What exactly is a Libertarian Independent Pt 3- The Finale!

    

We have reached the last of a 3 part series of posts which have laid out the Libertarian platform and what I agree and disagree with.  I thought this approach would allow anyone who reads it to better understand the platform and exactly why I called my blog The Libertarian Independent. So without further adieu here is the final section of the platform!

3.0 Securing Liberty

The protection of individual rights is the only proper purpose of government. Government is constitutionally limited so as to prevent the infringement of individual rights by the government itself. The principle of non-initiation of force should guide the relationships between governments.

3.1 National Defense: We support the maintenance of a sufficient military to defend the United States against aggression. The United States should both avoid entangling alliances and abandon its attempts to act as policeman for the world. We oppose any form of compulsory national service.

As a former member of the military I support this statement.  We for too long have been drawn into conflicts around the world to help maintain peace.  More often than not we get labeled the bad guys and are often told we are not wanted.  I don't feel we should put our men and women in harms way if it is not to ensure our countries safety.  

3.2 Internal Security and Individual Rights: The defense of the country requires that we have adequate intelligence to detect and to counter threats to domestic security. This requirement must not take priority over maintaining the civil liberties of our citizens. The Constitution and Bill of Rights shall not be suspended even during time of war. Intelligence agencies that legitimately seek to preserve the security of the nation must be subject to oversight and transparency. We oppose the government’s use of secret classifications to keep from the public information that it should have, especially that which shows that the government has violated the law. We oppose the use of torture and other cruel and unusual punishments, without exception.

I agree with everything here except the end point.  I think interrogations are useful and allow us to further protect our country.  My biggest issue with this part is who is it tat defines torture?

3.3 International Affairs: American foreign policy should seek an America at peace with the world. Our foreign policy should emphasize defense against attack from abroad and enhance the likelihood of peace by avoiding foreign entanglements. We would end the current U.S. government policy of foreign intervention, including military and economic aid. We recognize the right of all people to resist tyranny and defend themselves and their rights. We condemn the use of force, and especially the use of terrorism, against the innocent, regardless of whether such acts are committed by governments or by political or revolutionary groups.

So this point is what some would classify as Nationalism, and I support that.  I think we need to pull back and take care of our country and our people first.  We cannot spread ourselves as thin as we do without leaving a huge hole for more acts of terrorism like 9/11.

3.4 Free Trade and Migration: We support the removal of governmental impediments to free trade. Political freedom and escape from tyranny demand that individuals not be unreasonably constrained by government in the crossing of political boundaries. Economic freedom demands the unrestricted movement of human as well as financial capital across national borders.

I tink restrictions on trade should be lighter but not gone al together.  I am not sure the best course of action for this as I am not as educated on trade as well as I should be.  

3.5 Rights and Discrimination: Libertarians embrace the concept that all people are born with certain inherent rights. We reject the idea that a natural right can ever impose an obligation upon others to fulfill that “right.” We condemn bigotry as irrational and repugnant. Government should neither deny nor abridge any individual’s human right based upon sex, wealth, ethnicity, creed, age, national origin, personal habits, political preference, or sexual orientation. Members of private organizations retain their rights to set whatever standards of association they deem appropriate, and individuals are free to respond with ostracism, boycotts, and other free market solutions.

I absolutely agree with this statement.  Private organizations should be allowed to set their own standards and it is our responsibility to either associate with them or not.  

3.6 Representative Government: We support election systems that are more representative of the electorate at the federal, state and local levels. As private voluntary groups, political parties should be free to establish their own rules for nomination procedures, primaries and conventions. We call for an end to any tax-financed subsidies to candidates or parties and the repeal of all laws which restrict voluntary financing of election campaigns. We oppose laws that effectively exclude alternative candidates and parties, deny ballot access, gerrymander districts, or deny the voters their right to consider all legitimate alternatives. We advocate initiative, referendum, recall and repeal when used as popular checks on government.

I am happy with the way our system works except for the fact we don't have voter ID and some people without the right to vote have been voting regularly.

3.7 Self-Determination:

Whenever any form of government becomes destructive of individual liberty, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to agree to such new governance as to them shall seem most likely to protect their liberty.

I agree in part.  I think people should hae the right to change the govt as they wish.  But this should be done through proper voting and such.  Violent overthrow is not something I will ever support.

And with that we have reached the end.  The next post will be looking at actual issues/stories of the day so I am excited.  Please share the blog if you dig it and help get my readership up!