Libertarians Offer Break from
Two-Party Monotony
by


This first appeared in the
North Hills News Record

After suffering through zillions of election campaign ads, it's easy to see why so many people are bored with politics. Practically everybody says the same thing.

Republicans and Democrats would argue the finer points, but both parties believe that all levels of government can and should intervene for the good of society. Both arrogantly see government as the cure-all for practically all that ails mankind.

This emphasis on government and its accompanying borg-like collectivism has so permeated modern thinking that differing views are slanderously labeled radical. But that is slowly changing.

That seems simple enough but their philosophy extends to government. Libertarians would agree with Thomas Jefferson that the "government that governs best governs least."

Here's how Libertarians stand out on some of the issues.

What should be done about Social Security?

Democrats: Taxes should be raised to keep Social Security solvent.
Republicans: Government should look for alternative ways to invest Social Security funds.
Libertarians: Replace Social Security with a private voluntary system. Repeal all payroll taxes and give those who have already contributed a choice of either a lump sum pay-out or a life insurance annuity.

Should government be involved with the media?

Democrats: Yes. Tax dollars are needed to guarantee high quality PBS programming and government should control advertising.
Republicans: Yes. Government should restrict the media to prevent obscene programming and to ensure balanced reporting.
Libertarians: No. In a free society, government should have no control over the press or any form of electronic media.

Should the government send troops or other military agents to intervene in the affairs of other countries?

Democrats: Yes. The United States should help if it will advance the cause of human rights.
Republicans: Yes. It may be necessary to help governments resist socialism or to protect U.S. interests such as oil.
Libertarians: No. The government has no authority to intervene militarily except in response to a direct attack on the United States.

Should government impose tariffs, quotas or other restrictions on international trade?

Democrats: Yes. Tariffs and quotas should be used to save American jobs.
Republicans: Yes. Trade barriers may be necessary to protect industries vital to national defense or to keep American industry competitive.
Libertarians: No. Trade barriers violate the rights of Americans who desire to trade with foreigners. Trade barriers reduce productivity and cost more jobs than they save.

What is the best way to deal with the national debt?

Democrats: Taxes should be raised and military spending cut.
Republicans: Taxes should not be raised but social spending should be cut.
Libertarians: The government should cut all spending and drastically reduce the size of government.

Should ownership of firearms be prevented or restricted?

Democrats: No one but law enforcement officers and the military should be allowed to own guns.
Republicans: Some limitations on hand guns and military "assault rifles" would be appropriate.
Libertarians: No. Ownership of a firearm violates no one's rights. Only the aggressive use of firearms should be punished.

There are many Libertarians running for public office this election including candidates for Governor and Lt. Governor. If you're tired of the same old Republican and Democrat drivel, send them a clear message and vote for someone else.

© Copyright Deborah A. Ayers 1998. All rights reserved.