What is Libertarianism

When people hear the term "Libertarian," they often think "Liberal." After all, they begin with the same five letters and they share a similar root.  In a sense, they are not entirely wrong. Libertarianism does share roots with classical liberalism - the philosophy which sparked the American War for Independence. However, modern liberalism and classical liberalism are very different.

Classical Liberalism vs. Modern Liberalism

Classical Liberalism was the philosophy of Thomas Jefferson, John Locke, and John Stuart Mill. It is the philosophy of limited state-government. It is the philosophy of the individual, rather than collective rights. It is the philosophy of Laissez-Faire economics. Thomas Jefferson, John Locke, and John Stuart Mill are the fathers of Classical Liberalism. It champions individual rather than collective rights and is the basis of Laissez-Faire economics. 

In contrast, modern Liberalism developed out of progressivism. Progressives want to regulate both the economy and individual lives. They prefer the rights of society over individuals. They believe that we can solve societal ills if we just put the right group of experts in charge.

Libertarians, classical liberals, and progressives all agree that society is far from perfect. But libertarians and classical liberals think that problems in society are best managed by individuals and small groups who choose to work together. Progressives, or modern liberals, tend to think that those problems can best be solved with top-down, centralized systems. Libertarians believe in individual, decentralized solutions.

Non-Aggression Principle (NAP)

The Non-Aggression Principle (NAP) is the core tenant of libertarianism. The NAP simply states that people do not have the right to initiate aggression against other people. Recognizing that stealing from a person is an act of aggression, the NAP includes protection of fundamental property rights.

This likely sounds basic. We all learned this as toddlers. "Don't hurt people and don't take their stuff." Who can be opposed to that? 

Libertarians apply this universally.  Neither individuals nor the government have the right to initiate aggression. The fact that one claims to be an agent of the state does not give him the right to initiate aggression against anyone.

Is Libertarianism Left-Wing or Right-Wing?

Some say that libertarianism falls in the middle between the left and the right. They might say something like, "libertarianism is fiscally conservative and socially liberal." 

I reject this characterization of libertarianism. It exists outside of the left-right spectrum entirely! Someone could be a left-leaning libertarian, or a right-leaning libertarian. Ultimately, libertarians believe in eliminating many of the state's functions. 

For example, currently, the state feeds the needy. Libertarians recognize that the poverty-stricken need food. A left-leaning libertarian might think that the best way to feed the needy is through labor unions, co-ops, or communes. A right-wing libertarian might think the best way to feed the needy is through strong family connections, churches, and private charity. Individual and voluntary groups, rather than government, provide the best solutions. Regardless of how they lean, libertarians can work together to tackle community problems.

Is the Libertarian Party More Like the Republicans or Democrats?

The short answer to this is no. We’re not like either. 

Democrats tend to want to grow domestic government spending. Republicans want to grow it at a slower rate. Libertarians want to cut domestic spending. We are not between the two. We are not part of the two. We are beyond the two. 

Republicans want to grow military and foreign spending. Democrats want to grow it at a slower rate. Libertarians want individuals to be able to keep their income and spend it as they wish. We are not between the two. We are not part of the two. We are beyond the two.

Who Can Be A Libertarian

Anyone can be a libertarian. I am an Evangelical Christian. I believe Christ came to save sinners like me from the just consequences of sin. It affects everything I do. But not all libertarians are Christians like me. 

I have met atheist libertarians. I have met Jewish libertarians. I have met artistic libertarians. I have met construction worker libertarians. I have met banker libertarians. I have met homemaker libertarians. I have met young libertarians. I have met old libertarians. 

If you believe that you should be able to live your life according to your conscience, as long as you do not violate the rights of others, and others also should be able to live their lives the way they want to, as long as they do not violate the rights of others, you, too, are a libertarian. 

Welcome!