What is the general philosophy of the Libertarian party?
Libertarians honor the American heritage of liberty, enterprise and personal responsibility. Libertarians
believe that being free is the best way to live.
Libertarians take a logically consistent approach to politics based on the moral principle of self-ownership
Each individual has the right to control his or her own life, liberty, and property.
Government's role is to help us defend ourselves from force and fraud initiated by others.
The Libertarian Party is for those who do not want to push other people around
and do not want to be pushed around themselves. "Live
and let live" is the libertarian way.
What is the history of the Libertarian Party?
People who thought Americans deserved a political party that respected the rights of honest and peaceful individuals to run their own lives free from government interference founded the Libertarian Party in 1971
Are Libertarians more like Democrats or Republicans?
Libertarians take the sensible center position between the left and the right.
Why are Libertarians so concerned about freedom? Do we already live in a free country?
If we were free:
- The police could not pull us over and question us when driving; search our homes, businesses, and library and medical records; and tap our phones and other communications without probable cause.
- When protesting government policies, we would not be placed into "Free Speech Zones" away from public view.
- Our homes and businesses could not be condemned and given to well-connected developers through eminent domain.
- We would not spend 33% of our income on the government. In Illinois, we work until May every year just to pay. After that, we start earning money for our own food, clothing and shelter.
- We could not be arrested and imprisoned indefinitely without trial on the
say-so of one person.
How do Libertarians feel about the government?
The government serves an important purpose: to protect our rights to life,
liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Libertarians
are working to have the government focus on these
critial issues rather than purchasing sports stadiums
and outlawing light bulbs.
Why are people attracted to the Libertarian Party?
There are probably as many reasons as there are Libertarians, but here are a few examples:
- Many are initially attracted to the Party by reading great libertarian authors such as Any Rand, Milton Friedman, Dave Barry, Larry Elder, Robert Heinlien, Murray Rothbard, or Mary Ruwart to name just a few.
- Some realize that no matter if Republicans or Democrats are in power, the
results are the same: a bigger more intrusive government,
higher taxes and less freedom. They find that Libertarians
are the only political party dedicated to individual
rights and limited government.
- Some are attracted to libertarian's simple, logical and consistent approach to natural rights: you are free to do as you please as long as you do not hurt others.
- Those knowledgeable about widespread abuses of
people by governments throughout history recognize
that only tight restrictions on government power
can protect people from harm.
- Many are increasingly concerned about the actions
of our current government: starting wars, spying
on Americans, intimidating journalists, seizing
private property, and on and on. Some are direct
victims of government abuse.
- Those concerned with developing an ethical society find that the only way to develop moral individuals is to allow them to make choices and then accept the consequences, good or bad. If people are not free to make poor choices, they are not free at all.
How does the democratic process fit with Libertarian ideas?
Democracy has been defined as "three wolves and a sheep deciding what's for dinner", which is not a nice prospect if you happen to be the sheep. Fortunately for us, the United States is a Constitutional Republic, not a democracy.
In a democracy, the majority rules and can create any laws they want. For example,
the majority can make their religion the state religion
and forbid all others. In a constitutional republic,
our representatives can only make laws that comply
with the Constitution, and the majority cannot establish
a state religion, allowing each of us to choose our
own path.
We do use democratic means, voting to elect our political
leaders. However, no matter how many votes politicians
receive, the Constitution and the inherent rights
of all people restrict their power.
Is freedom the most important thing we should be working on? Is poverty, education, disease, hunger, homelessness, etc. more important?
Freedom is the most important because only with widespread
prosperity can you make progress on the other issues.
Compare West vs. East Germany after WWII. Same people,
same situation, but the West was free and the East
was not. While the West Germans gained in wealth and
prosperity, the EAst suffered widespread poverty.
With wealth comes the ability to help those who cannot
help themselves. If everyone is poor, there is no
one to provide a helping hand.
How can we get more viewpoints represented in our government?
Many more people have to take an active role in politics.
Voting is not enough. Ordinary Americans need to contribute
and volunteer on campaigns, stay informed, and hold
their elected officials accountable. Getting involved
with the McLean County LP is a great way to get started.
