Posted on 02/16/2010 7:27:44 PM PST by ggrrrrr23456
So, what exactly is a Libertarian?
I have a friend who calls himself a Libertarian. I've known him for about a year. We both have similar interests, share the same political views (generally), and have respect for a benevolent and gracious higher power.
Lately, my friend has been sending out articles written by "Libertarians" and those associated with the Campaign for Liberty. Most of these articles are highly critical of the war on terror, ridicule the efforts of the Bush administration to combat the terror threat, and seize on any opportunity to highlight misguided efforts at Guantanamo, Afghanistan, or Iraq.
I get the impression that my friend believes the government, in its pursuit of terrorists, is seriously endangering the rights of free, law-abiding citizens like you and I. While I can understand the concern, especially in light of the Obama administration's alarming statements regarding military veterans and so-called right-wing extremists (aka Teapartiers), I am searching for the right response that addresses the terror issue without negating the importance of the preservation of individual liberty.
I would appreciate your input.
I think it's safe to say that there is a large pro-life faction w/in the LP, & even though I'm not a card-carrying member of the Party anymore, I am one of them -- & I am looking forward to the day when Roe v. Wade is repealed & the STATES are given back the right to decide this issue as they once did before this tragic SCOTUS decision was forced upon them.
Yes...there are PLENTY of us out there.
You got a problem w/ that?
Damn right we do. You should actually say RE-legalize drugs. It was the socialist Progressives in the early 20th century that started our nation's slide into having the federal government decide for us which drugs can be used legally & which cannot. The only thing positive about it is that they did some of it LEGALLY, via the 18th Amendment....& how'd that work out for ya???
Call us what you will, but we are not going away.
I went Galt a year ago when I got so disgusted at having paid almost a million bucks in taxes over the last 20 years and realizing how the government had already misspent it all — and how the government literally can’t promise SS/M will be there for me in 20 years when I’d be “eligible” for it.
bttt
Are you sure your not a communist? You seem to favor the needs of the community over the needs of the individual.
Actually, that's backwards. The libertarian believes that government/society has no business dictating to the individual his religious beliefs, or using religion to enact laws to restrict behavior.
Stop spending more than what is taken in. Cut Medicare, Medicaid, Welfare, Departments of Energy/Education for a starter.
Welcome to the Million Dollar Rape Club ;-)
re: “altruism isn’t a bad thing”
Most libertarians I know favor altruism. They oppose government mandating the politically correct form of altruism.
There are many forms of libertarianism. Some strains have a pagan tilt; others an aetheist tilt; others a Bhuddist tilt. But the dominant strain is Judeo-Christian.
Judeo-Chrsitain libertarianism starts with the question of the first genocidal murderer and liar. In an attempt to change the subject and distract God from the truth, Cain asked God: “Am I my brother’s keeper?”
Judeo-Christian libertarians reject that false premise of the first murderer. I am not my brother’s keeper. I am my brother’s brother.
The mistake of many non-libertarians is to fall into the trap set by Cain. They believe that they are their brothers keeper. They believe that it is their job to impose their agenda on their brothers. For them, the only distinction is between the well intentioned do-gooder who is a good master of the plantation and the evil-selfish master who abuses his power over others.
>An unending “war on terror” in which we hold hands with the nations who provide ideological and financial support to those who want to kill us is NOT acceptable and I see no reason to support that.<
I kind of see you point here. I don’t think for example that we should be making nice nice with the Saudis since they back door money and resources to terrorists to keep from being terrorized.
But the statement “an unending “war on terror”” is where we may part company .. perhaps.
If we can’t end our war because they keep sprouting up, then so be it. I think that as long as our national security of the people is threatened then we keep fighting.
>can you imagine if we allowed and regulated drugs tomorrow? Billions saved in a matter of months. Violent crime across all segments of society, especially the poor neighborhoods — cut in half (or better). Mexican, Colombian, Taliban Cartels out of business overnight.<
I am interested in how you think that violent crime would be reduced by the legalization of drugs. Can you expand on this please?
>Every Libertarian I have ever known has been arrogant and self-righteous. They have all emphasized legalizing drugs. They have all favored legal prostitution. They have all favored open borders — Hey! Mexicans! C’mon over!!
Oh, yeah ... when they sit down and think really, really hard, they kinda favor reduction in federal spending too. Ya know, if there’s time for that in between parties.<
I considered myself to be a libertarian up until I read your post.
I don’t think all drugs should be legalized. Pot perhaps if regulated properly as they do say in cigarettes or alcohol.
(not taxed to all unholy hell, but certainly some what.)
Prostitution, no.
Open boarders, definitely not.
federal spending, ABSOLUTELY.
So what the hell am I?
(no flaming please)
I consider myself a basic Conservative — I want tight fiscal responsibility from the government with both excessive financial regulation and spending curtailed. In addition, in order to maintain a stable social order, I expect government to support traditional western social values. Pro-marriage, pro-family, pro-life, anti-drugs. See any areas of disagreement?
>See any areas of disagreement?<
Just one. Though I do agree on the sanctity of life, I think that abortion is an issue to be decided upon by two individuals (mother and father). Not regulated, paid for or interfered with by the government in any way shape or form.
Is it a sin, I believe it is. But I also believe that it is something that individuals have to make the decision on and be responsible for in every way.
What about Wars and intervention in other government’s activities?
I believe that we should pretty much mind our own business, unless it is to stop genocide, prevent attacks on the united states (which becomes a slippery slope) and in defense of the nation and our people out right, as in an attack on our soil. Retribution should be fast and committed to win. Then get out as soon as stabilization occurs.
On abortion, I see the fetus as a full person, and any willful act of ending that life should be considered murder. I would like abortion to be illegal in every state, but at the very least I would want Roe v Wade overturned and allow some states to assert local control.
Wow, rather refreshing to see someone disagree without labeling the other party (esp Paul) names.
As you pointed out, many Founders warned against foreign entanglements.
(So parsifal - is passed out on the couch and you're doing his FReep thing? - just ax'n)
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