Comments on: A Libertarian’s Favorite President http://www.newschoolpolitics.com/2008/a-libertarians-favorite-president/ School's out. The New School is in session. Wed, 27 Aug 2008 23:56:17 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6 By: James A http://www.newschoolpolitics.com/2008/a-libertarians-favorite-president/#comment-79 James A Fri, 13 Apr 2007 00:03:47 +0000 http://www.newschoolpolitics.com/?p=52#comment-79 Ryan, for me, this has been a most intriguing article due to the fact that few people have evered explored or traced the existence of solely libertarian-based Presidents and candidates throughout U.S. history. Coolidge seemed to be the most interesting choice, in that he is a president seldom recognized. Though it may be true some of his policies worsened the extent of the Depression, Coolidge's hands-off style was extremely effect. He had a very high approval rating in office, despite rarely ever saying a word (he was nicknamed "Silent Cal"). And just as an off hand comment, Coolidge's Kellogg-Briand Pact served as a model used during the Nuremburg Trials after the Holocaust. He is so under recognized, being the great President that he was. With regard to Jackson, I may have to disagree with your analysis of him as a libertarian President. In fact, I think King Andrew greatly increased the scope of government through his democratic style and the implementaiton of the spoils system. In addition, his policies were generally hands on. As you mentioned he fought steadfastly to defund the BUS, in an attempt to assert the power of the government over such institutions. In doing so, he vetoed the BUS's existence and never actually appeased it. Jackson was censured after his initial outcry, which may have made it seem that way. Furthermore, he again increased the scope of government by issuing the Indian Removal Act, which you did acknowledge. Clearly, this act destroyed the natural rights of the a whole group of people. Libertarians are staunt protectors of liberties. Don't get me wrong, I believe Jackson was definitely a great President, just not a stellar libertarian one. Grover Cleveland, I believe was a great choice for your number one. It is evident that he stood for the ideal libertarian values, with regard to his policies of removing governmental restrictions from business. Overall, nice job with your list of libertarian Presidents (except for Jackson), it proves very noteworthy. Ryan, for me, this has been a most intriguing article due to the fact that few people have evered explored or traced the existence of solely libertarian-based Presidents and candidates throughout U.S. history. Coolidge seemed to be the most interesting choice, in that he is a president seldom recognized. Though it may be true some of his policies worsened the extent of the Depression, Coolidge’s hands-off style was extremely effect. He had a very high approval rating in office, despite rarely ever saying a word (he was nicknamed “Silent Cal”). And just as an off hand comment, Coolidge’s Kellogg-Briand Pact served as a model used during the Nuremburg Trials after the Holocaust. He is so under recognized, being the great President that he was.

With regard to Jackson, I may have to disagree with your analysis of him as a libertarian President. In fact, I think King Andrew greatly increased the scope of government through his democratic style and the implementaiton of the spoils system. In addition, his policies were generally hands on. As you mentioned he fought steadfastly to defund the BUS, in an attempt to assert the power of the government over such institutions. In doing so, he vetoed the BUS’s existence and never actually appeased it. Jackson was censured after his initial outcry, which may have made it seem that way. Furthermore, he again increased the scope of government by issuing the Indian Removal Act, which you did acknowledge. Clearly, this act destroyed the natural rights of the a whole group of people. Libertarians are staunt protectors of liberties. Don’t get me wrong, I believe Jackson was definitely a great President, just not a stellar libertarian one.

Grover Cleveland, I believe was a great choice for your number one. It is evident that he stood for the ideal libertarian values, with regard to his policies of removing governmental restrictions from business. Overall, nice job with your list of libertarian Presidents (except for Jackson), it proves very noteworthy.

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