Libertarianism

Libertarianism In One Lesson A forceful one-page essay describing the essence of the Libertarian idea and how it can lead to a world of abundance & harmony. By David Bergland LIBERTARIANISM IN ONE LESSON ========================================     This is a simple summary of what "Libertarianism" is. It was originally written by David Bergland, the 1984 Libertarian Party (LP) presidential candidate, for distribution during his campaign. LIBERTARIANISM IN ONE LESSON by David Bergland Perhaps the most common question put to Libertarian Party (LP) candidates is: "What is Libertarianism?" Or, "What does the LP stand for?" First, let's avoid some common errors and confusion by stating what libertarianism is not. It is NOT a combination of left and right positions. It does not fit on the traditional political spectrum. That spectrum does not admit the idea that all people have the right to control their own lives, in all respects, and the obligation to take responsibility for themselves and their own actions. Liberals and conservatives agree that the rest of us are evil or incompetent or both and must therefore be controlled by government. They differ only on which aspects of our lives should be controlled most. By contrast, Libertarians hold that each person has the absolute right of self-ownership over his or her life, body, speech, action and honestly acquired property. Each has the obligation to respect those same rights in mutual respect for each other's right of self-ownership. Anything that is peaceful, voluntary and honest violates no rights and thus is not a proper subject for governmental intervention. Law enforcement's only proper function is to assist us in defending our rights. The only proper laws are those which penalize such conduct as murder, rape, kidnaping, robbery, burglary, arson, trespass, pollution and fraud. On an international scale, the U.S. armed forces should be confined to providing security against foreign attack on American shores. They should not be used in foreign wars. Libertarianism is the philosophy of the Declaration of Independence and the American Revolution. Most people, most of the time, deal with each other on the libertarian basis of mutual respect. Two groups don't: criminals and government. Libertarians challenge the notion that government can legitimately coerce the rest of us through taxation, regulation, conscription and criminal penalties imposed upon peaceful, voluntary conduct. We demand that laws be limited to their proper functions and that government personnel be held to the same standard of respect for our rights that the rest of us follow. The Libertarian Party is for all people who do not want to be controlled and who do not want to control others. On all issues we will support increased personal liberty and reduced government control. We know that a free society is possible and that it is practical. We are committed to work for as long as it may take to achieve it. 2nd. ed., 2/10/84