Ask A Libertarian Anything

[SkyChief]

Libertarians strongly oppose any government interference into their personal, family, and business decisions. Essentially, we believe all Americans should be free to live their lives and pursue their interests as they see fit as long as they do no harm to another. https://www.lp.org/about/

• We seek to substantially reduce the size and intrusiveness of government and cut and eliminate taxes at every opportunity.
• We believe that peaceful, honest people should be able to offer their goods and services to willing consumers without inappropriate interference from government.
• We believe that peaceful, honest people should decide for themselves how to live their lives, without fear of criminal or civil penalties.
• We believe that government’s only responsibility, if any, should be protecting people from force and fraud.

Libertarians often disagree on some issues, but the single Core Principle that binds ALL libertarians around the globe is the Non Aggression Principle which essentially means that one person (or group of people) should not force or coerce another person (or group of people) to do something against their will.

Government should never have the power (or authority) to force a citizen to do something against their will. This means that direct taxation (Income, Property) is wrong because the government will harm us if we don't pay the direct tax (fines, property seizure, imprisonment, etc).

"The State can't give you Freedom, and the State can't take it away. You're born with it, like your eyes, like your ears. Freedom is something you assume, then you wait for someone to try to take it away. The degree to which you resist is the degree to which you are free..." - Utah Phillips

 

[samiam5211]

What's the difference between an Anarchist and a Libertarian?

The size of their wallet.

 

[Lursa]

Libertarians strongly oppose any government interference into their personal, family, and business decisions. Essentially, we believe all Americans should be free to live their lives and pursue their interests as they see fit as long as they do no harm to another. https://www.lp.org/about/

• We seek to substantially reduce the size and intrusiveness of government and cut and eliminate taxes at every opportunity.
• We believe that peaceful, honest people should be able to offer their goods and services to willing consumers without inappropriate interference from government.
• We believe that peaceful, honest people should decide for themselves how to live their lives, without fear of criminal or civil penalties.
• We believe that government’s only responsibility, if any, should be protecting people from force and fraud.
Libertarians often disagree on some issues, but the Core Principle that binds ALL libertarians around the globe is the Non Aggression Principle which essentially means that one person (or group of people) should not force or coerce another person (or group of people) to do something against their will.

Government should never have the power (or authority) to force a citizen to do something against their will. This means that direct taxation (Income, Property) is wrong because the government will harm us if we don't pay the direct tax (fines, property seizure, imprisonment, etc).

"The State can't give you freedom, and the State can't take it away. You're born with it, like your eyes, like your ears. Freedom is something you assume, then you wait for someone to try to take it away. The degree to which you resist is the degree to which you are free..." - Utah Phillips

For pro-life libertarians, how do they justify voting against elective abortion?

 

[mrjurrs]

Libertarians strongly oppose any government interference into their personal, family, and business decisions. Essentially, we believe all Americans should be free to live their lives and pursue their interests as they see fit as long as they do no harm to another. https://www.lp.org/about/

• We seek to substantially reduce the size and intrusiveness of government and cut and eliminate taxes at every opportunity.
• We believe that peaceful, honest people should be able to offer their goods and services to willing consumers without inappropriate interference from government.
• We believe that peaceful, honest people should decide for themselves how to live their lives, without fear of criminal or civil penalties.
• We believe that government’s only responsibility, if any, should be protecting people from force and fraud.

Libertarians often disagree on some issues, but the single Core Principle that binds ALL libertarians around the globe is the Non Aggression Principle which essentially means that one person (or group of people) should not force or coerce another person (or group of people) to do something against their will.

Government should never have the power (or authority) to force a citizen to do something against their will. This means that direct taxation (Income, Property) is wrong because the government will harm us if we don't pay the direct tax (fines, property seizure, imprisonment, etc).

"The State can't give you Freedom, and the State can't take it away. You're born with it, like your eyes, like your ears. Freedom is something you assume, then you wait for someone to try to take it away. The degree to which you resist is the degree to which you are free..." - Utah Phillips

And what services of government do they propose eliminating? You think the state can't take away your freedoms? Ask women carrying unwanted pregnancies?

 

[SkyChief]

For pro-life libertarians, how do they justify voting against elective abortion?

A very good question, and abortion is one of those issues that causes libertarians to part company. For this reason I will abstain. Great question, though. I think most libertarians would want government to stay out of the picture, though.

 

[Lursa]

A very good question, and abortion is one of those issues that cause libertarians to part company. For this reason I will abstain. Great question, though.

