Transpartisan dialog: is it possible?
I’ve been getting invitations to events organized by “Seattle Transpartisan Alliance” (also here). They wish to find common areas of agreement across the political spectrum, between libertarians and liberals, in particular. For example, they aim to “Reconcile regulation and cooperation with individual liberty, innovation, entrepreneurship and healthy competition.”
My first impulse is to reject the endeavor as quixotic or naive, since the disagreements between (libertarian) conservatives and liberals are too fundamental, and since conservatism as practiced by Republicans is uncompromising, corrupt, and cruel. There may be a few areas where libertarians and progressives can agree (e.g., ending corruption and military imperialism), but their rejection of the common good and of the ideal of economic justice make them destructive, and by allying themselves with Republicans and with extremists like Tea Party activists, libertarians have undermined their credibility.
When I hear calls for bipartisanship, I am reminded of President Obama’s many compromises and sell-outs. We need fighters, not capitulators.
A year or two ago there was a “Coffee Party” movement that, as far as I know, sizzled out.
Anyone know about this group, described below?
will happen on Wednesday, August 31, 2011
When: Wednesday, August 31, 2011, 8:30 AM
Where: Camp Brotherhood, 24880 Brotherhood Rd., Mt. Vernon, WA 98274
To Register:Â www.cascadia-center.org/summit
Our Faith Compels Us To Create a Free and Fair Economy with Opportunity for Everyone
It’s up to us: conservatives, progressives, libertarians and independents!
Let us learn together how to:
o Model respectful post-partisan dialogue.
o Come together to restore fiscal responsibility and economic opportunity.
o Reconcile regulation and cooperation with individual liberty, innovation, entrepreneurship and healthy competition.
o Promote “Main Street†local living economies.
o Provide a compassionate response to those who need a hand-up: (e.g. disabled, underprivileged, widows and orphans).
Wednesday, August 31st, 2011
8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Join religious and community leaders committed to inspiring public awareness entrepreneurship and political action to create opportunity for everyone.
Cascadia Center at Camp Brotherhood, Mount Vernon, WA 98274
To Register: www.cascadia-center.org/summit
Suggested contribution: $40.00 (includes continental breakfast and lunch)
For more information: John Hale – john@campbrotherhood.org; (425) 865-0659