COMMENTARY | Infamous Barack Obama former aide Van Jones added libertarians to his list of hate-rant targets this week. During the All in for the 99% rally, Jones addressed a group of progressives and core Obama supporters, according to The Blaze.
While SEIU, Move On and Occupy the Dream members cheered, the liberal activist shared his misguided views of libertarians and fiscal conservatives. The Libertarian Party motto echoes the wise words of Thomas Jefferson, "If it does not pick my pocket or break my leg, what business is it of mine?" The mindset does not lend itself to the hatred and bigotry Jones spewed or claimed exists among libertarian voters.
An intelligent and reasonable person can make their argument against political foes without resorting to prejudicial terms and slanderous statements. It is possible to disagree with those with opposing political views without promoting hatred, yet such mature behavior will not likely attract big donations to the Obama campaign. Jones offered no facts or examples to back up his accusations; he was just tossing chum into the water for the crowd of like-minded groups to feast upon.
Jones apparently has no concept of the Libertarian Party platform. According to the statements he made during his speech, libertarians hate the brown folk, people with piercings and gays. Libertarians believe in fiscal and personal responsibility and are at the very least socially moderate. President Obama might not approve of his old pal angering such a large portion of the independent voting bloc. Jones' accusations that libertarians are bigots and claims Obama could "turn gay" and would still bring out the "black vote" are shocking.
The libertarian stance on illegal immigration does not equate to bigotry. Perhaps Jones needs to have a conversation with a liberal living along America's southern border to gain a greater understanding of crime spurred by illegal immigrants sneaking across the border with drugs.
It is also hubris to assume all black voters care about is the candidate's skin color. The statement is as idiotic as political pundits assuming female voters will all vote for women candidates. A black voter would likely find such an assumption of support insulting. Voters of all genders and races are capable of basing their decision on something far more important, the candidate's views on important issues.
