What Is Libertarianism?

July 29th, 2024

Libertarians believe every human has the right to life (to live as long as their body is naturally able). liberty (to act and move as their body is naturally able), and property (to own, control, trade, give, or destroy the products of their labor). Also, no human (or group of humans calling themselves a government) should violate the rights of another human, and if anyone does aggress against another he has a right to defend himself and his property. This is the Non-Aggression Principle (NAP). While Libertarians disagree on many facets of human rights, such as when life begins or if governments can be trusted to protects those rights, they all agree on these basic human rights and the NAP.

Where Democrats and Republicans change their stances based on the populist topics of the day, Libertarians refuse to sell their principles for power. Where Dems and Reps justify the theft of the people to fund their bureaucracies, Libertarians are against taxation. Where Dems and Reps have both had a hand in invading foreign countries, toppling elected leaders and killing civilians, Libertarians are strictly against wars of aggression. Democrats and Republicans use government to violate human rights, sometimes disagreeing on exactly how. Libertarians are the party with a consistent moral foundation.

With this moral foundation in mind, you may wonder how Libertarians could participate in a political system they oppose. Libertarians seek political positions only to downsize or destroy government power. We plan to free you then leave you alone. Libertarians also fight for freedom through many paths; you’ll find many who practice civil disobedience, arm themselves to defend against tyranny, and build alternative markets to create prosperity outside the manipulated government system. One of the most important endeavors of Libertarians is to educate people on the how freedom is better than government coercion.

US government corruption and waste is at an all-time high, and the people are suffering for it. Everyone is tired of being forced to obey politicians and bureaucrats who do not represent them. Elections grow more and more intense as each side seeks power to control the other. It does not have to be this way. We can live and let live, respecting the life, liberty, and property rights of others. A free and moral society is possible, and Libertarians’ dearest wish is to make that possibility reality.

For more details on Libertarian positions you can read the Libertarian Party platform here: https://www.lp.org/platform/. You are also welcome to ask us directly though our email, social media, or at one of our meetings. We look forward to hearing from you!

- Meredith Hayes, LPSCV Secretary