Blog #3 3/8/12:

"Live and Let Die." Oh man, what a killer tune. Probably one of Paul McCartney's finest moments. I think it's really cool that the Libertarian Party has embraced such a rock and roll motto. I mean.... What? Oh, it's "live and let live?" Hmm. OK. It's not as kick-ass but it's got potential. How 'bout them Libertarians? I've always kinda had an around about idea of what that party is all about. In a way, when I think of Libertarians, I think of hippies, but the ones who shower. I know there's more to this party. So, let's take a journey. A journey into Libertarian land.

OK. How 'bout constitutional rights? Well, Libertarians are BIG fans of our founding fathers. Our founding fathers this and our founding fathers that. Apparently back in the days of our founding fathers people just ran free without a care in the world. Basically this is their belief:

"You, as stated by our nation's Founding Fathers, have the inalienable right to live, be free and prosper to your fullest potential. You have the freedom to pursue your happiness as long as you respect others' rights to pursue theirs."

I have no problem with this. Everyone in the country has the god-given right to live life however they please. I especially agree with the line: "as long as you respect others' rights." That's definitely a problem Americans should work on more. People worry way too much 'bout how others are living their lives. Sure, we all want everyone to be happy but do you want everyone to be happy 'cause it makes YOU happy? The person across the street may not believe in abortions, which I do believe in. Does that affect me? Nope. If it doesn't directly affect my life in any way, then people can do what they want. Oh, what a world it would be if people just minded their own business.
That brings us to personal responsibility. Well, let's see what "live"-ertarians think:

"You are responsible for your personal choices, able to take care of yourself and capable to do for others as you expect them to do unto you. We believe in tolerance toward others and respect for self-sovereignty."

Wow, that's never occurred to me. I'm responsible for my own choices? I'm suppose to take care of myself (unless I'm a minor)? I treat people the way I would want to be treated? Basically, don't be a douche. Come on man, does that really need to be said? Shouldn't that be common knowledge? I know what you are thinking. Yes, there are a lot of douches out there that have lived under Mommy and Daddy's bank account and treat people like servants. Those people will get theirs. I just don't think that it needs to be put out there like a Supreme Court law. Although I do agree 100% with this, it should go without saying. Be nice and take care of your business. Grow up!

How about the Libertarian's views on Government control. Well, that's the biggest issue that many Americans have with this party. They basically believe in a "smaller government." The major problem with building a smaller government is that it may lead to anarchy. The Libertarian party claims to be inspired by novelist, Ann Rand. Ann Rand denounced the party also in the belief that anarchism would erupt. For example:

"Whenever any form of government becomes destructive of individual liberty, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it."

That sounds pretty anarchist to me. Look, I definitely think the government has a lot of control over many different issues but using the words, "destruction of individual liberty" and saying that we the people should have the right to "abolish" it can seem a little violent. Sure, drastic measures deserve drastic actions but I'm in favor of a more civilized and patient solution. I mean, how bad has it gotten? Oh yeah, It's gotten kinda wacky. But anyway, let's take a deep breath and figure this out over a cup of tea. Yes?
How about the grandaddy of them all? ABORTION! (cue scary, stabbing, "Psycho" sound effects)

"Recognizing that abortion is a sensitive issue and that people can hold good-faith views on all sides, we believe that government should be kept out of the matter, leaving the question to each person for their conscientious consideration."

Hmm. Soooo, you're against it or for it? Me personally, I cringe when the word "faith" enters the picture. It should most definitely be up to the woman, not a bunch of suits. It sounds like the Libertarians are beating around the bush. Take presidential candidate Ron Paul. The Libertarians have completely embraced him as one of their own and guess what? He's pro-life. To me, that sounds a little hypocritical. This party believes in free choice and liberty but not for a woman? Interesting. That reason alone gives me my answer on whether I would join this party. That answer would be NO.





citations:

"Libertarian Party." Platform. Web. 08 Mar. 2012. <http://www.lp.org/platform>.

"Libertarian Party." Libertarian Party. Web. 08 Mar. 2012. <http://www.lp.org/>.