What Is A Libertarian?

The two main political parties are a mess right now.  No one is happy on either side, so it's logical to think outside the box and see what other political parties are offering.  I decided to take a closer look at the Libertarian Party, which will be on the ballot in all 50 states come November.  After checking them out, I'll stay right where I am, but have learned a thing or two about what they stand for.  Here's some of what I learned.

They believe that respect for individual rights is the essential precondition for a free and prosperous world, that force and fraud must be banished from human relationships, and that only through freedom can peace and prosperity be realized.  They feel each person has the right to engage in any activity that is peaceful and honest, without interference from government or any authoritarian power.  Everyone has the right to live in whatever manner they choose, so long as it doesn't interfere with the rights of others.

They oppose government censorship.  They favor the right to engage in or abstain from any religious activity that does not violate the rights of others.  They advocate individual privacy and government transparency.  They want to end government's practice of spying on everyone.  Sexual orientation and gender identity should have no impact on the government's treatment of individuals, regarding marriage, child custody or military service.  The government should not have the authority to define, license or restrict personal relationships.  Government should be kept out of the matter of abortion, leaving the question to each person.

They favor the repeal of all laws creating "crimes" without victims, such as the use of drugs for medicinal or recreational purposes.  They oppose reduction of constitutional safeguards of the rights of the criminally accused.  The rights of due process, a speedy trial and legal counsel and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, must not be denied.  The only legitimate use of force is in defense of individual rights, against aggression.  They believe in the right to bear arms, and oppose the prosecution of indivuals for exercising their rights of self-defense.  They oppose all laws at any level of government restricting, registering or monitoring the ownership, manufacture, or transfer of firearms or ammunition.

This is just a fraction of what I learned by reading the platform of the Libertarian Party.  The protection of individual rights is the only proper purpose of government.  As to national defense, Libertarians believe we should maintain a sufficient military to defend the United States against aggression, and we should avoid entangling alliances and abandon any attempt to act as policeman for the world.

There's much more to learn, so go to the Libertarian Party website if you want to learn more.  Much of what they stand for appeals to me, but there's a lot that doesn't.  We have alternatives to the two main parties, and I believe that one day we will have a third party that can be competitive.  In the mean time, it's good to know what alternative parties stand for.