Norris Barens, Libertarian candidate for Vancouver Quadra posted the following comments here, which are very provocative.  He makes an important distinction between individualism and collectivism, including ironic remarks that are bound to offend.   I like his idea about how representatives should be required to  read legislation and keep each bill to one topic.

“I know I am not a contender in this election my goal is to get as many votes as possible and send a message to the government that there are people that care about Liberty and we should be taken seriously.

“If I where able to get 1,000 votes I would be a very happy person. The objective for me is to show that there is an alternative to the system we now have in all countries of the world and that alternative is individualism.

“The opposite of individualism is collectivism that is the only system we have in the world today. Examples of collectivism in order of severity would be Stalinism, Maoism, Adolf Hitler’s fascist Germany, Idi Amin’s Uganda, Brian Mulroney, Pierre Trudeau and Steven Harper the list is endless and the list of suckers that believe in collectivism is endless.

“Collectivism is where a group gets together and tells everyone else what they think is good for them. As collectivism can very in degree at any given time it ultimately boils down to someone else is in control of your life they will tell you what they think is best for you.

“Some times this is a good thing as a kind ruler can do many good works take for example Adolf Hitler, his accomplishments still to this day are held as a shining example of when a good collectivist can accomplish if left with unbridled power. In the 1930’s Germany had health care they had day care they had the finest highway system in the world. All of this was pulled from the ashes of a devastating depression.

“Joseph Stalin was another nation builder. The list go’s on.

“Right hear in Canada we have everything that Nazi Germany had and we can be proud of our accomplishments. Collectivism can work very well I will be the first to admit that.

“The problem comes when our leaders become adventurous. Since we opened the flood gates and gave our rights to govern our own lives to the all benevolent government we have to carry on with what ever plan they have in store for us because remember the majority tells the minority what is good for them.

“If by some miracle if I were elected the first thing I would argue for would be that all M.P’s would have each bill read to them by the law clerk. They would have to sign an affidavit that they read and understood the bill. I would argue that there should be only one subject per bill. If bills had to be read they would be shorter and more concise. One subject at a time would ensure that bad earmarks could not be attached to good and worthy bills.

“I would fight for a constitutionally limited government. This means we would have to say goodbye to the Crown of England.

“History shows that criminals often infiltrate government and hold positions of power in our civil service. We should guard our rights jealously and say to the government we’re the government not you.

“In Liberty I remain yours truly Norris Barens

Libertarian candidate for Vancouver Quadra”

October 13th, 2008