Why do liberals distance themselves from the term "liberatarian"? The words are similar, aren't they also?

Question

policically similar?

Interesting.

Answer 1

I am a conservative, and consider myself Libertarian.

Think of an x,y axis

Libertarian at the top
Authoritarian at the bottom
Liberal at the left
Conservative at the right

We all fit onto this plane with some elements of x and y

Here's a quiz to see where you fit:
http://www.quiz2d.com/quiz/quiz.php?from=homepage

Answer 2

The two are similar, but not identical.

[EDIT: The two-spectrum model used by Responder (above) is a good one -- Libertarians want small govt -- socialists want big govt. But there are other ways to look at it.]

First there are philosophical issues. Liberals and most libertarians believe in strong civil rights -- limited govt regulation of conduct, strong protection for personal freedoms and personal expression.

Next, there are economic and taxation issues. Libertarians and many liberals oppose govt taxation and govt spending -- they want small govt, few (if any) social programs, and minimal (if any) govt regulation of business.

Then, there are libertarian criminal issues. Libertarians want harsh punishments for violent crimes, restitution (fines) for non-violent crimes, no punishment for "victim-less" crimes (where everyone involved consents), and strong due process protections to make sure that only the guilty are punished.

Many people refer to themselves as libertarian because they hold libertarian views on the economic or criminal issues -- that's why you see many conservative libertarians who have split from the Republican party.

Many people refer to themselves as libertarian because they support libertarian civil liberties -- which is why you see many liberal libertarians who have left the Democratic party because they oppose Democratic socialism.

Answer 3

Liberal is a very tricky word used by conservatives to give an impression of trendiness and compassion. It's a bit like dictatorships calling themselves the "Peoples Democratic Party."

Answer 4

I don't think they are politically similar. Liberals what a bigger government, Libertarians want a smaller one.

Answer 5

No. Liberatarians are conservatives.

Answer 6

No, a libertarian is simply a de-frocked Republican for holding so-called liberal views.

Smaller government arguments are often the code words for class war fare whether the adherents of the Libertarian party know it or not.

Answer 7

Get up off your lazy butt and go educate yourself instead of using others to do your own learning.I bet you cribbed on your exams.