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Category Archives: Libertarian

Libertarianism – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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Libertarianism (Latin: liber, "free")[1] is a set of related political philosophies that uphold liberty as the highest political end.[2][3] This includes emphasis on the primacy of individual liberty,[4][5]political freedom, and voluntary association. It is the antonym to authoritarianism.[6] Different schools of libertarianism disagree over whether the state should exist and, if so, to what extent.[7] While minarchists propose a state limited in scope to preventing aggression, theft, breach of contract and fraud, anarchists advocate its complete elimination as a political system.[7][8][9][10][11][12][13] While certain libertarian currents are supportive of laissez-faire capitalism and private property rights, such as in land and natural resources, others reject capitalism and private ownership of the means of production, instead advocating their common or cooperative ownership and management. [14][15][16][17]

In the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, libertarianism is defined as the moral view that agents initially fully own themselves and have certain moral powers to acquire property rights in external things.[18] Libertarian philosopher Roderick Long defines libertarianism as "any political position that advocates a radical redistribution of power from the coercive state to voluntary associations of free individuals", whether "voluntary association" takes the form of the free market or of communal co-operatives.[19]In the United States, the term libertarianism is often used as a synonym for economic liberalism.

Many countries throughout the world have libertarian parties (see list of libertarian political parties).

The term libertarian in a metaphysical or philosophical sense was first used by late-Enlightenment free-thinkers to refer to those who believed in free will, as opposed to incompatibilist determinism.[20] The first recorded use was in 1789 by William Belsham in a discussion of free will and in opposition to "necessitarian" (or determinist) views.[21][22]

Libertarian as an advocate or defender of liberty especially in the political and social spheres was used in 1796 in London Packet on the 12th of February:

Lately marched out of the Prison at Bristol, 450 of the French Libertarians.[23]

The word libertarian was used also in a political sense in 1802, in a short piece critiquing a poem by "the author of Gebir":

The author's Latin verses, which are rather more intelligible than his English, mark him for a furious Libertarian (if we may coin such a term) and a zealous admirer of France, and her liberty, under Bonaparte; such liberty![24]

The use of the word "libertarian" to describe a new set of political positions has been tracked to the French cognate, libertaire, which was coined in 1857 by French anarchist Joseph Djacque who used the term to distinguish his libertarian communist approach from the mutualism advocated by Pierre-Joseph Proudhon.[25] By 1878, Sir John Seeley could characterize a person "who can properly be said to defend liberty" (by opposing tyranny or "resist[ing] the established government") as a "libertarian."[26]Libertarian has been used by some as a synonym for anarchism since the 1890s.[27] By 1901, Frederic William Maitland could use the term to capture a cultural attitude of support for freedom. Observing that "the picture of an editor defending his proof sheets [...] before an official board of critics is not to our liking," Maitland emphasized that "[i]n such matters Englishmen are individualists and libertarians."[28] As early as 1923, H. L. Mencken could write: "My literary theory, like my politics, is based chiefly upon one idea, to wit, the idea of freedom. I am, in belief, a libertarian of the most extreme variety."[29]Albert Jay Nock and Mencken were the first prominent figures in the US to call themselves "libertarians," which they used to signify their allegiance to individualism and limited government, feeling that Franklin D. Roosevelt had co-opted the word "liberal" for his New Deal policies, which they opposed.[30]

In the United States, where the meaning of liberalism has parted significantly from classical liberalism, classical liberalism has largely been renamed libertarianism and is associated with "economically conservative" and "socially liberal" political views (going by the common meanings of "conservative" and "liberal" in the United States),[31][32] along with a foreign policy of non-interventionism.[33][34]

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Libertarianism - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Libertarian Party (United States) – Wikipedia, the free …

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Libertarian Party Chairman Geoff Neale Founded December 11, 1971 (1971-12-11) (42years ago) Headquarters 2600 Virginia Avenue NW, Suite 200 Washington, D.C. 20037 Student wing College Libertarians Membership (January 2013) >330,811 [1] Ideology Libertarianism (American) Internal factions: Anarcho-capitalism[2] Paleolibertarianism[3] Classical liberalism Minarchism Austrian economics Left-libertarianism Non-interventionism Voluntaryism Political position

Economic policy: Free market, Laissez-faire[4] Social policy: Civil libertarianism, Cultural liberalism[5]

