Independent Florida Alligator

U. Florida

He said that in the last four years the number of people in his party has grown from 15,000 to more than 40,000, and if this growth continues, there could be more than 100,000 members moving to become part of one of America's lesser-known third parties.

Olivier said the proof that his party is gaining popularity is evident in Libertarian presidential candidate Harry Browne not being allowed to debate against Republican candidate George W. Bush and Democratic candidate Al Gore.

(Republicans and Democrats) believe it can happen, Olivier said to a crowd of more than 50 people in Little Hall. I believe they feel us to be a threat, so they are keeping us from being able to talk to Americans as much as possible.

The Commission on Presidential Debates has required that a candidate must have 15 percent in national polls to to be in the debates. That forced out Browne, Reform Party candidate Pat Buchanan and Green Party candidate Ralph Nader.

Olivier said the polls, however, do not show what all voters believe since only likely voters are polled. He said that during Jesse Ventura's Minnesota gubernatorial campaign, Ventura held only 9 percent of the votes until he was able to debate.

After people who normally did not vote saw him debate, they rushed to the polls, Olivier said. (Republicans and Democrats) are scared that the same thing will happen in the national election.

Liberty Alliance director Laura Klutz said it is important for all candidates to have a forum to reach the public.

I had never seen him speak before, and I was impressed by what he said, she said. He brought in ideas most people aren't used to hearing.

Olivier spoke about the Libertarian Party's main initiatives of reducing the scope of the federal government to the powers expressed specifically in the Constitution, privatizing Social Security, ending the war on drugs and eliminating income tax.

By downsizing the government it would make you the boss of your paycheck, he said. By voting for Al Gore and George W., you're voting for them to be your boss.

The Libertarian plan also would eliminate certain federal government bureaucracies such as the departments of Education, Commerce and Transportation. Its plan would have the tax money paid to the state government instead of the national government.

The tariff and excise taxes would support the government if the government was restricted to the powers given specifically to it in Article I of the Constitution, Olivier said. They're taking our money and giving us little for it.

According to the most recent national Gallup Poll, Gore currently is leading the presidential race with 46 percent of the vote; Bush currently has 45 percent; Nader has 3 percent and Buchanan has 1 percent.

A St. Petersburg Times poll conducted last week shows Gore at 46 percent and Bush at 43 percent in Florida, with a 4 percent margin of error.