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Back in the 90's, I found myself disgruntled in the political world. I had registered Republican when I turned 18 in 1985, but over the years it seemed that neither of the 2 parties adequately represented my views. There were things I liked on both sides, but just as much I didn't like. this wasn't all policy based. Both parties had people I liked, and people I didn't. Both parties had members do things I approved of, and just as many who had broken my trust.
Furthermore, both parties just seemed too big for their own britches. Both parties seemed to be more about power and control than looking out for me and my neighbors. I started to consider other options.
I looked at the Greens. They were really enviromentally concious, which I liked, but were just too "left" for me on way too many things. Nice people, and they probably wouldn't be so militant about the environment if people heeded their wise advice more often, but I thought most of em were a little too "conspiracy minded" to be taken too seriously on other issues that mattered to me.
I looked at the new Reform party started by guys like Ross Perot. I liked the idea of some government reform, but they were a little too "right wing authoritarian" for me and a little too eager to kick everyone's ass who disagreed with em for me to join up.
I considered no party affiliation at all, and almost went there, until I looked at the Libertarians a little deeper.
My 1st reaction to the party name was that they were some fruit loops who were anarchists in sheep's clothing. But then I looked further. And in the end, I signed up. Not because I agreed with them on every single thing. But most of their theories held water, at least in broad strokes in my mind. I sitill don't agree with them all the time, and sometimes think they are poor at getting their message out. But to this day, i've never regretted my party choice.
What is a Libertarian? What do they believe? Well, not everyone in any party believes everything on the platform. But their platform is basically about freedom and liberty for everyone. Nice thoughts, huh? But what do they really believe? Maybe this will help explain...
From the Libertarian National Comitee website...
Frequently asked questions about the Libertarian Party
What is a Libertarian?
Libertarians believe that you have the right to live your life as you wish, without the government interfering -- as long as you don’t violate the rights of others. Politically, this means Libertarians favor rolling back the size and cost of government, and eliminating laws that stifle the economy and control people’s personal choices.
Are Libertarians liberal or conservative?
Libertarians are neither. Unlike liberals or conservatives, Libertarians advocate a high degree of both personal and economic liberty. For example, Libertarians agree with conservatives about freedom in economic matters, so we're in favor of lowering taxes, slashing bureaucratic regulation of business, and charitable -- rather than government -- welfare. But Libertarians also agree with liberals on personal tolerance, so we're in favor of people’s right to choose their own personal habits and lifestyles.
In a sense, Libertarians “borrow” from both sides to come up with a logical and consistent whole -- but without the exceptions and broken promises of Republican and Democratic politicians. That's why we call ourselves the Party of Principle.
How large is the Libertarian Party?
By almost every objective measure, the Libertarian Party is the third-largest political party in America. We’re active in all 50 states and have more than 200,000 registered voters, which is more than all other third parties combined.
What kind of offices do Libertarians hold?
Around the USA there are Libertarian mayors, county executives, county council members and even a Libertarian sheriff! Libertarians also serve on school boards and in hundreds of local offices. In 2004 our candidates for U.S. earned over 1 million votes for the third time in a row, which is a feat no other third party has achieved.
These elected Libertarians are already hard at work saving you money and protecting your civil liberties. In fact, Libertarians saved Americans over $2.2 billion in 2004 alone.
What kind of people join the Libertarian Party?
People like you. People who used to be Republicans, Democrats, and independents – from all walks of life. They joined us because they realize that we’re the only political party working for their personal and economic liberty.
Another question we sometimes hear: Is political extremist Lyndon LaRouche in the Libertarian Party? No. LaRouche has never been associated in any way with us. He runs for office as a Democrat.
How can I join the party?
Ask yourself: Is government too big or too small? Are taxes too high or too low? Does the government regulate my business too much or too little? Does the government control my personal life too much or not enough? If you agree, like most Americans, that government is too large, too expensive, and meddles too much, the Libertarian Party is for you!