The Libertarian Party is an American national political party that reflects, represents and promotes the ideas and philosophies of libertarianism. The Libertarian Party was formed in Colorado Springs, Colorado, in the home of Luke Zell on December 11, 1971.[7] The founding of the party was prompted in part due to concerns about the Vietnam War, conscription, and the end of the gold standard.[8] Although there is not an explicitly-labeled "left" or "right" designation of the party, many members, such as 2012 presidential nominee Gary Johnson, state that they are more socially liberal than the Democrats, but more fiscally conservative than the Republicans. The party has generally promoted a classical liberal platform, in contrast to the modern liberal and progressive platform of the Democrats and the more conservative platform of the Republicans.[9]Current policy positions include lowering taxes,[10] allowing people to opt-out of Social Security,[11] abolishing welfare,[12] ending the prohibition on illegal drugs,[13] and supporting gun ownership rights.[14]

In the 30 states where voters can register by party, there is a combined total of 330,811 voters registered under the party.[1] By this count the Libertarian Party is the third-largest party by membership in the United States and it is the third-largest political party in the United States in terms of the popular vote in the country's elections and number of candidates run per election. Due to this, it has been labelled by some as the United States' third-largest political party.[15] It is also identified by many as the fastest growing political party in the United States.[16][dated info]

Hundreds of Libertarian candidates have been elected or appointed to public office, and thousands have run for office under the Libertarian banner.[17][18][19] The Libertarian Party has many firsts to its credit, such as being the party under which the first electoral vote was cast for a woman in a United States presidential election, due to a faithless elector.[20] The party has also seen electoral success in state legislative races. Three Libertarians were elected in Alaska between 1978 and 1984, with another four elected in New Hampshire in 1992.[21][22]

The first Libertarian National Convention was held in June, 1972. In 1978, Dick Randolph of Alaska became the first elected Libertarian state legislator. Following the 1980 federal elections, the Libertarian Party assumed the title of being the third-largest party for the first time after the American Independent Party and the Conservative Party of New York, which were the other largest minor parties at the time, continued to decline. In 1994, over 40 Libertarians were elected or appointed which was a record for the party at that time. 1995 saw a soaring membership and voter registration for the party. In 1996, the Libertarian Party became the first third party to earn ballot status in all 50 states two presidential elections in a row. By the end of 2009, 146 Libertarians were holding elected offices.

Tonie Nathan, running as the Libertarian Party's vice-presidential candidate in the 1972 Presidential Election with John Hospers as the presidential candidate, was the first female candidate in the United States to win an electoral vote.[7][20] The 2012 election Libertarian Party presidential candidate, former New Mexico governor Gary Johnson, was chosen on May 4, 2012 at the 2012 Libertarian National Convention in Summerlin, Nevada.[23]

In 1972, "Libertarian Party" was chosen as the party's name, selected over "New Liberty Party."[24] The first official slogan of the Libertarian Party was "There ain't no such thing as a free lunch" (abbreviated "TANSTAAFL"), a phrase popularized by Robert A Heinlein in his 1966 novel The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress, sometimes dubbed "a manifesto for a libertarian revolution". The current slogan of the party is "The Party of Principle".[25]

Also in 1972, the "Libersign"an arrow angling upward through the abbreviation "TANSTAAFL" (There ain't no such thing as a free lunch)was selected as the party's emblem.[24] Sometime after, this was replaced with the Lady Liberty, which has, ever since, served as the party's symbol or mascot.[26][27]

In the 1990s several state libertarian parties adopted the Liberty Penguin ("LP") as their official mascot.[28] Another mascot is the Libertarian porcupine, an icon designed by Kevin Breen in March 2006 and is often associated with the Free State Project.[29] Unlike the Republican and Democratic logos, the stars in the porcupine are not inverted, and as such are not considered Satanic or evil references.

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Libertarian Party (United States) - Wikipedia, the free ...

Libertarians Recruiting More Candidates in Pursuit of Election Success

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Libertarians Recruiting More Candidates in Pursuit of Election Success

December 12, 2013

Central Texas is home to many Libertarians, as shown by this map of the percentage of votes Libertarians received by county. Map by Roy Varney.

By Roy Varney

For Reporting Texas

The shorthand for the original slogan of the Libertarian Party could easily be confused with an anagram or a new strand of flu. But TANSTAAFL pronounced tanstaffel and standing for There aint no such thing as a free lunch was the 1971 launch of an effort to shake up the countrys traditionally two-party political system.

The first platform promised to challenge the cult of the omnipotent state and defend the rights of the individual.

We kind of half-jokingly said there was something in that platform that could offend anyone, recalls Roger Gary, a party member since 1977.

Gary said hes seen the meaning of Libertarianism in Texas change dramatically during his tenure. He has also see significantgrowth in the partys ability to attract voters.

Libertarianism was once considered a fringe party in Texas, but thanks to improved leadership, prolonged public exposure and indirect benefits from the decline of the state Democratic Party, Texas is now the top producer of Libertarian candidates.

