The Libertarian Party is the third largest political party in the United States, yet a great many people have no idea what libertarianism means, let alone what it stands for.
I invite you all to explore it for yourself, and please do feel free to discuss, comment, disagree, and ask questions. Also, you might find it interesting to take the World's Smallest Political Quiz, to find out where you stand.
I don't want to paint an overly rosy picture that Libertarianism is the only answer to our problems, nor do I want to leave you with the impression that there aren't a host of critics and detractors out there (some Libertarians are extremist to such a degree that even I cannot fathom it).
I have often thought of taking the leap and proclaiming myself a libertarian, but the ridiculous things some of these candidates do in the name of a "greater good" is ridiculous and embarrassing. I remember a few years ago this libertarian whack-job started a "Guns for Tots" program in like Harlem or something. Clearly, it met with ridicule. Libertarians to whom I have spoken at length are heartily in favor of no gun control at all - to the point where an individual can own an RPG in case the government attacks. The arguments presented seem intelligent but they are based upon faulty assumptions of what "America should be." Until the libertarian movement can be consolidated in such a way as to make a more uniform stance not involving ridiculous ideas, I can't be seen with these people.
Yes Moegreche, you make an excellent point. Just like the Dems and Reps, there are all sorts of Libertarians across the spectrum. I was under the impression that the "Guns for Tots" program was a grandstanding publicity stunt.
I see no practical purpose for the average citizen to own an RPG. My criticism of anti-gun legislation is that it's main focus is on those who wish to legally purchase and keep firearms, instead of those who accquire them illegally with criminal intent.
I can agree that some minimal requirements are necessary in order to legally purchase a firearm. One should not have a criminal record, one should not have any serious mental health issues, and one should be able to demonstrate basic knowledge of responsible gun ownership, and safety.
Libertarians seem to much like anarchists for my taste. I can't tell you exactly what one is but from the people I've heard talking that proclaim themselves a Libertarian, I don't think I like them. At least I don't like the ones I've seem on tv. I don't like their views or their opinions.
Libertarians strive for the best of all worlds - a free, peaceful, abundant world where each individual has the maximum opportunity to pursue his or her dreams and to realize his full potential.
As of that part, same as communists.
Now how do Libertarians plan to do this with the business world? The corporations have the money to make all those things happen. Giving everyone the same opportunity means no homeless, free education, free medical care...
My main objections to libertarianism are that as mentioned above, they strive for a utopian ideal that is even more unrealistic than social Communism and economic capitalism, for one. But my major criticism comes in the form of Ayn Rand, LOL.
Drace: to explain myself, my understanding of libertarianism is a laissez-faire capitalism, to quote Rand.
That is to say zero checks and balances. If this were to happen I am confident I can predict what would happen! ...and it certainly wouldn't mean no homeless, free education or any medical care...
No such thing as a Utopia for everyone. If you have seen Hot Fuzz though, you will see what happens to people's minds when getting a Utopia. So your against this Strop?
Ayn Rand never got over it that her family was a capitalist and those evil commies took their wealth away, so she resorted to the alternative, hating that authority, and couldn't become an anarchist because they are socialists, and went to the only thing she could -- crazy world.
Libertarians are right wingers on the other hand, and just want less government. Anarchists want no government and no laws. Seems like Libertarianism from what I've heard.
Actually most libertarians simply believe in less government and more sensible laws. Our government is bloated. Fraud, waste, abuse, and bureacracy, are rampant.
IMHO, our local, state, and federal governments have been granted far too much authority to meddle in our everyday lives. I do not want to live in a "nanny state," where "...Big Brother is watching," but then again, I do not want to live in absolute chaos, either. I believe that personal freedom must also imply personal responsibilty. Everyone should be held accountable for their actions.
So really it is about less government, more effecient laws, and citizens who recognize that an important part of being free is being responsible for one's own actions.
