The Libertarian Party and the Constitution

Beginning in the 1990's, it became fashionable for Libertarian Party members to speak of themselves as being Constitutionalists. They were quite enraged when I showed a lack of interest in or scoffed at the idea. They considered the Constitution of 1787 to be sacred writ, handed down from on high, a solemn restatement of libertarian doctrine. But back at the time the Constitution was being debated, opponents were known as anti-federalists. Anti-federalists essentially warned that there really is no such thing as federalism; there is no effective way for member states to retain most of their autonomy. History has proven this to be the case. From their graves, the anti-federalists are saying, "We told you so." Advocates of increasing individual freedom do no real good by reminding people, correctly or not, of the supposedly "federal" nature of the Constitution. So to increase individual freedom, whether through the devolution of power to the states or to individuals directly, an individualist must 1. take control of the federal government, and 2. implement policies which will devolve power. This process is called politics. Learn to love it.