GOP must embrace libertarianism

The next two years are crucial for the Republican Party. They been defeated in two straight presidential elections and some question the future of the GOP.

They have put up fairly weak candidates in John McCain and Mitt Romney, have successfully be painted as the party of "no" and have been blamed for the last government shutdown.

However, the 2014 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) sent an important message to the party. If the message isnt followed, the party will soon collapse.

That message? The party is moving in the libertarian direction.

Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky), a freshman that has pushed many libertarian causes, won the yearly straw poll conducted at CPAC in a landslide. Paul garnered 31 percent of the vote, while second place Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) finished a distant second, only receiving 11 percent.

Politico says that while only 2,459 votes were cast, nearly 50 percent of those votes were made by those in the 18-25 age group.

This result is more than just more talk for political pundits. It shows what the Republican Party must do in order to achieve success in future elections.

The ever-growing libertarian movement is making a large impact in the GOP, and Paul is quickly becoming the face of this movement. These people, including myself, are less conservative on social issues and are becoming more attractive to the young voter.

They generally push for civil liberties, decriminalization of marijuana, restraint in foreign affairs, and allowing gay marriage. The agenda is one that speaks of freedom, both for your wallet and for your life.

Other results from the CPAC straw poll reveal more libertarian leanings.

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GOP must embrace libertarianism