I did some fascinating reading today.  I have long considered myself a moderate republican. Libertarians sort of intrigue me because I have a good friend named, Mike Young, who I know well, is a professed Libertarian and I like a lot of his ideas.  I also know I DON’T like a lot of his ideas.  I had never really researched the Libertarian platform before so I took a moment to check out the information straight from their primary website.

I was amazed at what I found.   It seems my Moderate Republican stance tends to skew a bit towards some Libertarian ideas BUT I can see seeds of utter chaos in most of what they stand for.

Don’t get me wrong I do still have a few bones to pick with some Libertarian ideals.

1.6    Self-Defense

The only legitimate use of force is in defense of individual rights — life, liberty, and justly acquired property — against aggression. This right inheres in the individual, who may agree to be aided by any other individual or group. We affirm the right to keep and bear arms, and oppose the prosecution of individuals for exercising their rights of self-defense. We oppose all laws at any level of government requiring registration of, or restricting, the ownership, manufacture, or transfer or sale of firearms or ammunition.

Gun control – They want NONE.  I want MORE (democratic I know)

Too many people get shot today by irresponsible gun owners.  I realize by and large gun owners are responsible but it is simple common sense to oppose carrying ANY weapon into a public park or a drinking establishment.  This is a debate we are having here in Tennessee right now.  I feel like strict regulation of gun ownership and their uses will help reduce gun related accidents, death and violence.  Guns should only be owned by folks that know how to use them and have regular practice.  You have to get a driver’s license, and a marriage license you should get a GUN LICENSE.  I feel it should also be checked and renewed often.

2.4    Government Finance and Spending

All persons are entitled to keep the fruits of their labor. We call for the repeal of the income tax, the abolishment of the Internal Revenue Service and all federal programs and services not required under the U.S. Constitution.  We oppose any legal requirements forcing employers to serve as tax collectors. Government should not incur debt, which burdens future generations without their consent. We support the passage of a “Balanced Budget Amendment” to the U.S. Constitution, provided that the budget is balanced exclusively by cutting expenditures, and not by raising taxes.

I am sorry but our entire country would collapse if the income tax were repealed.  Roads and bridges would crumble.  I am all for reducing the burden that taxation places on people but you cannot do away with an institution that helped produce the country you live in.  In my opinion this is simply unrealistic and shows a vein of selfishness.  Let’s reap the harvest while everyone else starves?  I don’t think so.

I am getting further into the chaotic aspects I was talking about earlier.  This second point begins what I can see as being s slow decline of the quality of life we and our families before us have all worked very hard to achieve.  If that doesn’t scare you, check this last one out.

2.6    Monopolies and Corporations

We defend the right of individuals to form corporations, cooperatives and other types of companies based on voluntary association. We seek to divest government of all functions that can be provided by non-governmental organizations or private individuals. We oppose government subsidies to business, labor, or any other special interest. Industries should be governed by free markets.

I guess this one goes without saying.  The current recession is evidence enough that without proper oversight by some form of responsible body, monopolistic greedy money grubbing corporations and the super rich would put the rest of us into poverty.  There would be utter and total chaos.  Has anyone seen Soylent green?  Scary isn’t it?

Aside from that I like a lot of what I read.  I do feel that the government should be smaller and stay out of people’s lives as much as possible but in the same breath we all must have some kind of compass group to help guide us.  Maybe it is a “government” maybe it should be a different kind of group, who knows.  I know this, I learned a lot about Libertarians and respect their positions a lot more now.