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.
Governments throughout history have regularly operated on the opposite principle, that the State has the right to dispose of the lives of individuals and the fruits of their labor. Even within the United States, all political parties other than our own grant to government the right to regulate the lives of individuals and seize the fruits of their labor without their consent.
We, on the contrary, deny the right of any government to do these things, and hold that where governments exist, they must not violate the rights of any individual: namely, (1) the right to life -- accordingly we support the prohibition of the initiation of physical force against others; (2) the right to liberty of speech and action -- accordingly we oppose all attempts by government to abridge the freedom of speech and press, as well as government censorship in any form; and (3) the right to property -- accordingly we oppose all government interference with private property, such as confiscation, nationalization, and eminent domain, and support the prohibition of robbery, trespass, fraud, and misrepresentation.
Since governments, when instituted, must not violate individual rights, we oppose all interference by government in the areas of voluntary and contractual relations among individuals. People should not be forced to sacrifice their lives and property for the benefit of others. They should be left free by government to deal with one another as free traders; and the resultant economic system, the only one compatible with the protection of individual rights, is the free market.
Libertarian Party platform HERE.
And welcome to Free Republic.
As a Constitution Party member, I have decided to vote for Bush tomorrow. Not as an endorsement of Bush, but as a bote against Kerry. Being in a battleground state (PA), I feel that pragmatism is neccessary. I am however, supporting CP and LP candidates in other races.
Regarding the often quoted "wasted vote" statement; the same can be said for a Bush voter in Vermont or a Kerry voter in Utah.
I voted for GW in 2000. I voted for his dad in 92. I won't be voting for him tomorrow here in Ohio. If Kerry wins we'll have divided government and then maybe the republican congress will remember what conservatism is.
The libertarians would be worse that the dims. in this war on terror. Sure they want to protect our borders which is good but we can't just box ourselves in and sit tight. The best defence is a good offense!!
Neither, they are both losers.
I did not vote for Bush in 2000. I will do it this year. However, I'm putting all you CINOs on notice. If we get stuck with a socially liberal nominee in 2008, I'll vote and encourage others to vote 3rd party again even if it means a crusty pant suit. Got it? Okay. Thanks. :-)
Yeah, if you want Kerry to win.
Not on your life...... or mine!
VOTE BUSH-CHENEY '04!
How can this be possible? All I ever hear from anyone on FR is that the LP is irrelevant.
No Barf alert in the title. If someone wants my vote, they have to earn it.