Objectivists, Libertarians NOT participating in CPAC2012

[Jerry Biggers]

Some libertarian organizations are not listed as sponsors or (just as importantly) as exhibitors at CPAC2012. Apparently, The Atlas Society is also not participating.. Previously, Ed Hudgins had participated in some of the panel discussions, but I did not see his name in the current CPAC Agenda.

Last year, to the surprise of many conservatives and libertarians (including the alarm of the traditionalist-oriented CPAC/ACU leadership) , Ron Paul won the CPAC "straw poll" as the choice that conference participants wanted for President. Considering that the usual CPAC agendas and speakers have always tilted heavily toward the trads, this was something of a shock. Haven't the attendees been listening ?

The current CPAC leaders have made clear the Rick Santorum is much more to their liking with his emphases of "Family Values," marriage, so-called "pro-life," and of course, Faith, church attendance, etc., etc., ad nauseum." You see, we don't need any emphasis or support for individual initiative or personal autonomy, especially individualism is verboten, as Rick Santorum makes quite clear in his book, "It Takes A Family." The Family, religion, traditional values, is all we need to save America..(True to form, Ralph Reed, a well known evangelical and trad, gushed his admiration for Santorum, today, at CPAC), In principle, the radical Islamicists would agree with Rick on his choice of values (not withstanding their apparent desire to nuke each other).

This time, it appears that the CPAC leaders either did not invite any libertarians, or the libertarians chose not to participate. Either way, it is probably for the best.