Quote:
Originally Posted by Tipsy  I've considered Libertarianism before, but there are too many irreconciable difference I have with the Libertarian Party to consider myself one. I am very much for the individual government and limited government, but the limited government I see from the Libertarian Party is a bit too limited for my likings.
There are just too many social programs that I believe cannot be put into the private sector because I simply cannot see it working out well. A lot can be said for the flexibility of capitalism to provide for the demands of its' consumers, but we have to keep in mind that it is run by self-interest. Education, [some] labor laws, environmental restrictions, and many other things need to be run by the government to ensure they are carried out - these types of programs cannot be entrusted to be run by self-interest.
Don't get me wrong, I seriously considered voting for Badnarik, but it was not because I want the Libertarians to go into power. I want to see the Libertarian Party go the way of the other big third parties of the past. I want to see their less radical parts of their platform be implemented and then have them slowly fade out of the political scene.
To be completely honest, I am a man without a political party and there is no one broad group I fit into. I could not call myself a Libertarian, a Republican, or a Democrat at this point, but who I vote for does not go straight to one party, but mostly goes with a platform. If the Republican and Democrat in 2008 have even worse platforms then the Libertarians, maybe if it turns out to be Hillary and Giuliani, then I could vote Libertarian.
I don't have utter contempt for the Libertarians like I do for the Democrats and Republicans, but that's probably only because they haven't had the slightest bit of power. It would be easiest to say contemporary American politics isn't worth of America in my opinion. |
Aye, and I won't say I approve of everything, either. I do not have a real problem with limited welfare or social security, for example; and I realize there are things that should only be done by a central government. But I do think that if a Libertarian would somehow be able to get into power, and have a Senate that would work with him, we could at least start moving in the right direction. Cutting back on the ridiculous spending and bloated social programs, for starters. Government should be here to protect from force and fraud, and to provide basic civil services; it shouldn't be the central icon of all business and social practices, which it seems to be today with the thousands of departments and divisions.
I'm very liberal (as in,
liberty) on social issues, but more republican - in theory, at least - on economic ones. Obviously I'm not affiliated with any party, as I'm only a minor, but I wouldn't want to be anyway. Political parties are like organized religion at its worst.
But anyway, I agree with the thread creator's opinion. :P I also agree with everything you said in your first post, Tipsy. It's like politicians aren't even concerned with running the country anymore, all they care about is sounding like the better party and being in control. When they get in control, they don't do anything.
I am reserving opinion on the Democrats somewhat, though, since they aren't in power right now. It looks like they'll be getting control of the House/Senate this November.. so maybe
they'll get something done. But it is doubtful.