Can you explain your position?

 

[Phys251]

Libertarians strongly oppose any government interference into their personal, family, and business decisions. Essentially, we believe all Americans should be free to live their lives and pursue their interests as they see fit as long as they do no harm to another. https://www.lp.org/about/

• We seek to substantially reduce the size and intrusiveness of government and cut and eliminate taxes at every opportunity.
• We believe that peaceful, honest people should be able to offer their goods and services to willing consumers without inappropriate interference from government.
• We believe that peaceful, honest people should decide for themselves how to live their lives, without fear of criminal or civil penalties.
• We believe that government’s only responsibility, if any, should be protecting people from force and fraud.

Libertarians often disagree on some issues, but the single Core Principle that binds ALL libertarians around the globe is the Non Aggression Principle which essentially means that one person (or group of people) should not force or coerce another person (or group of people) to do something against their will.

Government should never have the power (or authority) to force a citizen to do something against their will. This means that direct taxation (Income, Property) is wrong because the government will harm us if we don't pay the direct tax (fines, property seizure, imprisonment, etc).

"The State can't give you Freedom, and the State can't take it away. You're born with it, like your eyes, like your ears. Freedom is something you assume, then you wait for someone to try to take it away. The degree to which you resist is the degree to which you are free..." - Utah Phillips

Your posting history is indistinguishable from those of the righties. Can you explain what's so different about yours?

 

[SkyChief]

And what services of government do they propose eliminating? You think the state can't take away your freedoms? Ask women carrying unwanted pregnancies?

All products and services that CAN be provided in the private sector, SHOULD be provided by the private sector.

The services that cannot be provided by the private sector should be handled by government. (e.g., Courts, Congress, Military, FAA, etc.)

 

[Caiman]

For pro-life libertarians, how do they justify voting against elective abortion?

They take the liberty of the unborn baby into account, not just that of the mother.

 

[Checkerboard Strangler]

What's the difference between an Anarchist and a Libertarian?

The size of their wallet.

 

[Caiman]

All products and services that CAN be provided in the private sector, SHOULD be provided by the private sector.

The servives that cannot be provided in the private sector should be handled by government.

Is there a product or service that CANNOT be provide by the private sector?

 

[SkyChief]

Your posting history is indistinguishable from those of the righties. Can you explain what's so different about yours?

I'm happy to answer any questions you have regarding libertarianism as an ideology, and the basic principles. I don't want to speak about my personal posts.

 

[mrjurrs]

All products and services that CAN be provided in the private sector, SHOULD be provided by the private sector.

The servives that cannot be provided in the private sector should be handled by government.

Like road repair? How about public education?
Answer the question, because anything could be provided by the private sector.

 

[Lursa]

They take the liberty of the unborn baby into account, not just that of the mother.

Who says the unborn has any liberty? Any rights at all?

@SkyChief do libertarians believe in the Constitution?

Edit: @Caiman do you consider yourself a libertarian?

 

[Lursa]

I'm happy to answer any questions you have regarding libertarianism as an ideology, and the basic principles. I don't want to speak about my personal posts.

Why not? Why would your list of generalities then, be worth anything? It's like a Catholic saying they dont follow the Bible. Or are 'cafeterial plan' Catholics.

 

[Caiman]

Who says the unborn has any liberty? Any rights at all?

Those that believe that unborn is a human being.

Many, if not most, states will charge a person with two murders for killing a pregnant woman.

 

[soylentgreen]

Still buy into rands bullshit?

 

[NatMorton]

Libertarians strongly oppose any government interference into their personal, family, and business decisions. Essentially, we believe all Americans should be free to live their lives and pursue their interests as they see fit as long as they do no harm to another. https://www.lp.org/about/

• We seek to substantially reduce the size and intrusiveness of government and cut and eliminate taxes at every opportunity.
• We believe that peaceful, honest people should be able to offer their goods and services to willing consumers without inappropriate interference from government.
• We believe that peaceful, honest people should decide for themselves how to live their lives, without fear of criminal or civil penalties.
• We believe that government’s only responsibility, if any, should be protecting people from force and fraud.

Libertarians often disagree on some issues, but the single Core Principle that binds ALL libertarians around the globe is the Non Aggression Principle which essentially means that one person (or group of people) should not force or coerce another person (or group of people) to do something against their will.

