About Libertarians
This page attempts to provide a very brief introduction to what it means to be a libertarian. Visitors should be aware, however that the libertarian tradition spans many years and many diverse views. What is presented here is merely an overview.
What is a Libertarian?
There are probably as many ways to answer this question as there are Libertarians. In essence, however, a Libertarian is someone who believes that individuals should be free to pursue any peaceful endeavor, as long as they respect that same right in all others.
- Libertarians believe that being free and independent is a great way to live. We want a system which encourages all people to choose what they want from life; that lets them live, love, work, play, and dream their own way.
- The Libertarian way is a caring, people-centered approach to politics. We believe each individual is unique. We want a system which respects the individual and encourages us to discover the best within ourselves and develop our full potential.
- The Libertarian way is a logically consistent approach to politics based on the moral principle of self-ownership. Each individual has the right to control his or her own body, action, speech, and property. Government's only role is to help individuals defend themselves from force and fraud.
- Libertarians are practical - we know we can't make the world perfect. But, it can be better. Libertarians will keep working to create a better, freer society for everyone. As William Allen White said: "Liberty is the only thing you cannot have unless you are willing to give it to others."
To learn more about Libertarianism, please visit Libertarianism Online. If you have about 10 minutes, we encourage you to watch this animated introduction to the philosophy of liberty.
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What is the Libertarian Party?
The Libertarian Party was created in December of 1971 by people who realized that the politicians had strayed from America's original libertarian foundation, with disastrous results. Their vision was the same as that of America's founders -- a world where individuals are free to follow their own dreams in their own ways, a world of peace, harmony, opportunity, and abundance.
- Libertarians believe in the American heritage of liberty, enterprise, and personal responsibility. Libertarians recognize the responsibility we all share to preserve this precious heritage for our children and grandchildren.
- The Libertarian Party is for all who don't want to push other people around and don't want to be pushed around themselves. Live and let live is the Libertarian way.
- The Libertarian Party is America's third largest and fastest growing political party. Libertarians engage in a variety of projects, working for everyone's liberty on every issue.