What is a libertarian conservative?

Question

What exactly do they stand for compared to non-"libertarian" conservatives? How do they stand on abortion, gay marriage, etc?

Answer 1

Somewhat intelligent ppl that don't have enough common sense about politics to realize they are part of the reason republicans have complete control of the government; therefore, they are a disease that has infected our political system.

Answer 2

The Libertarian party platform believes in small government, low taxes, and minimal federal regulation.

This is similar to the beliefs of the older fiscal conservatives, and in opposition to the beliefs of neo-conservatives (neo-cons). Neo-cons see the advantages of having a large federal government, as way to advance their social agenda nationally. Fiscal conservatives oppose a large federal government, so many are breaking from the neo-cons over that issue.

Most libertarians prefer the government (at least the federal government) to stay out of social issues like gay marriage or reproductive choice. Their mission statement promotes: "a world in which all individuals are sovereign over their own lives and no one is forced to sacrifice his or her values for the benefit of others."

A true conservative who supported the libertarian party would be someone who advocated their personal conservative beliefs on those social issues, but still agreed that the government should not be legislating those issues or imposing one set of beliefs on everyone as a matter of law. In other words, someone who held their own conservative beliefs, but respected the rights of others to choose and believe differently.

If you want to read about the party platform on specific issues, their website is linked below.

Answer 3

A true libertarian would believe in no government what so ever or so little of a goverment that it would not be a significant part of our lives. A conservative tends to believe government can do somethings and regulate some things. Conservates tend to oppose abortion and gay marriage so they would oppose those things; but as a libertarian would probably say they are private issues not government ones'.

Answer 4

Libertarians tend to agree with conservatives on fiscally (free market) and politically (small lean government). They also believe highly in individual rights, so most libertarians would be pro-abortion and pro-civil union.

A conservative libertarian, as opposed to a pure libertarian, would tend to lean to the right on social matters.

Answer 5

In general the term "libertarian conservatives" is often used to refer to someone with economically libertarian views - e.g. small government, low taxes, minimal governmental regulation of busines - but more intrusive views of government's role in regulating personal conduct. There are many such candidates in my part of the world, who call themselves "small l" libertarian or liberty-loving or some such appellation and run as Republicans. However, ask them a question like how they feel about legalizing drugs, gambling, and prostitution and they run from the libertarian label like northeastern Republicans from Bush. Many also oppose abortion rights, gay marriage, separation of church and state, and rights for accused criminals.

A "liberal libertarian" (of which I consider myself one) believes strongly in personal liberties and choices, but sees more of a role for government in the regulation of corporations, and recognizes that governmental involvement in economic affairs is a reality of the modern age that cannot be escaped.

There's a very good test that allows for this more complex view of politcal leanings at the website below. Try it to see where you stand.

Answer 6

If you view the political spectrum (as relates to the size and scope of government) as a straight line, then libertarians reside on what we consider the far right. They tend to favor less government than what we have classically referred to as conservatives (please note here that many conservatives would note here that the terms "conservative" and "Republican" are not synonymous) as they tend to believe that the government has a very minor role in the every day lives of citizens, and that it is primarily empowered only to protect the very basic rights of it's citizens. In U.S. terms, one would see this to mean the protection of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness", whereas the theory is "life, liberty, and propery."
The difference between libertarianism and conservatism is easier to understand if you look at the contrasting relationship on the opposite end of the political spectrum, between socialism and liberalism. Whereas the object of libertarianism is primarily concerned with the axiom that "an increase in government results in a decrease in personal freedom," socialism takes the opposite tack, by arguing that the government has a responsibilty to promote equality amongst it's citizens. Liberalism, in comparison to socialism, is concerned less with actual equality, and more with the equalty of opportunity (i.e. job training as opposed to state pension or welfare). Comparatively, conservatives accept that in order for government to function appropriately, it must have the ability to function in such a way that it effects people's lives, but seek to moderate that effect by consistent safeguarding of individual rights and limiting the scope of government wherever possible.

As far as issue positions, I could list them for you, but it would be easier and less time consuming to refer you to the issues link in the sources below.

Hope this was helpful.

Answer 7

it would not be an issue .NO public money for it or any social programs an end to social security and no way in hell would we have socialized health care .
PRICES would be what they would be .IF you have the money to pay the doc you do if not he took an oath .

Answer 8

A fence-straddler.

Answer 9

Usually they are someone who hates liberals, but wants to be able to smoke pot