Quote:
Originally Posted by Nat
I considered myself a libertarian for years, but I'm pretty far to the left now. My only hold-over is that I do believe in the right to keep and bear arms. I do consider myself independent, and it's possible I'd vote for somebody like Meghan McCain one day.
PS. Bacardi - do you feel like Tea Partiers have subverted the libertarian message at all? The Libertarianism I identified with was the "pro-choice on everything" type. But it seems like there is some cross-over in rhetoric between the Tea Party and Libertarianism / Objectivism and I do not see the Tea Party as pro-choice on most things.
PPS. The point at which I came to a dead stop with Libertarianism was the moment I began considering shared resources such as air and water. I have diverged further and further from Libertarianism since then. But, as a Libertarian, how do you think shared resources should be managed/treated by the government?
And another question: What should happen with those who are incapable of taking care of themselves - and who are far too unlikable to ingratiate themselves well with charities?
And what are your feelings on public education? on public libraries? on discrimination and hate crimes?
These are the questions that I couldn't answer to my own satisfaction through the Libertarian lens.
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Wow, that is a lot of loaded questions. All right, I'll answer them to the best of MY opinion. Bare with me, as I have a feeling this will get long...
Here is what I believe about Tea Parties:
I don't believe Tea Parties are solely Libertarian venues. Due to this, there is a conflict of interest. I am finding that, more often than not, there are more right wing conservatives at these Tea Parties (the big ones that Sean hosts and the smaller local ones) than any other representatives. I believe the purpose of Tea Parties NOW is to promote conservative agenda, especially since we have a Democrat for President. The feeling among many conservatives that I know is the belief that through these meetings, they will increase the voter outcome and give themselves and others something to "believe in". I have issues with Tea Parties because I absolutely feel that the original, true purposes have been forgotten and now they are more like propaganda.
Shared Resources:
My belief, if you mean shared resources being water, air, land, minerals, etc, on shared resources is that we all, as human beings, have a right to them - as they are NOT created by humans. However, I do believe that we must protect these shared resources so that we do not lose them due to human mistakes - pollution, etc. I do believe the free market is the answer for this. While we all benefit from these natural shared resources, we all must pay for them as well. And, we already do. The problem is, our government seems to be held accountable by many for environmental problems that should be put into the hands of corporations, etc that cause them (ex: BP oil spill), and we all know it's not wise for them to have control of it, anyway. I can discuss this in depth, if you'd like, but I'm expounding at the moment on what I believe you meant.
Taking Care of Self:
This is where most people get pissed off. So, if you cannot respect my opinion, I'd suggest you not read the following.
I one hundred percent believe in personal responsibility. I do not believe our government owes a citizen, anything. The government itself was not established to help it's people in a monetary manner, but to strengthen the country with honest law and keep the citizens safe.
Who exactly is "incapable" of caring for themselves? Are we speaking of the eldery? This is another debate in itself.
I believe that most people
are able to take care of themselves. And, quite frankly, I do believe that because our government has been helping the individual out financially, for so long, that some do not mentally understand how to take care of themselves, or family.
I know there are many men and women unemployed. I know there are many families out there struggling just to keep the roof over their head and clothes on their body. But, when does the government aiding people that are doing nothing to aid themselves, stop?
If you are actively looking for work and have done everything within your own power to make your situation better, then the government has programs (and these programs need to be worked on, heavily) to assist you.
But, I am done being "okay" with the people who no longer try to better themselves because they know our government will take care of them. Better yet, WE - the ones working every day, are taking care of THEM. So tell me, if you made no attempt at finding work and making ends meet on your own, why should anyone help YOU? If you don't care, why should we?
My father busts his tail six days a week to make ends meet for him and my mother. My mother is extremely ill and neither of them have health insurance. She can not possibly work and he's getting older. So, they did what they had to do and applied her for Medicare, which she receives.
And let me tell you, do you know how many people who DO want to work and are trying their hardest to make it in this world, get turned away from the very systems they have been paying into since they were old enough to be taxed?
This subject gets me riled up. I believe the government programs need to be revamped, reevaulated, and changed. If your son/daughter, niece/nephew, knew that you would give them a $10 allowance each week, for doing nothing, and then one day you sat them down and said, "Here is a list of chores. Complete them each day and for each chore completed you will receive a certain amount of allowance on Friday, which will be greater than the $10 allowance you get for doing nothing", what do you believe would come of it?
Public Education and Public Libraries:
I believe WE have the right to decide how OUR money is used in public education, without a doubt. I do not believe the government should have a hand in education, at all. I believe this should be done on a local level and that government interference is not acceptable when it comes to a parent having the right to decide what their children should be learning. If you think about it, I believe giving public schools the same capabilities as private schools would actually reduce the discrimination in zoning laws. If public education were more like a free market, giving parents the right to options for their OWN children, I believe we would see an increase in appreciation for the teachers, as well as fiscal appreciation (because teachers are the absolute most under appreciated group of people in this country, by far).
Anything else, ask. Oh, and if I need to further explain, let me know. Sometimes I ramble and make sense to only myself.
Chas