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Libertarians Recruiting More Candidates in Pursuit of Election Success

Libertarian enters crowded District 58 race

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With six candidates, the District 58 state representative open seat is the most crowded of next years races. Candidates began to declare their intentions to enter the race earlier this year shortly after state Rep. Rob Orr, R-Burleson, announced he will not seek re-election. District 58 includes Johnson and Bosque counties.

In addition to four Republicans and one Democrat, Libertarian candidate Jesse Pistokache Jr. also filed for the race.

Dont look for him on the Texas Secretary of States websites list of candidates.

These candidate listings are specifically for candidates running in the primary elections, Pistokache said. Currently, only the Republican and Democratic parties hold primary elections in Texas. The [Libertarian and other parties] often nominate their candidates at conventions.

Not that it matters much since Pistokache is the sole Libertarian candidate in the race and will go on to face the winner of the March 4 Republican Primary and Democratic candidate Greg Kauffman in Novembers general election.

The 31-year-old Joshua resident said this marks his first run for office.

I decided to run because I wanted to give voters an option other than the status quo of Republicans and Democrats, Pistokache said.

Pistokache attended Godley and Joshua high schools and Hill College and previously served as a volunteer firefighter for the Mid-North Volunteer Fire Department and described himself as someone who cares about and likes to help his community and as a voice for the people.

I probably dont appear too politically correct, Pistokache said. Im not much of a suit and tie guy; Im more Wranglers, boots and a hat.

Pistokache said he has no plans to start a political Facebook site, but welcomed voters to friend him on his personal Facebook page and to stop and visit with him should they see him out and about the district.

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Libertarian enters crowded District 58 race

Fox Panelists Laugh at Juan Williams for Calling Himself a ‘Libertarian’

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Juan Williams is best known as one of Fox News resident liberals, but is he also a libertarian? When Williams made that assertion on this weekends edition of Cashin In on Fox, he was met with some uproarious laughter from host Eric Bolling and the shows other panelists.

Bolling was telling Williams how worried he is about the NSAs supposed ability to remotely turn on a laptops camera, when Williams shot back, You guys should be worried about terrorists. When he added that hes a libertarian on privacy rights issues, the panel exploded into simultaneous laughter and protestations.

We cant let you get away with that, Bolling responded. You cant say Im a libertarian and Im O.K. with this.

While Williams comment got a lot of incredulous reactions from the group, the best one definitely came from contributor Michelle Fields:

Watch video below, via Fox News:

[photo via screengrab]

>> Follow Matt Wilstein (@TheMattWilstein) on Twitter

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Fox Panelists Laugh at Juan Williams for Calling Himself a ‘Libertarian’

Educational Libertarian Book for Youth Released

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Saint Louis, Missouri (PRWEB) November 12, 2013

Written for all ages to promote discussion and understanding, the Really Big Coloring Book company is making complex challenges to our freedoms into a relevant format with an emphasis for youth. The new book addresses issues that many individual Americans face from cradle to grave. A non-partisan fact driven view of how Libertarian Party values and perspectives are influencing youth of today. "American youth are searching for leadership and prosperity. They should be taught individual freedom is the most important factor of a nation. Government serves the people - people are not government servants," according to the book's Publisher, Wayne Bell. "Upon researching this topic and speaking with individuals of all political backgrounds, faiths and races, it was interesting to note most all people could identify themselves as something of a Libertarian when reviewing the Libertarian Party book."

This new volume on Libertarianism details a modern and historical perspective of "The Party of Principle" as they are known. Included are pages on the Libertarian beliefs of a free and independent society, explanation of how the president must obey the U.S. Constitution and how government officials and their offices are servants of the people.

Included are modern day examples of Libertarian success stories from business people, actors, media personalities and politicians from local, state and national government. Many teaching examples for youth include how privatization can better serve the needs of the people versus an overbearing inflated government bureaucracy. Pages featuring a political quiz and puzzles, games, mazes, crosswords and listings of Libertarian Organizations will provide the reader with thought provoking information and resources.

The Libertarian book is available on the company's website http://www.ColoringBook.com at Amazon.com and soon to be at Barnes & Noble and Abe Books as well as multiple other retail locations. Designed for use as an educational tool in schools and as a hand out for political groups, clubs and organizations. Retailing from $4.99 to $7.99 depending upon outlet and wholesale prices available for groups.

"Fear of a tyrannical government is nothing new," added Publisher Bell. '"The country's Founding Fathers drafted the U.S. Constitution with this knowledge and created our Constitution that would quickly become the guiding force in world history for the change of good. Governments, when instituted, must not violate individual rights. This is a principle well known and established within the Libertarian Party.

About Really Big Coloring Books, Inc.

Really Big Coloring Books, Inc., headquartered in St. Louis, MO, is a multi-national company providing quality children's teaching and learning tools and coloring book products for over two decades. Known for their market leading positions, RBCBs family of products are classic, colorful and unique. The company owns more than 900 coloring book related domain names in several countries and is a trend setting leader in the coloring book industry.

