Libertarianism?

Question

Is it true that Libertarians wish to abolish taxes? If so, how do they expect the government to stay intact?

I guess what my question is, what seperates Libertarianism from Anarchism? (Serious answers only Please)

Note: I am not trying to offend anyone, I'm just asking a question and Libertarian answers would be appreciated.

Answer 1

In depends where you're from. In most of the world, libertarian and anarchist mean the same thing. It's different in the United States however, where anarcho-capitalists have adopted the word libertarian to refer to themselves.

In the anarcho-capitalist world, taxes would be very low and most government services would be privatised. The main difference between anarcho-capitalist libertarians and traditional anarchists is over the existence of capitalism. Where anarchists would support employees assuming democratic control over their companies, anarcho-capitalist libertarians would call on the governement (or private security forces) to prevent that.

Answer 2

No, its not true. We would like to see the income tax go. And if you would trouble yourself to read the Constitution of the United States you might take particular note of Article I, section 9 part 4.

" No Capitation, or other direct, Tax shall be laid, unless in Proportion to the Census or Enumeration herein before directed to be taken". Which prohibited income tax and was changed by amendment 16 in 1913. So if we eliminate it we would have a government closer to what the founders intended than what we have now.

There is no comparision between Libertarians and Anarchist. The Anarchist don't want any goverment. Libertarians want self government. Which requires a limited government. We believe the purpose of government is stated in the Preamble to the constitution.

"...form a more perfect Union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Prosterity.."

Or as more concisely put in the Declaration of Independence , "...to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men..."

All that means that the purpose of taxes are to fund the legitimate functions of government not to punish unpopular behavior, smoking and gambling, or for social engineering.

So, there is no rational comparision to Anarchist. But it is easy to compare us to the Repulicans and Democrats. The Repulicrats believe the pupose of the individual is to serve the state. That the tax code is a tool for social engineering or punishment of unpopular behavior.

Answer 3

Libertarianism is seperate from Anarchism mainly because it believes government should work to protect personal property rights and personal freedoms. At its base, Anarchism is a completely dog-eat-dog system.

Answer 4

The same way they stayed intact from 1776 to 1917 (or whenever income tax started. It was somewhere around then.). Oh, I'm not sure how that was either, I just know they didn't get funding from federal income taxes. Maybe from other taxes on purchases? I know in WWI and WWII they had to raise funds via war bonds in order to fund the military. They should have to do that now as well. See, because we don't want to police the world. Let them enslave and **** themselves, we'll still be sitting pretty, maybe?

Answer 5

Two words : consumption tax. Rep John Linder has a book out about the fair tax.

Answer 6

I don't think that is completely correct; although, I am no expert on Libertarians. I do know most of them sound like a democrat and I don't like them for being cowards. What I mean is that they hold democratic beliefs and the way I see it is instead of helping the deomcratic party fix our flaws (all parties have flaws) they would rather abandon and split the party.

Answer 7

libertarians in general combine the best parts of liberals and conservatives.