The Future of Libertarianism

[Wamitoria]

Can we get some specifics on how "libertarians" in the USA differ significantly from the GOP?

They're not beholden to nutjobs and are significantly more consistent with their support for a free-market economy, while the GOP is beholden to religious nutjobs and generally supports an economy based upon rent-seeking.

[Sand men]

Llibertarianism>gop Libertarianism are 50% right.

[Kavanian States]

Skyrim.

Skyrim belongs to the Nords, not to the Libertarians.

Nay, Skyrim belongs to the Emperor!

[Yue-Laou]

It's gonna be like with those ex-Kelly Family fans. It's a little embarrassing that you once were one but it's also kind funny.

[Xsyne]

Can we get some specifics on how "libertarians" in the USA differ significantly from the GOP?

They don't particularly care if you smoke pot.

[America Resurgent]

Republicans being vote split with Libertarians is a great thing.

No, it isn't. It will be bad for the Dems to go unchallenged, we need a strong GOP.

It will also continue to be bad for the political status quo to go unchallenged, and I think that the libertarians have what are at least a few good ideas, especially when compared to the Republican Party.

[America Resurgent]

Can we get some specifics on how "libertarians" in the USA differ significantly from the GOP?

They don't particularly care if you smoke pot.

Which is actually a pretty big deal, given how many people are in jail for things like that, and how much money taxed marijuana could bring in.

[Frisivisia]

Libertarianism has no future. As soon as this generation that believes so whole-heartedly in libertarianism grows up, the civil freedoms libertarians will become democrats and the economic libertarians will become republicans.

[Frisivisia]

They don't particularly care if you smoke pot.

Which is actually a pretty big deal, given how many people are in jail for things like that, and how much money taxed marijuana could bring in.

Yeah, but libertarians are also anti-tax, so you wouldn't end up with the tax money from it.

[Mavorpen]

I'm sure there're some libertarians in the US who aren't totally ridiculous.

Lolwut

[America Resurgent]

Yeah, but libertarians are also anti-tax, so you wouldn't end up with the tax money from it.

Enh, it depends on a hell of a lot of variables, I think.

Even with lower taxes, if more people are paying them in more instances, you still might be getting more money.

[Xsyne]

I'm sure there're some libertarians in the US who aren't totally ridiculous.

Lolwut

Odds are there's at least one left-libertarian in the US. Somewhere.

[Mavorpen]

Which is actually a pretty big deal, given how many people are in jail for things like that, and how much money taxed marijuana could bring in.

Yeah, but libertarians are also anti-tax, so you wouldn't end up with the tax money from it.

"Guys, we could totally bring in so much revenue from marijuana! Vote for me!"

"Woah, he seems cool!"

"Oh, and DOWN WITH THE EVIL GOVERNMENT!"

[Mavorpen]

Lolwut

Odds are there's at least one left-libertarian in the US. Somewhere.

Impossible. Stop speaking nonsense.

[Frisivisia]

Yeah, but libertarians are also anti-tax, so you wouldn't end up with the tax money from it.

Enh, it depends on a hell of a lot of variables, I think.

Even with lower taxes, if more people are paying them in more instances, you still might be getting more money.

Libertarians want legalization, but no taxation or regulation, that's how libertarians work.

[Frisivisia]

Lolwut

Odds are there's at least one left-libertarian in the US. Somewhere.

left-libertarian =/= libertarian

[Nidaria]

Adopting libertarianism does not mean rejecting social conservatism. Libertarianism calls for a smaller government and less government intervention in people's lives. One can be socially conservative (or even reactionary) and still call for a small, inobtrusive government.
In any case, libertarianism is growing in the United States, and holds promise to eventually become a major party. I have observed more traditionalists align themselves with libertarianism as well. Hopefully, the libertarian party will surpass the republican party some day.

[Frisivisia]

Adopting libertarianism does not mean rejecting social conservatism. Libertarianism calls for a smaller government and less government intervention in people's lives. One can be socially conservative (or even reactionary) and still call for a small, inobtrusive government.
In any case, libertarianism is growing in the United States, and holds promise to eventually become a major party. I have observed more traditionalists align themselves with libertarianism as well. Hopefully, the libertarian party will surpass the republican party some day.

