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.
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A conservative that smokes pot?
The libertarian criticism of the GWOT is a criticism on how much the state expanded under Bush, and the mistakes made in our name in Afghanistan, Iraq and Gitmo
I supported the Iraq War, and would do it over again if asked. I think there needs to be an aggressive foreign policy on our part
However, the amount of money that has been spent, along with the absurd expansion of the state since 2001, not to mention that reducing entitlements (medicare, medicaid and SSI) along with the military is the only way to reduce our national debt long term.
Essentially the argument is that the GWOT has wasted money and expanded government, things libertarians oppose, and conservatives used to oppose
A liberal or a druggie or both.
They want to “legalize drugs and tax the hell out of them”. LOL!!!
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.
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.
Libertarians have a fortress America point of view and want us to have the foreign policy of Switzerland. They essentially want America to keep to ourselves and not meddle in the affairs of any other nation and not be involved in wars. Ron Paul articulates this position pretty well. I personally disagree with this view but it is a view held by many of the founders. On economic issues and especially sending the libertarians are right on which is why if you heard Ron Paul he makes all the sense in the world on fiscal issues.
Libertarians are also pretty much open border types which is another issue conservatives disagree with them on. They are also pro-choice and very liberal on social issues. I would describe them as conservatives that are liberal on social issue and want a foreign policy like Switzerland.
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Truthfully I think libertarians tend to believe in societal freedom even more that Conservatives, the problem is that there need to be measures on some social liberties as not all people are able to handle completed freedom to do what they want.
It’s my opinion that lots of folks can handle smoking pot responsibly however many cannot. Especially at risk are our youth.
Conservatives tend to reign in these Liberteen tendencies.
Liberteens are not the same as liberals. at least not in the modern political climate.
If the US did not offer welfare, free schools and free healthcare to illegal aliens it wouldn’t matter much how “open” the border was. IMO
>>They want to “legalize drugs and tax the hell out of them”. LOL!!!<<
It’s a continuum, but I am cool with that. I am just remembering, but IIRC something like 80+% of all criminals are in prison from drug-related offenses. We have spent trillions of dollars on stopping something that, if managed properly, is a personal decision.
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 don’t see a downside.
There are some who call themselves Left-Libertarians who think anarchy will help bring about the perfect classless utopia.
Everyone else calls them nutcases
>>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!!<<
I know a lot of Libertarians and none support open borders.
Most are just “Government should just leave me the heck alone.”
do not look up anything with the word teen in it without safe search on. trust me.
Well stated. I think the libertarian philosophy is sound and consistent and the founders could have been said to be libertarians. I think their view on foreign policy today is outdated and what you have stated is exactly right. Say why we are going to war and then do whatever it takes to win and then leave. The whole concept of nation building is not what the founders had in mind. I think as a nation we would be much better off if we adopted the economic policies of libertarians because on spending issues and the role of govt they have it exactly right.
LoL!
Of course I meant Libertine
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