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Travis, Libertarians are as bad as liberals when it comes to understanding true Conservatism. A Conservative understands the balance between government and society. The fact that one aspect of governing is to enact laws that protect citizens from criminals, such as drug dealers, and in some cases themselves. If society didn't police itself through moral legislation and laws it would decay. Religion plays a very important part of governing since the basis of many ethical and moral laws come from the major religion of a society. To separate religion and government would also lead to a decadent society. We can see this quite clearly in society today. As morally based laws become less relevant or even are withdrawn, our society has become more tolerant of illicit behavior, such as drug use and minors' use of alcohol.

If government were to allow industry to exist in a completely free market, our environment and most likely our economy would suffer. Regulation of industry is necessary to mitigate the effects of irresponsible acts due to greed. Although you suggest that government takes our money (in the form of taxes) and spends it how they see fit, I disagree. It is the constituency that has put representatives in the position to submit spending legislation and subsequently vote on it. If you don't like how your representative votes or writes a bill don't vote for them. We live in the most efficient and effective democracy on the planet, and in history. No, it is not perfect, far from it, but it is the closest thing to true freedom that we can get, IMO. Libertarianism is anarchy and anarchy breeds decadence and a dangerous society that limits true personal freedom.

Thanks for your comments. Overall, I think we have an honest ideological disagreement, which I can respect as long as folks have given these ideas thought and consideration.

I agree with everything you've said about the efficient democracy. I certainly wasn't trying to downplay the greatness of the united states.

However, I think we need a more active and educated constituency. For example, how can they get away with things like this:

http://www.clubforgrowth.org/2006/07/435_districts_435_blogs_agains.php

"As morally based laws become less relevant or even are withdrawn, our society has become more tolerant of illicit behavior, such as drug use and minors' use of alcohol."

Do you have an example of this? Drug use has been declining for the last few decades, without any change in illegality, as far as I've been aware.

Libertarianism is not anarchy. Anarchocapitalism (sp) etc.. is sort of a serparate, but interesting ideology, where there really is no government. Libertarianism, generally IMO, believes government exists to protect property and liberty and enforce contracts the people make among themselves as individuals.

Thus, there would be little need for gangs and violence etc.. as people cannot count on government to protect their property, illicit drugs. With legalization, much of the 'anarchistic' behavior evaporates into a more orderly society.