Republicans and Democrats: What Do You Think of Libertarians?

Answer 1

I think they're right-on, but sometimes a little unrealistic. For the most part, even as a registered republican, I relate as much to the libertarian party as the republican party. I'm socially too liberal for the likes of the conservatives in my party. I guess my hold-up with most libertarians I know tends to be that their premise is sound, but goes to far. Sometimes I think they're too free. At what point does action against/for others actually help to preserve your own existence. For instance, I hear Libertarians who are adamantly against border control, arguing that people should be allowed to enter and that our forefathers who entered legally didn't have near the restrictions and red tape at the time. I think that's unrealistic, but at some point, if not now, later, leaving our borders unattended will interfere with our personal liberties--not something with which libertarians would be pleased.

Another big difference I find with libertarians I know (and again this is in my personal experience...not necessarily liberatarians as a whole) is that they are very isolationist when it comes to defense. I firmly believe that to stay here and not be engaged in fighting terror overseas would result in less stability and more dangerous attacks on our soil. I'd rather spend the money to keep the fighting there and away from innocents here.

But as far as the basic tennant of peaceful coexistance, as long as another isn't impeding upon my individual rights, I am a believer.

Answer 2

I personally like many of their domestic views but their idea of national defense being to bury one's head in the sand and hope nobody kicks the exposed butt is silly. A good idea 200 years ago but certainly not now with the whole world depending on a strong US economy and the status quo. In general, their beliefs are quite close to those of the founding fathers.

I am not a Republican or Democrat, however. I am an Independent who has been basically forced to vote mostly for Republican candidates because of the Democrats shift to the left wing after the Vietnam War and again after the Carter administration mess. Money talks and the left wing minority of the Democratic Party has been well funded for years - the real probable cause of its shrinking and the Republican Party growing over the last 20 years (Americans are mostly and vote mostly for moderates).

Answer 3

You can't really think anything of them as a whole because libertarian beliefs differ greatly from person to person. The basic concept of libertarian beliefs is personal liberty and that is defined by the individual often to completely different outcomes.

They sit on the fringe of the political spectrum at both ends simultaneously where they have gone so far to the left that they've actually crossed over to the right or vice-versa. For example I've heard many libertarians promote liaise faire economic policy that is a far right position. I've also heard many libertarians call for the legalization of all drugs this is a far left position.

I've heard some libertarians describe themselves as conservatives and others describe themselves as liberals (several of them were actually self proclaimed anarchists).

I respect many of there positions, but I also find much of there philosophy impractical.

It's extremely difficult to govern a cohesive society that has virtually no rules. Personal responsibility can only go so far in a society that has many irresponsible people, especially when their actions effect responsible people around them.

Answer 4

I'm a moderate Democrat, but i think Libertarians are wonderful in their regard for the Constitution...and I also believe most Conservatives (minus Neo-cons who are anything but conservative) hold the Constitution up as well

Answer 5

They are pretty much right on track. The only reason they are considered a WASTED VOTE is because of all of you CONSERVATIVE and LIBERAL Hypocrites who would rather vote for the lessor of 2 evils than vote for what you actually believe in. Even if you are voting for EVIL. The lessor of 2 evils is still evil folks.

Answer 6

I like them. They're like smart Republicans.

Answer 7

You want the truth?

They don't think about them at all.

Libertarians are classed in the group with the greens, etc.

Your seen as a political fringe group with no power.

So generally your just ignored.

Answer 8

Nice idea, but a waste of a vote.

Maybe relevant in 200 years.

Answer 9

Haven't met one I didn't like...yet.

Answer 10

***WHO should Wear the CROWN***???
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Ati_hZ.IMwhYcgnDirbK_Izsy6IX?qid=20070413124843AAmCRLj