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Are Libertarians Really Socially Liberal and Fiscally Conservative?

Who is better informed about the policy choices facing the country—liberals, conservatives or libertarians? According to a Zogby International survey that I write about in the May issue of Econ Journal Watch, the answer is unequivocal: The left flunks Econ 101.

Zogby researcher Zeljka Buturovic and I considered the 4,835 respondents' (all American adults) answers to eight survey questions about basic economics. We also asked the respondents about their political leanings: progressive/very liberal; liberal; moderate; conservative; very conservative; and libertarian.

Cato, with a well-respected reputation for independent research, may soon become the latest libertarian organization to be co-opted by conservatives. Once libertarian but now conservative tycoon Charles Koch is making a power-play for control of Cato, seeking to turn it into a political propaganda arm of the Right.

A Republican senator's embrace of gay marriage is the latest sign of soul-searching in a party struggling to adapt in a society whose demographics — and views on emotional issues — are changing fast.

Gay marriage still divides the party, with the conservative wing strongly opposed. But an increasing number of Republicans, now including Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio, are reversing course. Many others simply downplay the subject.

We were surprised, however, when we learned about Muslims For Liberty (M4L), a group of Muslim libertarians that challenges Islamophobes on their political home turf.

M4L goes to conservative, libertarian and right-of-center groups, giving presentations on Islam and American liberty.

Massachusetts' New Political Party: Pirates

Pirate Party now accepted as a political designation

(Newser) – Avast there, Massachusetts voters! A’fore ye register f’r some lilly-livered party like the “Democrats” or “Republicans,” ye might want to consider signin’ on with the state’s newest crew: the Massachusetts Pirate Party. That’s right, the Massachusetts Election Division has officially approved the swashbuckling party as a political designation, meaning voters can now register as a “Pirate,” Raw Story reports.

Sunday's referendum in southern Sudan gives voters a choice between staying united with the rest of Sudan or becoming an independent country. Most analysts predict southerners will choose independence. The new country would be Africa's first since Eritrea won independence in 1993.

The Massachusetts Election Division has approved the Massachusetts Pirate Party as a political designation, allowing voters in the state to register as a "Pirate."

The U.S. Senate candidate from Kentucky told syndicated conservative talk show host Sean Hannity that he doesn't fit the mold of a Libertarian. Paul said his conservative social views and willingness to send troops abroad to protect the U.S. set him apart from the party some have tried to associate him with.