The Libertarian Party
Many of you here are a part of the Republican or Democrat parties. Many of you know about their platforms. But how how many of you know about Libertarian party and its platform? A way to think of the libertarian platform is true fiscal conservatism, the promotion of individualism, and strict adherence to the non-aggression principle. The party itself is a viable option past the typical two-party dichotomy we are used to.
The Libertarian Party was founded in 1971. It is currently the third largest and fastest growing party in this country. We believe in state rights, and the ability for states to nullify federal legislation.
Currently there are a large number of candidates running for election. The Libertarian presidential candidate is former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson, and VP candidate is current California Supreme Court Judge Jim Gray. Here in Florida the LP has Calen Fretts running for congress; as well as, Peter Richter and Jonathan Loesche running for state house. Calen and Peter are both highly likely to win their seats, making history in this state by being the first Libertarians to hold those seats in Florida. All these candidates strongly stand for the party’s platform.
The first major plank of the libertarian platform is Fiscal conservatism. The overall belief is that everyone should own the entirety of the fruits of their labor. Direct taxation like income tax is immoral and there are other ways to raise funding for government. Also, we believe the government has grown way too big, therefore needs to be reduced to reasonable, constitutionally mandated, and fiscally responsible levels. We also want to end the Federal Reserve, and reduce spending; not just simply balance the budget while secretly raising spending.
Lew Rockwell, an austrian economist and founder of the Ludwig von Mises Institute stated that:
“The larger the government, the more our livings standards are reduced. We are fortunate as a civilization that the progress of free enterprise generally outpaces the regress of government growth, for, if that were not the case, we would be poorer each year - not just in relative terms, but absolutely poorer too. The market is smart and the government is dumb, and to these attributes do we owe the whole of our economic well-being.”
This is a perfect quote quantifying the libertarian belief in austrian economics and limited government.
The second plank of the platform is the belief in individualism and the non-aggression principle. The text book of individualism is the belief in the importance of individual civil rights, in the virtues of self-reliance, and personal independence from the state. The not-textbook definition is, I am an individual, and no one has the right to stop me from doing what I or what any other individual wants to do. If I want to smoke pot, no one should tell me I cannot smoke. If I want to own a dozen guns, its not any governance’s right to know what they are. As long as what I am doing does not interfere with another person’s life or rights, except if by mutual contract, then its fair game.
Acts of violence is a violation of a person’s individual rights, and goes against the non-aggression principle. Former Republican presidential candidate in 2008 & 2012, who also ran as Libertarian candidate in 1988, Ron Paul stated in his book Freedom Under Siege:
"All initiation of force is a violation of someone else's rights, whether initiated by an individual or the state, for the benefit of an individual or group of individuals, even if it's supposed to be for the benefit of another individual or group of individuals."
This quote pretty much completely states exactly what the non-aggression principle advocates, except individuals do have the right to defend themselves.
So, How many of you now know about Libertarian party and it platform? Excellent, now you all have a better understanding of the Libertarian Party and its platform. A party that has become a viable option in local, state, and federal elections versus just those two-party system we know today. A party with a strong platform of fiscal conservatism and individual understanding, that promotes peace and, non-aggressive.
Thank you.
References:
Rockwell, Llewellyn. “Seeing the Unseen.” LewRockwell.com. January 1st, 2008. Web.
September 26th, 2012.
Paul, Ron. Freedom Under Siege. Lake Jackson: Foundation for Rational Economics and Education, Inc., 1987.
Outline:
I. Introduction
Many of you here are a part of the Republican or Democrat parties. Many of you know about their platforms. But how how many of you know about Libertarian party and its platform? A way to think of the libertarian platform is true fiscal conservatism and social individualism; as well, as strict adherence to the non-aggression principle. The party itself is a viable option past the typical two-party dichotomy we are used to.
II. The Party
a. Give a variety of information on the LP ranging from current presidential
candidates, one or two state candidates, party size, and growth information.
III. Fiscal conservatism.
a. Explain all key points.
i. small government
ii. debt reduction
iii. reduced taxation
b. Discuss how this all benefits everyone.
c. Use the following quotation from Llewellyn “Lew” Rockwell, founder of the
Ludwig von Mises Institute -
The larger the government, the more our livings standards are reduced. We are fortunate as a civilization that the progress of free enterprise generally outpaces the regress of government growth, for, if that were not the case, we would be poorer each year - not just in relative terms, but absolutely poorer too. The market is smart and the government is dumb, and to these attributes do we owe the whole of our economic well-being.
IV. Individualism and the Non-Aggression Principle.
a. Give the basic definition of individualism ie the everyone is an individual
therefore should be respected as an individual.
b. Use this quote from former republican and libertarian presidential candidate Dr. Ron Paul. -
"All initiation of force is a violation of someone else's rights, whether initiated by an individual or the state, for the benefit of an individual or group of individuals, even if it's supposed to be for the benefit of another individual or group of individuals."
V. Conclusion
So, How many of you now know about Libertarian party and it platform? Excellent, now you all have a better understanding of the Libertarian Party and its platform. A party that has become a viable option in local, state, and federal elections versus just those two-party system we know today. A party with a strong platform of fiscal conservatism and individual understanding, that promotes peace and, non-aggressive.
References:
Rockwell, Llewellyn. “Seeing the Unseen.” LewRockwell.com. January 1st, 2008. Web.
September 26th, 2012.
Paul, Ron. Freedom Under Siege. Lake Jackson: Foundation for Rational Economics and Education, Inc., 1987.
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