You are correct, but winning in politics is often about not giving your enemy ammunition to use against you.

He's been in the spotlight for a while...how long does he need to think about his stance on things before he voices it. He's not 12.

I disagree. Strong, principled stand right out of the gate. It's what reasoned people are looking for.

Being guarded is actually a good thing for a president. That means that the person thinks before he/she acts.

Libertarians are notorious for their disagreements, so this doesn't surprise me.

I wasn't assigning...I was explaining how it appears..to me. But I wouldn't be so quick to assign pure character either. :)

I think my opinion is that if he knew my beliefs and he wanted to stand under my umbrella, he would be welcome. If he considered himself opposed to me, he would be an alternative that would not present a logical disaster...the 'honorable opponent' concept.

If people like him were the worst that we had to concern ourselves about...

Jan

Perhaps I am too merciful?

1) The NSA director was definitely following orders.
2) The brief jail time is because what Snowden did was treasonous to the United States of America (albeit far less than Obama or the NSA director).
3) The witness protection program should be obvious. Are you arguing for no jail time or a long jail time? No jail time would be difficult to stomach for anyone who likes the rule of law. Death is standard for treason; this is a reasonable place to make an exception to the death penalty for treason.

They need to express that concern to the LIbertarian party. I recently spoke on the phone to a party rep in DC about just that. He told me that they do get a lot of push back on that issue and are evaluating their position.
The problem seems to be that there are lot of people saying they're libertarian but that doesn't reflect in their registered membership roles. A lot of people talking but not to where it matters where the party platform is drafted.

jbrenner: "I would have put him in a witness protection program after a brief jail time."

Why a brief jail time? Rather, a witness protection program prior to a lengthy jail term for the NSA director.

I think a man should be a man and not shy away from his beliefs and convictions and voice them without trepidation. Anything else comes off weak or pandering. Wishy washy.

I have say that the first quote is well, altruistic, and just plain wrong. I mean sure consider the feelings of others, but do so in the context of what is best for you. This guy needs to read the virtues of selfishness.

Most the rest were not so alarming, but that first one makes me very skeptical of him.

I am sure that if he chooses to thrust himself into the political arena by running for office that there will be plenty more investigation and he will be forced to flesh out his stances. Until then, I think it is prudent to follow the sage advice: caveat emptor.

Yeah, it was expressed as how to stay cool and calm. Yes you conclude what you conclude including at gut level (if your head level philosophy is well integrated at the emotional level). But to maximize achieving your values in the situation you must see clearly enough the feelings, needs of those you are dealing with in order to get to the best outcome that concerns/needs them if not on board then at least not so actively fighting against.

I wish he hadn't expressed it as putting aside selfishness.

Hello Robbie53024,
Hear, Hear! I would like very much to see him in some position like that. It may be a good place for him to cut his teeth and for us to learn more about him.
Regards,
O.A.

He seems to be guarded.... and there's something about that that just doesn't sit right.

It's the best way to govern period. Make sure they are educated and follow good principles, then let them carry on. You save micromanagement for the unskilled and unmotivated.