Time for industry to reject politics as usual

Nation's Restaurant News, Nov 27, 1995 by Tom Kelley

It has become commonplace to hear of restaurateurs labeling themselves Republicans or, on rare occasions, Democrats. I wonder, though, on careful introspection, if they might better find a home in the Libertarian Party - working singularly to reduce the role of government in society.

In endorsing the House Republican "Contract with America," the National Restaurant Association's Board of Directors was careful, rightfully, to only endorse the economic principles espoused by the House leadership rather than the full plate of very controversial social agenda items. It is ironic that Republicans say they want less government control when they look to government to implement their social agenda.

The NRA deserves credit where credit is due on such a position, yet they may want to really think hard about what their action truly says about embracing the Republican agenda for America, on one hand limiting government - economic policies - on the other hand, increasing government control: school prayer, abortion, policing the Internet, more amendments to the Constitution, etc.

Democrats, too, are to blame for being just as pro-government. They want to climb into your pocketbook and want big government to carry out their social programs, riddled with a huge bureaucracy.

The restaurateurs that I know are, almost without exception, as true to their economic, pro-business principles as any other professional group in America. All hospitality associations, one would argue, have a singular obligation to most effectively represent their members' economic interests - that's why we join. To fully embrace their free-enterprise agendas, they should begin the move toward aligning with the Libertarian Party or, if nothing else, shun Democratic and Republican Party direct attachments by standing on principle only on issues of the day, not trying to win favor with the party apparatus.

Having worked both on a congressional staff and in public affairs for most of my life, I know that the traditional way of lobbying is to, on a daily basis, ally the organization with the party that is more in favor of your position or the party controlling the process. Wouldn't it be refreshing to see organizations stand on their principles and reject both Democratic as well as Republican Party pro-government efforts to control our lives? Forget the party labels and forget about all the excess baggage that support for the Democratic Party or Republican Party carries with it for an organization or association.

It seems that restaurateurs gravitate toward the ideas of the Libertarian Party. Ask yourself: Is government too big or too small? Are taxes too high or too low? Does the government regulate my business too much or too little? Does it control my life too much or not enough? If you agree that government is too large, too expensive and meddles too much, the Libertarian Party is for you.

Professional associations, organizations and companies they represent have a responsibility to do the best job they can represent their economic rights. Is it too radical an idea to stay focused only those pro-business ideals and positions without having to take sides - even though not always intentional - on religious or generally controlling agendas of the Democrats or Republicans; both think they know better than anyone else what's best for you.

The principles of this industry and its right to operate freely can best be represented by a sincere commitment to opposing any further government intrusion and to reducing government's current control over our own destinies: liberty for all, freedom to live our own lives, a high degree of personal responsibility. Nothing else should intrude.

Take another look. You'll be as surprised as I as to find so much to believe in in the Libertarian Party. If it helps, Newt Gingrich was a former Libertarian.