Government should never have the power (or authority) to force a citizen to do something against their will. This means that direct taxation (Income, Property) is wrong because the government will harm us if we don't pay the direct tax (fines, property seizure, imprisonment, etc).

"The State can't give you Freedom, and the State can't take it away. You're born with it, like your eyes, like your ears. Freedom is something you assume, then you wait for someone to try to take it away. The degree to which you resist is the degree to which you are free..." - Utah Phillips

From a libertarian perspective, what are the proper functions of government?

 

[SkyChief]

Like road repair? How about public education?
Answer the question, because anything could be provided by the private sector.

Bingo!

And that's why libertarians object to public roads and public schools. . . . Because these things can be (and ARE in many places) provided by the private sector.

Government should never be in direct competition with the private sector. USPS should not be in competition with UPS, Fed Ex, and other private carriers because USPS (a government entity) can run in deficits - which they do.

If UPS or Fed Ex ran in deficits, they would go tits-up.
USPS can never go tits-up, because no matter how deep in the red they go, government will always funnel more taxpayers' dollars into it.

 

[Caiman]

Bingo!

And that's why libertarians object to public roads and public schools. Because these things can be (and ARE in many places) provided by the private sector.

Can you give a list of things that CANNOT be done by the private sector?

 

[reflechissez]

I'm happy to answer any questions you have regarding libertarianism as an ideology, and the basic principles. I don't want to speak about my personal posts.

That's awfully convenient.

 

[VanceMack]

For pro-life libertarians, how do they justify voting against elective abortion?

Why would it be inappropriate for a Libertarian to oppose abortion any more so than to oppose the killing of ANY human being?

But you bring up a point that is a universal problem...the ridiculous mindset that if you are a Libertarian you must agree with EVERY political position of the Libertarians. Same with democrats. Same with republicans.

Abortion is AN issue...its not the only issue.

 

[Threegoofs]

Libertarians strongly oppose any government interference into their personal, family, and business decisions. Essentially, we believe all Americans should be free to live their lives and pursue their interests as they see fit as long as they do no harm to another. https://www.lp.org/about/

• We seek to substantially reduce the size and intrusiveness of government and cut and eliminate taxes at every opportunity.
• We believe that peaceful, honest people should be able to offer their goods and services to willing consumers without inappropriate interference from government.
• We believe that peaceful, honest people should decide for themselves how to live their lives, without fear of criminal or civil penalties.
• We believe that government’s only responsibility, if any, should be protecting people from force and fraud.

Libertarians often disagree on some issues, but the single Core Principle that binds ALL libertarians around the globe is the Non Aggression Principle which essentially means that one person (or group of people) should not force or coerce another person (or group of people) to do something against their will.

Government should never have the power (or authority) to force a citizen to do something against their will. This means that direct taxation (Income, Property) is wrong because the government will harm us if we don't pay the direct tax (fines, property seizure, imprisonment, etc).

"The State can't give you Freedom, and the State can't take it away. You're born with it, like your eyes, like your ears. Freedom is something you assume, then you wait for someone to try to take it away. The degree to which you resist is the degree to which you are free..." - Utah Phillips

So you believe anyone should be able to immigrate from any nation into the US at anytime, because you believe in freedom and nonagression.

Right?

 

[Lursa]

Those that believe that unborn is a human being.

Where do they get that "belief?"

Human being, Homo sapiens, with human DNA is a biological categorization, but nowhere does 'science' recognize rights for any species.

Many, if not most, states will charge a person with two murders for killing a pregnant woman.

And not one of those states recognizes any rights for the unborn. In all of those states, abortion is specifically excepted, so there's no 'right to life.' Those laws pertain more to recognizing the loss and damages to the woman/her family. Similar to pets and livestock...where others can face charges for killing someone else's pets/livestock, but the owner may put them down. Those other animals have no rights, do they?

 

[Lursa]

Why would it be inappropriate for a Libertarian to oppose abortion any more so than to oppose the killing of ANY human being?

Did you read the list in the OP. Please use actual posts and direct debate, rather than just asking questions.

But you bring up a point that is a universal problem...the ridiculous mindset that if you are a Libertarian you must agree with EVERY political position of the Libertarians. Same with democrats. Same with republicans.

Abortion is AN issue...its not the only issue.

No problem. Then I ask the people here who are libertarians to justify their views, if they vote pro-life, from their libertarian perspectives. Or, see if there is blatant hypocrisy. As a mostly liberal Democrat, I have no problems supporting my strong pro-2A views, for instance. I can do so without being hypocritical.