Libertarianism 101

One of my friends recently received a brochure from a relative of hers pertaining to his involvement in the Libertarian Party.  She presumed that it was a form of the modern-day Liberal Party, at least here in New York. But as she read through it, the concepts appeared to be more conservative. Hence, her confusion.

When the "progressives" started calling themselves Liberal in the 1940s, true believers of John Locke's Liberal Theory, the basis of our Declaration of Independence, looked for a term which would more closely exemplify their beliefs. Voila! Libertarian.

Jefferson, Adams, Madison, and other founders were die-hard believers of Locke's theories.  In addition, like Locke, Jefferson and others of that time who believed in limited government, I, too, am a believer of smaller government. Therefore, I am a Libertarian.

In addition, I may be registered as a Republican but I also am a strict Constitutionalist who believes every word, every comma means something. James Madison, the father of the Constitution, was fairly specific in his Federalist Papers.

For example, the commas in the second amendment aren't intended to separate concepts as the NRA professes, but rather to join all clauses and beliefs as one. To quote: "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a Free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed."

Get that? No? There are four concepts in this amendment, which are each highlighted with a comma, conjoined to make one precept.

I use the Republican Party as a means to have a say in the primary process, not because I believe and endorse all the policies of the modern Republican Party. It is somewhat more in line with my beliefs than the modern Democrat Party. But it is not the Party it once was.

Ronald Reagan was not the conservative which Republicans like to believe, nor was JFK a raving liberal as Democrats constantly profess.  These men actually were believers of the same general causes: to be strong on defense, strong anti-Communists, believers of limited government, and believers of less taxes on the people, which then would help create jobs and therefore, more total revenue would come to the government for programs which work. 

They are my two favorite Presidents, true Constitutionalists, real believers of Locke and Jefferson, both Great Americans.

I hope this explanation helps you. By the way, neither party looks like Kennedy's Democrat or Reagan's Republican Parties from years gone by. Those parties are gone forever, since the extremists of both have usurped them.

Two members of the Senate come to mind as real Libertarians, men I could support for President:  Joe Manchin and Rand Paul, men of different parties with like-minded ideals; men who, to me, exemplify Reagan and Kennedy.

Smaller government, Constitutional principles. That, my friends, is true Libertarianism.