Although the definition of “libertarian” varies according to source, the general one used by political scientists includes hallmark issues such as a non-interventionist foreign policy; free trade; low taxes; strict adherence to liberties guaranteed by the Bill of Rights and the 13th, 14th and 15th amendments; opposition to regulation of peaceful, voluntary activities by adults which pose no harm or threat of harm to third parties; etc.

For many years Republicans have used libertarian rhetoric as cover for policies diametrically opposed to libertarian values. Almost alone among GOP officeholders, Congressman Ron Paul has consistently upheld these values and pointed out the hypocrisy of the Republican leadership. Their betrayal of what some libertarians call “first principles,” referring to the founding ideals of the American federal republic, has had devastating effects on the country and the world.

If the libertarian bloc, whether 14 percent or 20 percent, were united it could make a significant difference in this and other elections. If even half those voters cast ballots for Bob Barr, the Libertarian Party nominee, not only would it swing electoral votes dramatically (probably in favor of the Democrats) — it would also provide that clarion wake up call that Washington really needs. Any significant challenge to the two-party monopoly would be loud enough for the politicians to hear. Anything other than that will signal business as usual.

But business as usual is likely what we will get, whoever wins the presidency and Congress. There is nothing in recent history to suggest otherwise. Many who have been involved in the world of public policy now acknowledge that real change will not come as a result of politics, but that politics will eventually reflect cultural change going on, as Toynbee characterized it, “under the surface” in the countless millions of interactions of ordinary people.

Polls which ask people whether they are Republicans, Democrats or independents are much like polls which ask people whether they like David Letterman, Britney Spears or Beyonce. In other words, the polls are being entirely subjective since what a Republican or Democrat or independent is or believes is just as elusive as why a particular celebrity is liked or disliked.

If polling organizations could present an objective summary of the “public good” wrought over recent decades by elected politicians of both monopoly parties, likely no one outside the political elite would describe himself or herself as a “Democrat” or “Republican.”