Texas Libertarians might be standing alone this time. Not that its the first time, but it seems like this time they are dancing with political suicide. They dont like Proposition 15. They are opposing cancer research. Whoops.
Ok, so im not telling the whole story. Its the sources of the funding they dislike; the $3 billion would come out of taxpayers pockets whereas the Libertarians (and other, mostly conservative groups) feel that it should be funded by private contributions. The bill, going to the polls on Nov. 6th, has received widespread support across the political aisle and this seems to be the only group voicing any opposition towards it. Spokespeople clarify they have no opposition to the research, but in keeping with Libertarian philosophy they want government to have no role.
I can understand. The medical industry nationwide grosses massive amounts of profit, and it certainly seems like it would be in the interest of pharmaceutical companies to pursue a cure for a disease that kills an immense amount of people each year. It would seem then that government funding would be on the verge of superfluous, especially with national trade debts bulging at the seams and bridges collapsing under car’s wheels. But at the same time I have to wonder: if we are making daily advances towards a cure, surely an additional $3 billion would simply speed or improve the chances of eliminating cancer. And with cancer being such a hot topic issue and garnering so much public attention, doesn’t it make sense in a (theoretically) representative government that the publics money be used to fund something so many people seems to support? Though often populist in nature, I cant help but wonder if the Libs are missing the point on this one.
And from an exclusively political standpoint, aren’t libertarians committing suicide on this one? Intentions may be best, but it seems like this will work to limit the efforts of a party already hobbled by the American two party system. Their intentions are voiced, but I fear the thing most voters will hear will be something along the lines of ‘Libertarians oppose cure for cancer.’ Id like to hope no news outlet would be so hyperbolic and one-sided, but its hard to find faith in modern media treatment. So I really cant help but wonder if there might be weighty fallout over the issue. Perhaps the efforts biggest hindrance is also its saving grace come next election, for as this story could be warped to portray libertarians negatively, perhaps it’s a boon of the two-party system as it does little to affect already miniscule media coverage of Texas Libertarians.
Blessing or curse? Maybe we can find a cure for that.
No comments:
Post a Comment