I generally get along pretty well with libertarians. Both libertarians and conservatives (by which I mean classical liberals) believe strongly in personal liberty, and as far as that is concerned we pretty much tend to agree on things. The difference is that conservatives recognize that liberty by itself cannot stand--it must be coupled with virtue. The minimalist government true libertarians and conservatives strive for is an implausible reality unless it is to rule over a virtuous people. So while conservatives believe in maximizing freedom, they acknowledge that we must at the same time foster virtue, or it is all in vain.
If I have to vote for my tax money going to some lazy slob or the military, I will choose the military. I vote for Bush. But I don't see my total taxes payments (tax rate x income) going down.
This is an interesting article.
Personally, I've always been confused by the myriad of extremes that fly under the same banner as libertarians (Bill Maher-socialist types as well as strict constructionists).
Lemme ask any real libertarians on this site:
What makes a true libertarian different than a Republican?
What is the difference between the so-called big "L" and small "l" Libertarians?
I've been a member of the GOP as long as I can remember. My heroes, from Hannity and Rush to Ronald W. Reagan were Republicans. Lower taxes, agressive prosecution of the war on Terror and in Iraq, and outlawing the mass slaughter of abortion are my key beliefs. I am generally satisfied with the Republican party, however a few of my views have never aligned with the Republican party platform.
These include:
1.) General disdain for the court system of the United States and the legal/law "practice" in general. Healthy Suspicion of police or anyone else who wields obscene power over fellow citizens.
2.) Opposition to the impossible, wasteful "war on drugs". An insane waste of resources and an incroachment on personal liberty. NOTE: NO, I don't personally do any illegal narcotics, not even marijuana. But if you want to smoke it, then light up. It's nobody's business.
3.) Although I personally believe that homosexuality is a sinful, ugly choice, I do not believe in the U.S. treating gays any differently than straights. Homosexuality is NOT an institutional problem, but a personal one. I don't believe in a Federal Amendment to ban homosexual marriage. Leave that up to the states (by the 10th Amendment).
4.) Censorship. There are few people I dislike, no, HATE, more than the uptight wankers at the Moral Majority who try to tell me what I may or may not view as an adult, or what I may show my family. Screw the FCC. That's not your decision.
What do you libertarians think of these positions?
Thanks for your input and have a nice day.