LPF Responds to Raw Story Article

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 1, 2019
Contact: Marcos Miralles,
Chairman, Libertarian Party of Florida
chair@lpf.org

MIAMI – In the Jan. 31 Raw Story article titled, “WATCH: Libertarian activist stalks and harasses county-employed janitor until he cries and quits,” the use of the word “libertarian” does not accurately convey the beliefs of the Libertarian Party of Florida.

The subject of the article, Ian McGuire of Charlotte County, Fla., is described as a “libertarian activist” in the caption and a “libertarian first amendment ‘auditor’ ” in the lede. Mr. McGuire’s filmed anti-government exploits has thousands of YouTube followers. Mr. McGuire came to notoriety in 2017 appearing at the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Offices shouting “God bless the shooter. It’s a good thing he did.” He was also seen wearing a sign that said, “2 cops dead in Orlando, God bless the shooter.” These comments refer to the accused murderer of two law enforcement officers in Orange County that year.


Ian McGuire seen standing outside CCSO days after murders

In the Raw Story article, Mr. McGuire is quoted confronting a Charlotte County employee, accusing him of filming Mr. McGuire. The janitor became upset, and reportedly resigned. The quotes came from Mr. McGuire’s own YouTube video of the confrontation. Mr. McGuire’s account was subsequently suspended.

To clarify, Mr. McGuire is not a registered Libertarian Party voter. Mr. McGuire is registered with the Charlotte County Supervisor of Elections as an NPA – “No Party Affiliation.”

The differences between “libertarian” thinking and Libertarian Party members are often confused. To the minds of many, they are one and the same. They are not. While there are always overlaps of philosophy in many belief systems, many of Mr. McGuire’s beliefs do not represent Libertarianism.

Certainly, Libertarian Party members embrace free speech wholeheartedly. To that end, Mr. McGuire is free to film any public activity and any public employee. Libertarians also oppose violence for any reason other than self-defense. Indeed, party members are asked to pledge their support the NAP – the “Non-Aggression Principle.” This policy eschews any act of aggression except in preservation of life or property. Mr. McGuire’s comments and actions endorse violence and violent acts. These are not even “libertarian,” a principle of responsible freedom of choice, let alone Libertarian.

Everyone who believes in life, liberty and the pursuit of freedom is encouraged to join the Libertarian Party – including libertarians.

Marcos Miralles, Chairman,
Libertarian Party of Florida

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