In the early years, they could claim (with some basis) to be "neither left nor right", but somewhat off the generally conceived political grid altogether. Appe

In the early years, they could claim (with some basis) to be "neither left nor right", but somewhat off the generally conceived political grid altogether. Appealing equally to peaceniks and potheads as to entrepreneurs and laissez-faire economists, and all that. But in recent decades they've basically thrown their lot (solidly) with the political far right in the U.S., both ideologically and strategically. This shift was already in place well before their paramount candidate actually chose to run under the GOP ticket (and libertarians started to register Republican en masse), but by now the tacit alliance is pretty obvious, and fundamental to their strategy. As to sentimental platitudes I mean of course "the state is inherently corrupt" and all the other anti-state rhetoric. They can say that all they want, but when they go so far as to (overtly) align themselves with Republican Party and everything it stands for -- I just don't buy it.