R. Lee
Wrights
Contributing Editor
R. Lee Wrights is a writer and political activist living in North Carolina. He is co-founder and editor-in-chief of the free speech online magazine Liberty For All and an editor at Free-Market.Net.
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An Oklahoma Caucus in Indiana
I really didn’t know exactly what to expect prior to my arrival in Indianapolis where I was to attend the Libertarian National Convention during the first week of July. In May I had declared my candidacy for an at-large seat on the Libertarian National Committee, so naturally I knew I was going to Indiana to campaign. Campaigns are a time when candidates should be educating voters about their philosophy of governance and plans for the future; and, depending on the race, some amount of personal revelation is usually required. What I didn’t expect was the education I received myself. In an overall positive experience the one flawless gem in a treasure box of memories mined from the Libertarian National Convention of 2002 was the convening of the Oklahoma Caucus.
I was unaware of the storied history of the informal annual gathering that has come to be known as the Oklahoma Caucus, where activists come together to commune, partake of their favorite libation, and exchange experiences from conventions past and present. Apparently, it is one of the several between-session regularities that take place at national conventions. The caucus this year was hosted by former state chair and long-time Oklahoma LP activist Robert Murphy. The event could not possibly have been in better hands.
Now, the Oklahoma Caucus does not require a meeting hall or even a conference room. It can be planned for some particular out-of-the-way lounge; but it is not necessary, for it can just as easily spontaneously convene in a hotel room with two double beds, a desk, and a couple of comfortable chairs. In was in the latter setting that Mr. Murphy called to order the Oklahoma Caucus of 2002. His audience was a pleasant mixture of seasoned party veterans, an individualist with no party affiliation, and some young party members eager to make a difference in the American political scene. All had a common bond. The room was filled with freedom lovers that hung on Robert Murphy’s every word.
The attendees heard just a bit of philosophy mixed with the historical data Mr. Murphy provided about the Libertarian Party from the past twenty years. His soft-toned voice held our attention while his eyes reflected true joy at having such a captive and willing audience. He was a study to behold as he fielded questions from the youngsters in the manner of a sage professor feeding the intellectual hunger of starving students for whom he held genuine affection. It was an absolute clinic in communications.
In another publication, my long-time friend and non-party member Dennis Hayes had this to say about this year’s Oklahoma Caucus:
“As we all settled in, we embarked on a fascinating conversation about Libertarians and the Libertarian party. Mr. Murphy's detailed and interesting discourse on subjects like why the Cato Institute broke away from the Libertarian party, along with Aaron Day's passionate and energetic overview of campus politics, plus Lee Wrights' common sense questions and explanations regarding communication and persuasion; all combined in such a way as to show all who were there that a bridge is being forged between young and old Libertarians. Between the history, the Sufi parables, the no-nonsense explanations, and an entirely inviting atmosphere, I witnessed what I have to say was one of the most enlightening seminars given at this convention.”
Mr. Hayes is absolutely spot-on and this is coming from a man that has steadfastly opposed all “party politics” his whole life. And yet, even he was touched by the gentle nature and robust knowledge of a man like Robert Murphy. Communications really is the key to greater success and the Oklahoma Caucus proved that to me all over again.
Communications became the focus of my campaign for the at-large seat I was seeking -- and eventually won -- on the Libertarian National Committee. Robert Murphy reminded me that we cannot afford to allow others to define our goals for us and how important it is for us to explain the issues as we see them, rather than allowing our opponents to spin our message of freedom into nothing more than extremist propaganda. We must take the bulls by the horns and never miss an opportunity to educate the voters about who we are as individuals and what we are all about as a political party.
A renewed conviction for proper communications is what I took away from the Oklahoma Caucus, but what did others come away with? Well, the young Libertarian students realized that there were veterans of the party that listened to and cared about their concerns and were willing to allow them to express themselves. A life-long Independent was brought to the brink of joining a political party that he felt he could call “home.” And, even the professor himself told me afterward that he had indeed learned something. We all were reminded that we offer a better way of life to the American people; and of the need to present our political philosophy in a pleasing package. We saw that the movement toward greater liberty and more freedom will never die as long as people like Robert Murphy breathe life into the dream.
I think I became a better candidate because I attended the Oklahoma Caucus in Indiana; but in retrospect I think I also became a better Libertarian. National conventions should be revivals of a sort, and attendees should come away from them feeling rejuvenated and reassured. The Oklahoma Caucus achieved that goal easily. So, in Atlanta a couple of years from now think about starting your own caucus. And between now and then, never miss an opportunity to take a few moments to explain to someone new how their lives can be abundantly enriched with the preservation of America’s sacred siblings, Liberty and Freedom.
