Can Libertarians and Conservatives Join Forces? A #BlogCon2013 Panel Discussion

One of the most interesting and contentious panel discussions at BlogCon Dallas had a simple caption: "Conservatives and Libertarians Building Coalitions That Win ."

Panelists Russ Walker, Teri Christoph, Jason Pye and Michelle Ray were bombarded with questions and, sometimes, assertions.

Wayne Dupree -- you may know him as News Ninja -- drew the loudest applause with a plea to win. "I'm sick of losing elections," he said, "We need to unite on core principles to win elections. Stop focusing on how we are divided."

"Liberty Speaks" -- a pseudonym for a female blogger who has faced a series of threats from the tolerant left -- echoed that cry. The core principle that should unite conservatives and libertarians is the terrible fate that awaits society under the collectivists. In fact, the two branches of individualism are united by free markets, private property and respect for free will and individual action. The left believes only in government; that mankind is too stupid to organize its own affairs in a manner suitable for the Statist. That dichotomy, she said, must be exploited.

Several college-age individuals also issued strong statements:

• The "Republican brand" appears fatally damaged, especially for the 18-21 demographic. In general, they feared labeling themselves Republicans, which demonstrate just how disastrous the "leadership" of anti-conservatives, neo-Statists like Reince Priebus (Spelling off? Who cares?) and John Boehner has turned out for the GOP.

• Many call themselves "Conservatarians" to indicate the hybrid appeal of libertarianism and Constitutional conservatism.

• There was universal agreement that electing more statesmen like Ted Cruz is the only answer to the collectivist madness that threatens to engulf the nation.

At the end of the discussion, there were general agreements but no universal consensus. There were no fistfights, but a grudging acceptance that working within the two party system is the only pragmatic solution to controlling the Left.

As GOPrincess observed:

You can be libertarian based on the issues and still vote for conservative/Republican candidates. Not mutually exclusive... #blogcon2013

— Laura(@GOPrincess) May 13, 2013

Photo: @GaltsGirl.