The Libertarian Party Stance

The Libertarian Party stance is based on the motto "mutual respect for rights." The party's guiding principal, therefore, is about individual freedom. The Libertarian Statement of Principals states:

"We hold that all individuals have the right to exercise sole dominion over their own lives, and have the right to live in whatever manner they choose, so long as they do not forcibly interfere with the equal rights of others to live in whatever manner they choose."

Libertarian Party Platform

The Libertarian Party platform is about reducing the size of government while completely eliminating a sizeable amount of the government's present-day functions. The following Libertarian issues exemplify he party's laissez-fair view:

• abolition of laws prohibiting victimless crimes (e.g., fraternization, prostitution, controlled substances)
• clear and powerful civil liberties positions
• fiscally responsible government
• free trade with no intervention
• incorporation of laissez-faire policies (lower taxes, privatization of welfare and Social Security, reduced regulation of corporations and foreign trade)
• no draft
• no regulations pertaining to self-run businesses
• property rights protection
• reproductive rights (pro-choice)
• self-defense rights (pro-gun).

The Libertarian Demographic

2004, the Pew Research Center published its findings about the Libertarian Demographic. The information was based on the research-related surveys the center generated. It was discovered that Libertarians are likely to:

• generate high incomes
• have college degrees
• identify themselves as secular
• originate from the west.

It is also interesting to note that 50 percent of Libertarians leaned toward the Republican philosophies, while 41 percent identified more with Democratic views.

The surveys also reflected that Libertarian supporters are 50 percent more likely to be found among the younger populace, with 33 percent being 18 to 24 years of age. This group also was more likely to identify themselves as white and Catholic (as compared to the general population).

Libertarian Party Hot Issues

The following list outlines some issues with which the Libertarian Party is currently faced:

• Abortion: The Libertarian Party believes abortion should not be a government issue.
• Gay Marriages: The Libertarian Party believes consenting adults should be free to choose their own sexuality. It believes the government should not have the authority to license personal relationships whether they are heterosexual or homosexual. Sexuality should not impact the rights of individuals.
• Health Care: The party's goals are to establish tax-free medical savings accounts, deregulate the health care industry and replace the FDA with free-market alternatives.
• Taxes: The number one goal of the Libertarian Party is to cut taxes. By decreasing government and reducing taxes, individuals will be able to keep more of what they earn.
• War in Iraq: The Libertarian Party believes we need to withdraw the U.S. forces quickly and safely from Iraq.

How Others View Libertarians

Some political analysts have categorized Libertarians as conservatives based on their strong support of the right to bear arms. Additionally the Libertarian Party beliefs about taxes and states' rights place them in a more conservative category.

Libertarians are also viewed as liberal, however, because they advocate a non-interventionist foreign policy and also want to eliminate laws that interfere with personal consensual decisions.

The Libertarian Party, however, considers itself to be neither conservative nor liberal. In fact, the party is very strong in its stance that a one-dimensional view of politics is insufficient and incomplete.

The party says that it borrows from "both sides" in order to come up with a logical whole. Libertarians feel that the public reflects a wide spectrum of political ideals and philosophies, and that politics, therefore, are two-dimensional (or perhaps even multi-dimensional).