Why Aren't you a Libertarian?

[Nakosis]

Here is a link to the Libertarian platform.

https://www.lp.org/platform/

Sorry to those who don't like to go to links but it's a bit much to post the entire platform here.

I'm just curious what specifically folks dislike about the libertarian platform that would cause people to vote against a Libertarian.

I suppose the main concern would be a lack of political power of the party but wouldn't that mean you are more concerned about political power than principle?

 

[Revoltingest]

Because.....oh....wait.....I am!
But I can think of reasons for most people not to be one.

 

[VoidCat]

I am one.

 

[Sunstone]

I find libertarianism attractive in some ways, but the deal breakers for me are:

(1) that I believe it would further rule by oligarchy.

(2) That it lacks a social conscience.

(3) That it is impractical and was a disaster when it was partly implemented in Chile. The suffering it caused the poor and middle class was incredible. One of the libertarian economists behind the experiment found the results so indefensible that he simply refused to speak about what happened for the rest of his life because he couldn't justify it.

 

[Quetzal]

Not once did their platform mention offering assistance, welfare, or protection to the socially and economically vulnerable. It is a very bootstrap system that allows the powerful to continue to stampede over others. No thanks.

 

[Revoltingest]

.....system that allows the powerful to continue to stampede over others. No thanks.

You must've known that I'd respond with the Democrat & Republican foreign policy alternative...

Ya know, you can be a Libertarian, yet still support many social programs,
eg, drug rehab, mental health care. (Those are things which enhance a
libertarian themed society.) Join me....influence the party!

 

[Axe Elf]

You must've known that I'd respond with...

How about Conan the Librarian...

What? Oh, I thought they said "Why Aren't You a Librarian?"

 

[Brickjectivity]

I'm just curious what specifically folks dislike about the libertarian platform that would cause people to vote against a Libertarian.

Those who suggest any pure and consistently applied economic model are in extremis, because all economic systems are self destructive. Therefore you cannot have a purely libertarian economic system that works continuously. You must change economic models or your economy stagnates, no matter what system you choose. Trickle down, socialist, libertarian....it matters not. All of them work temporarily, but nothing works in the long term. Look at the EU. Its only been around for 60 years, and its having to change form. Look at any system capitalist or otherwise. They always fail and have to change.

 

[Saint Frankenstein]

Because I'm more of a collectivist and believe in a strong central government with strong welfare programs. I'm opposed to laissez faire capitalism, as well.

 

[Revoltingest]

Not once did their platform mention offering assistance, welfare, or protection to the socially and economically vulnerable. It is a very bootstrap system that allows the powerful to continue to stampede over others. No thanks.

I'll respond a 2nd time with some observations....
Few agree with everything in any given party's platform.
Yet despite differences, they find one worth joining.
It appears that the underlying drive is....
Does the party steer the country in the direction you'd like better than the others?
If so, it might be more attractive than being an independent.

 

[suncowiam]

Is it me or most libertarians are conservatives pretending to be libertarians?

 

[Quetzal]

I'll respond a 2nd time with some observations....
Few agree with everything in any given party's platform.
Yet despite differences, they find one worth joining.
It appears that the underlying drive is....
Does the party steer the country in the direction you'd like better than the others?

That's tough because one can make an argument that what we have now does the exact thing I am critiquing the Libs for. But, at a high level on paper, I prefer a strong, centralized form of government that provides universal necessities to those who can't otherwise provide it themselves. I also find capitalism, in the form we see it right now in the US, as destructive and not sustainable.

 

[Revoltingest]

Is it me or most libertarians are conservatives pretending to be libertarians?

It's you.

 

[metis]

I am a left-libertarian, and when charted out I'm very close to Gandhi on it.

 

[Revoltingest]

That's tough because one can make an argument that what we have now does the exact thing I am critiquing the Libs for. But, at a high level on paper, I prefer a strong, centralized form of government that provides universal necessities to those who can't otherwise provide it themselves. I also find capitalism, in the form we see it right now in the US, as destructive and not sustainable.

Oh, well....at least I had fun trying to recruit you.

 

[Revoltingest]

I am a left-libertarian, and when charted out I'm very close to Gandhi on it.

There's no such thing.
It's the left's love of powerful government which makes "left libertarian" an oxymoron.

Caution:
This is intended to provoke discussion.

 

[Quetzal]

Oh, well....at least I had fun trying to recruit you.

I'm glad you enjoyed it! Remember, I am an idealist that believes taxes should be paid back to the populace in the form of services and welfare. It would appear the Libertarian position is by dramatically reducing taxes due to a smaller government, we can then afford it ourselves. I will say that I am not 100% against it, I just have trust issues in that I do not think it would work out that way. But I could be wrong.

 

[Revoltingest]

That's tough because one can make an argument that what we have now does the exact thing I am critiquing the Libs for.

What we have now isn't nearly as libertarian as it could be.

 

[suncowiam]

It's you.

Let's start with you, then. What's your voting record? More conservative, liberal, or independent?

We all know you voted for Trump.

How do you do with local and state elections?

Have you voted for any liberal candidates or policies?

 

[Revoltingest]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! Remember, I am an idealist that believes taxes should be paid back to the populace in the form of services and welfare. It would appear the Libertarian position is by dramatically reducing taxes due to a smaller government, we can then afford it ourselves. I will say that I am not 100% against it, I just have trust issues in that I do not think it would work out that way. But I could be wrong.

I see it similarly, ie, the cost of social services would be reduced if taxation were less.
Declaring fewer wars (either out of rage or generous intent to fix others) wouldn't hurt either.