Florida Libertarian News & Info

Are you new and not familiar with the Libertarian Party?

Below are some general questions answered.

FAQs & Answers

• Is there an easy way to know what political party I should affiliate with?

• What's the general philosophy of the Libertarian Party?

• Are Libertarians more like Democrats or Republicans?

• Why are people attracted to the Libertarian Party?

• How does the democratic process fit with Libertarian ideas?

• How can we get more viewpoints represented in our government?

Libertarians honor the American heritage of liberty, enterprise, and personal responsibility. Libertarians believe that being free is the best way to live.

Libertarians take 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 life, liberty, and property. Government's role is to help us defend ourselves from force and fraud initiated by others.

The Libertarian Party is for those 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.

Libertarians take the sensible center position between the left and the right.

There are probably as many reasons as there are Libertarians, but here are a few examples:

• Many are initially attracted to the Party by reading great libertarian authors, such as Ayn Rand, Milton Friedman, Dave Barry, Larry Elder, Robert Heinlein, Murray Rothbard, or Mary Ruwart, to name just a few.

• Some realize that no matter if Republicans or Democrats are in power, the results are the same: a more intrusive, expensive government, higher taxes, and less freedom. They find that Libertarians are the only political party dedicated to individual rights and smaller government.

• Some are attracted to libertarians' simple, logical, and consistent approach to natural rights: you are free to do as you please so long as you don't hurt others.

• Those knowledgeable about widespread abuses of people by governments throughout history realize that only tight restrictions on government power can protect people from harm.

• Many are increasingly concerned about the actions of our current government: starting wars, spying on Americans, intimidating journalists, seizing private property, and on and on. Some are direct victims of government abuse.

• Those concerned with developing an ethical society find that the only way to develop moral individuals is to allow them to make choices and then accept the consequences, good or bad.

Democracy has been defined as "three wolves and a sheep deciding what's for dinner"—not a nice prospect if you happen to be the sheep. Fortunately for us, the United States is a constitutional republic, not a democracy.

In a democracy, the majority rules and can create any laws they want. For example, the majority can make their religion the state religion and forbid all others. In a constitutional republic, our representatives can only make laws that comply with the Constitution. So, continuing our example, under our Constitution, the majority cannot establish a state religion, allowing each of us to choose our own path.

We do use a democratic means, voting, to elect our political leaders. However, no matter how many votes politicians receive, their power is restricted by the Constitution.

Many more people have to take an active role in politics. Voting isn't enough. Ordinary Americans need to contribute and volunteer on campaigns, stay informed, and hold their elected officials accountable. Getting involved with your local LPF County Affiliate or Club is a great way to get started.

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