Now it’s time to take action. Join the Libertarian Party today – and become part of the new choice in American politics!
I couldn't have said it any better myself. I guess that's why I copy/paste'd it, lol. If you want to learn more, check the link below.
Furthermore, both parties just seemed too big for their own britches. Both parties seemed to be more about power and control than looking out for me and my neighbors. I started to consider other options.
I looked at the Greens. They were really enviromentally concious, which I liked, but were just too "left" for me on way too many things. Nice people, and they probably wouldn't be so militant about the environment if people heeded their wise advice more often, but I thought most of em were a little too "conspiracy minded" to be taken too seriously on other issues that mattered to me.
I looked at the new Reform party started by guys like Ross Perot. I liked the idea of some government reform, but they were a little too "right wing authoritarian" for me and a little too eager to kick everyone's ass who disagreed with em for me to join up.
I considered no party affiliation at all, and almost went there, until I looked at the Libertarians a little deeper.
My 1st reaction to the party name was that they were some fruit loops who were anarchists in sheep's clothing. But then I looked further. And in the end, I signed up. Not because I agreed with them on every single thing. But most of their theories held water, at least in broad strokes in my mind. I sitill don't agree with them all the time, and sometimes think they are poor at getting their message out. But to this day, i've never regretted my party choice.
What is a Libertarian? What do they believe? Well, not everyone in any party believes everything on the platform. But their platform is basically about freedom and liberty for everyone. Nice thoughts, huh? But what do they really believe? Maybe this will help explain...
From the Libertarian National Comitee website...
Frequently asked questions about the Libertarian Party
What is a Libertarian?
Libertarians believe that you have the right to live your life as you wish, without the government interfering -- as long as you don’t violate the rights of others. Politically, this means Libertarians favor rolling back the size and cost of government, and eliminating laws that stifle the economy and control people’s personal choices.
Are Libertarians liberal or conservative?
Libertarians are neither. Unlike liberals or conservatives, Libertarians advocate a high degree of both personal and economic liberty. For example, Libertarians agree with conservatives about freedom in economic matters, so we're in favor of lowering taxes, slashing bureaucratic regulation of business, and charitable -- rather than government -- welfare. But Libertarians also agree with liberals on personal tolerance, so we're in favor of people’s right to choose their own personal habits and lifestyles.
In a sense, Libertarians “borrow” from both sides to come up with a logical and consistent whole -- but without the exceptions and broken promises of Republican and Democratic politicians. That's why we call ourselves the Party of Principle.
How large is the Libertarian Party?
By almost every objective measure, the Libertarian Party is the third-largest political party in America. We’re active in all 50 states and have more than 200,000 registered voters, which is more than all other third parties combined.
What kind of offices do Libertarians hold?
Around the USA there are Libertarian mayors, county executives, county council members and even a Libertarian sheriff! Libertarians also serve on school boards and in hundreds of local offices. In 2004 our candidates for U.S. earned over 1 million votes for the third time in a row, which is a feat no other third party has achieved.
These elected Libertarians are already hard at work saving you money and protecting your civil liberties. In fact, Libertarians saved Americans over $2.2 billion in 2004 alone.
What kind of people join the Libertarian Party?
People like you. People who used to be Republicans, Democrats, and independents – from all walks of life. They joined us because they realize that we’re the only political party working for their personal and economic liberty.
Another question we sometimes hear: Is political extremist Lyndon LaRouche in the Libertarian Party? No. LaRouche has never been associated in any way with us. He runs for office as a Democrat.
How can I join the party?
Ask yourself: Is government too big or too small? Are taxes too high or too low? Does the government regulate my business too much or too little? Does the government control my personal life too much or not enough? If you agree, like most Americans, that government is too large, too expensive, and meddles too much, the Libertarian Party is for you!
Now it’s time to take action. Join the Libertarian Party today – and become part of the new choice in American politics!
I couldn't have said it any better myself. I guess that's why I copy/paste'd it, lol. If you want to learn more, check the link below.
