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Who Are The Libertarians?
19:44 Nov 09 2008
Times Read: 563






Who Are The Libertarians?





I found this on darkstarlings.com and found it enlightening. I think this political party is one I best relate with. I was very pro Ron Paul even though I can't vot this year.



I learned a lot more about what being a Libertarian was about from this article and hope it enlightens others as well.



Who are the Libertarians?

By: IchXVerpasseXSie @ darkstarlings.com



Who Are The Libertarians?





How many of you know what a Libertarian is? It's surprising, but a lot of people don't know what, or who they are.



Libertarians are a political party that started in 1972 by David Nolan, and other Republicans and Democrats who were fed up with their political party.



In 35 years, they've gone from a new and totally unknown political party to the third largest in the United States. Part of its success is due to their unwavering support of the original platform. It needs a 7/8ths majority, from the entire party in order to overthrow their ideals. There are Libertarians in public office all over the country, and they even put up a candidate for President the last three elections, this year's being Ron Paul. In 2000, more that 250 Libertarians ran for the House of Representatives. In 2004, Libertarians around the country saved Americans $2.2 billion by blocking ridiculous and wasteful legislation.

Even with all that, there's still some confusion about what Libertarians are, exactly. Most times when I try to explain it, people will cut me off, and tell me that I'm an anarchist. I'm not.

I'm a Libertarian, and that means I understand the need for government. The easiest way to explain it is a quote from Ayn Rand. "The government was set to protect man from criminals – and the Constitution to protect man from the government." I am neither liberal, nor conservative, but a mixture of both. Libertarians are republicans in economic matters, but democrats in others, like war, drugs, and privacy.



They call their party "The Party of Principles," because they've never strayed away from the Libertarian Statement of Principles, even when it's not convenient. The Statement Of Principles in part reads,



"We, the members of the Libertarian Party, challenge the cult of the omnipotent state and defend the rights of the individual.

We hold that all individuals have the right to exercise sole dominion over their own lives, and have the right to live in whatever manner they choose, so long as they do not forcibly interfere with the equal right of others to live in whatever manner they choose."



For example, in June of 2001, Libertarians protested politicians trying to shut down Marilyn Manson's concert. They protested not because they liked his music, or because they were taking their kids to see him, but because the government was infringing upon his First Amendment rights.



A Libertarian, Ari Armstrong even said, "Manson's lyrics are revolting, but using government to shut out messages that some people find offensive is a terrible precedent."



Other cornerstones of the Libertarian belief are a belief that personal freedom should be kept, while personal responsibility should be exercised by all. The government should not be involved in business, personal, and family choices. All Americans should be free to live their lives, and long as they don't harm anyone else, in doing that. We advocate smaller government, more freedom, and lower taxes. We believe that you have the right to do anything you want without hurting people, provided that you don't interfere with the right for others to do whatever they want, without hurting people.

People should be able to make their own decisions and accept the consequences.

We oppose censorship through the government, and believe that even if language is offensive to some people, it does not mean that it should be outlawed.

We support a separation of church and state, and no support or attack on religion.

People have the right to do whatever they want with their property, as long as it doesn't hurt anyone else.

Privacy should be protected in all possible cases. The government should be unable to view private and confidential records. We also uphold the Fourth amendment. (searches and seizures)

Gun control laws are unconstitutional, as they limit our right to keep and bear arms.

The automatic registration of kids into military service is wrong, and should be eliminated.

Taxpayers should not be forced to pay for abortions, but the government shouldn't force any woman to have an abortion.

Government has no authority over defining marriage, which should be a private contract between both parties involved, thus gay marriage should be allowed.

We oppose government welfare, but support charity and private welfare.

The government should not have debt, and instead pay for goods and services as they get them.

Special privileges given to companies by the government form a corrupt, symbiotic relationship, and should be discouraged.

Public services should be provided by whoever will do the best job for the least money, instead of by government services.

Violent crime and fraud should be focused on more than prostitution and drugs.

Drugs should be an individual's choice, without being illegal. The only prosecution should come if they hurt other people,

We should not intervene in foreign affairs, and we should be neutral.

Our borders should be secure, with free entry.



These views appeal to a wide range of people, and hold more than 200,000 registered voters, an unheard of amount for a third party. In 2006, over 13.4 million votes were earned by Libertarian candidates. Even the media is beginning to understand that Libertarians are becoming competition for the other, more established parties.

To quote Hugh Downs, formerly from ABC's 20/20, "All the really good ideas belong to Libertarians." I hope you've learned something about our ideas.