I don't want to interfere in your life, but gays, no marrying, let's put creationism in the classroom, and abortion, no way.

Small and inobtrusive my ass.

Ew, that sounded a bit odd.

[Mavorpen]

One can be socially conservative (or even reactionary) and still call for a small, inobtrusive government.

Ah yes. Because in ConservativeLand (tm), invasive ultrasounds, ignoring freedom of religion, destroying bodily sovereignty, etc. is "smaller government."

In any case, libertarianism is growing in the United States, and holds promise to eventually become a major party. I have observed more traditionalists align themselves with libertarianism as well. Hopefully, the libertarian party will surpass the republican party some day.

I lol'd.

[Nidaria]

Adopting libertarianism does not mean rejecting social conservatism. Libertarianism calls for a smaller government and less government intervention in people's lives. One can be socially conservative (or even reactionary) and still call for a small, inobtrusive government.
In any case, libertarianism is growing in the United States, and holds promise to eventually become a major party. I have observed more traditionalists align themselves with libertarianism as well. Hopefully, the libertarian party will surpass the republican party some day.

I don't want to interfere in your life, but gays, no marrying, let's put creationism in the classroom, and abortion, no way.

Small and inobtrusive my ***.

Ew, that sounded a bit odd.

I have answered those accusations before. First of all, libertarians want to take authority over marriage from the government (which has no right to such authority in the first place) and have marriage managed solely by the Church. In addition, libertarians do not particularly care what schools decide to teach, as it is their decision and not that of the government. Libertarians (at least right-libertarians) do oppose abortion, as they view any act which maliciously causes harm to another as a crime. I hope I cleared that up for you.

[Samuraikoku]

I have answered those accusations before. First of all, libertarians want to take authority over marriage from the government (which has no right to such authority in the first place) and have marriage managed solely by the Church. In addition, libertarians do not particularly care what schools decide to teach, as it is their decision and not that of the government. Libertarians (at least right-libertarians) do oppose abortion, as they view any act which maliciously causes harm to another as a crime. I hope I cleared that up for you.

Some people just want to watch the world burn. Cue parallel with Nero when Rome burned.

[Saiwania]

Can we get some specifics on how "libertarians" in the USA differ significantly from the GOP?

They are economic Republicans without the socially conservative beliefs. Things such as gay marriage, abortion, and marijuana, they are more likely to be pro choice or liberal on while maintaining support for the right wing platform on economics.

[America Resurgent]

Libertarians want legalization, but no taxation or regulation, that's how libertarians work.

True, but it's at least possible that they might compromise in a legalization type of scenario.

Or even that, after marijuana's become entrenched in society in a legal fashion, the democrats or equivalent regain control and decide that hey, maybe it should be taxed.

[Mavorpen]

I have answered those accusations before. First of all, libertarians want to take authority over marriage from the government (which has no right to such authority in the first place) and have marriage managed solely by the Church.

And now you've basically confirmed that libertarianism won't ever catch on in mainstream America.

In addition, libertarians do not particularly care what schools decide to teach, as it is their decision and not that of the government.

Here as well.

Libertarians (at least right-libertarians) do oppose abortion, as they view any act which maliciously causes harm to another as a crime. I hope I cleared that up for you.

And here as well.

Good to know Democrats will rule for generations to come if your solution is a Libertarian Party that holds these hilarious beliefs.

[Mexicanada]

Libertarianism is growing, as seen in the last election where the Libertarian party reached 1% for the first time*. Many young people are adopting libertarian ideals, and almost all are rejecting social conservatism. I think that in 20 or 30 years, the Libertarians will either have replaced the Republicans, or the Republicans will have essentially become libertarians.
I would not be surprised if, within the next 50 years, we have a Libertarian president.

Your thoughts?


*I know, 1% is small, but in our corporate/union/lobbyist/special-interest controlled government that is a significant achievement.

i believe that, one day, the Republican party and Libertarian party will merge, as Republicans have started to take a strong stance against big government.