libertarian. I hope that his switch will encourage his supporters to research our party and become true classical liberals.

I disagree with your post on a couple of issues. His National Initiative proposal moves our country dangerously closer to democracy. I know - we were all taught in our government schools that democracy is such a wonderful thing that all nations should strive for. Democracy is exactly what our founders wanted to avoid. Our constitution balances power between the majority and the minority with a constitutionally limited republic. Our republic protects the minority from the tyranny of the majority. His proposal does away with this protection.

I also disagree that we need to enact the Net Neutrality Act. A much better solution would be to open up the broadband market as proposed here. Also see Cato's Policy Analysis Net Neutrality: Digital Discrimination or Regulatory Gamesmanship in Cyberspace?

I understand your concern. On the issue of the Net Neutrality Act I don't necessarily agree with the method but rather with the intent. As far as the National Initiative, I do believe that if someone goes out and gets a number of signatures on a petition that should be able to put a measure on the ballot. The reason for this, which hopefully won't be necessary in the future, is that the resources required to properly lobby an elected official is prohibitive to most. When this is no longer the case then there will no longer be the need for such a method of putting measures on ballots, in my opinion.

Thanks for the post and the input!