To find out more visit: http://www.ColoringBook.com or call 314-725-1452.

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Educational Libertarian Book for Youth Released

Fox News’ Scott Brown Cuccinelli lost because libertarian candidate was Democratic plant – Video

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Fox News #39; Scott Brown Cuccinelli lost because libertarian candidate was Democratic plant
Please: Like, Share and Subscribe Thanks !!! Fox News #39; Scott Brown Cuccinelli lost because libertarian candidate was Democratic plant This video is [FAIR USE] under © COPYRIGHT LAW it is:...

By: Charles Town

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Fox News' Scott Brown Cuccinelli lost because libertarian candidate was Democratic plant - Video

Libertarians challenge new Ohio minor-party law

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By Jim Siegel

The Columbus Dispatch Friday November 8, 2013 5:05 PM

The Libertarian Party of Ohio has filed a federal lawsuit this afternoon arguing that the law signed by Gov. John Kasich on Wednesday setting requirements for minor party recognition is unconstitutional.

Mark Brown, the lead attorney for the lawsuit, said the timing of the laws enactment it takes effect Feb. 5, the day of the 2014 candidate filing deadline and the law blocking minor parties from holding a primary election next year will be the key arguments.

The lawsuits timing argument cites federal 1st and 14th Amendment violations, Brown said, It also makes a state constitutional argument under Article 5, Section 7, which says that all nominations for elective state, district, county and municipal offices shall be made at direct primary elections or by petition as provided by law.

Minor party candidates have already started collecting signatures for various races under current law, which essentially leaves it up to the secretary of state to determine which minor parties are recognized. The federal courts struck down Ohios prior minor party recognition law in 2006.

Basically what Ohio has done is retroactively taken ballot access away from the (Libertarian Party) and its candidates, Brown said. You can pass valid retroactive legislation, but you have to be careful about it, and especially in the First Amendment or the voting context, its strongly frowned upon by the federal courts.

While the courts may decide that the law can be applied in the future, Brown said, he hopes they will find it cannot apply next year, after so many candidates already have been gathering signatures under current law.

The lawsuit is not expected to challenge the actual signature or vote thresholds set in the law. Whether those should apply after the 2014 election is a separate issue, Brown said.

Under the law, minor parties next year would have to collect about 28,000 signatures 0.5 percent of the votes cast in the last presidential election to form and be recognized on the ballot. At least 500 of those signatures must come from each of 8 congressional districts.

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Libertarians challenge new Ohio minor-party law

Non-Libertarian Columnist Hilariously Tries and Fails to Identify ‘The Problem with Libertarians’

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In the wake of a tough conservative defeat in Virginias gubernatorial election, conservative radio host Derek Hunter took to his Town Hall column to decry libertarianism for essentially not playing enough ball with his beloved GOP.

Theres lots of junk within Hunters column, so bear with me through a hefty fisking. Lets start with the opening paragraph:

There was a time I called myself a Libertarian. And there was a time I was a Libertarian. I just wanted to get government to leave me alone, to leave people alone and to go all crazy and limit itself to doing only that which is spelled out clearly in the Constitution. That was what a Libertarian was. But its not anymore.

So you once registered for a political party? Good for you! Just as a pro-tip: If you want to sound authoritative about the libertarian movement, you might not want to use a big-L Libertarian. Thats a political party with which many if not most libertarians do not associate. By and large, libertarians reject partisan political gamesmanship in favor of the grander Battle of Ideas.

So, right off the bat, you can tell Hunter has a certain level of cluelessness about his subject. And then theres this doozy of a paragraph:

By not even loosely defining the parameters of a set of beliefs, Libertarians allowed their brand as it was to be hijacked by anyone willing to wear the label. They went from the movement for individual responsibility, small government and free markets to a gaggle of misfits who want pot and prostitution legalized and a total non-interventionist foreign policy.

So according to Derek Hunter, Expert in All Things Libertarian, people who believe in individual freedom and are skeptical of the ever-expanding warfare state have hijacked a movement that already deeply included those beliefs.

Honestly, what does being a Libertarian mean beyond legalizing drugs, banging hookers and sitting by while the rest of the world blows itself up?

It should be quite clear by now that Hunter is just mad that libertarians arent conservatives. By picking the issues on which libertarians and conservatives most vehemently disagree, he conveniently broadsides the whole movement as being solely about the hookers and drugs. In other words: why cant you libertarians just invade more countries and lock up more people for victimless crimes?

He then goes on to attack the central figure in modern libertarian thought: Reason magazine.

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Non-Libertarian Columnist Hilariously Tries and Fails to Identify ‘The Problem with Libertarians’


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