While I know that the Green Party is not like the Libertarian Party I have been thinking of backing Nader in 2004 anyways because I want there to be a three party system.

I have learned through history that The Dems and Republicans have made a lot of transformations and changes from their original stances. So... I also wonder if it is possible, that with enough support from other partys (specifically ours) they will morph into a more libertarian party to gain support.

Do you think that the Greens would ever complete such a transformation in order to try to compete with the Dems and Republicans?

Oly.

I think this is a good year for libertarians, what with disillusioned conservatives, and a Democratic party that is not going to risk Nader votes...

- Rick

I may be a little confused, but if you are a Libertarian, why would you back Ralph Nader (who is running as an Independent, not a "Green") or the Green Party, if it is- "because I want there to be a three party system"? The Libertarian Party is a "third Party". Why wouldn't you back the Libertarian Party? Ralph Nader doesn't even have a Party this year. I think the Greens are going with Peter Camejo.

Are you considering this because Ralph might get 5% of the far-left vote? Without Ralph, the Greens will be lucky to get half a percent. Gary Nolan may garner the Libertarians their usual 1%.

Is your theory that Ralph or the Greens have a better chance of competing with the Dems and Repubs so we should back him or them instead?

But if you are libertarian (as opposed to socialist, which Ralph and the Greens are certainly more aligned with philosophically), why would you back those who's policy proposals and principles in general (the vast majority anyway) are so diametrically opposed to those of the Libertarian Party? Is it just to give the Republicrats some competition? That is certainly a valid strategy but you can also do that by backing the Libertarians and encouraging libertarian leaning Greens and Nader supporters (are their many, or any?) to back the Libertarians.

I apologize if I have misunderstood your post, but from what you have said, I have a feeling that you may have more in common (philosophically) with Ralph and/or the Greens anyway (and there is certainly nothing wrong with that). I am just not sure that I understand where you are coming from and where you want to go (so to speak). Please elaborate on your thoughts.