| sperrico87 said: Nah, that's not liberal. That's Libertarian. Big difference. And Libertarianism was the basis of the Republican Party until it was taken over in the 1960's by the so-called "conservatives". Myself and others, such as Ron Paul, represent the Old Right, the party of Robert Taft. Liberals believe in FORCING people to give others what they think they are deserved. They believe in big, over-reaching government. Much the way modern conservatives do, just in different areas. Conservatives believe in a big overseas military empire. Liberals believe in providing "free" health insurance to everyone, and taxing people without any limit. Libertarians are quite the opposite. The smallest government possible is the best government. No government interference in any markets, for any reason. Little or no taxation. Truly free trade. No aggressive war or military force unless we are under immenent threat and we have no alternative. Absolutely no regulations on a person's personal behavior or habits, so long at that person isn't harming someone else. So, I think you're right in that liberals agree with libertarians on a small number of issues such as legalizing drugs, but we are polar opposites on economic or social issues. We agree typically with Republicans on economics or taxation, but are polar opposites on foreign policy and drug laws. It might be better if I labeled myself and other pro-life libertarians as "Minarchists". Not sure if you're familiar with that term or not. Because, technically speaking, someone who is 100% absolute Libertarian would be pro-abortion. I do find philosophy fascinating though, so feel free to disagree or agree. I'll reply. |
I would say Libertarians are Anarchists who like just enough legal coercion to get what they want in life, because they don't have enough firepower (or the will to use firepower) to do it themselves. Pretty much, you got the bugger to sign a contract to agree to something, and the bugger buggers out so you can then get the courts at gunpoint to hunt him down and hold him accountable. Well, maybe you don't get your money, but at least the courts and law enforcement can be scary enough to deter others from backing out of contracts.
