Say it ain’t so
Could it be that I’m not a Republican?
I’m having an identity crisis.
I may be a Libertarian. From their website:
“Libertarians advocate freedom in economic matters, so we’re in favor of lowering taxes, slashing bureaucratic regulation of business, and charitable– rather than government — welfare. But Libertarians are also socially tolerant. We don’t demand laws or restrictions on other people who we may not agree because of personal actions or lifestyles.”
My new favorite reads online are:
The Heartscan Blog (as previously mentioned)
Hillary Supporters for McCain (I could spend hours reading the comments; they’re fascinating.)
Heading over to Bennies for dinner (yes, we’re having the Spinach Artichoke Calzones just as planned). BTW, Jennie posted her first baby bump picture on her blog.
Don’t get me started on libertarianism! It’s the sexy political philosophy that no one would actually enjoy if it came to fruition.
I know I’m the last person who would argue with you not being a republican but I am so over everyone saying they are libertarian. Do you enjoy our public road ways? Then you aren’t libertarian. Do you believe in mandatory seatbelt laws so we all don’t have to pay for your medical bills or the increased cost of health care in general? Then not a libertarian. How about Clean Air and Water laws? Nope
The truth is that it’s a nice idea - we all leave each other alone and the government steps in only when necessary - but that ain’t how it works. No man is an island. Every action has a reaction and everything is interrelated. So this whole “It’s my personal liberty and I’m not harming anyone.” Usually not so much true.
Whew! Glad I got that off my chest.
I do want to reinforce that if you are ready to leave the Republican party - we’ve got lots of room over here in the Democratic one
Comment by Sarah Holland | June 5, 2008
I believe Mrs. Holland is confused on libertarianism, so allow me to clarify. The focus of libertarianism is what role the FEDERAL government should play in the daily lives of Americans. This is a critical distinction. The federal government should not be in the business of educating our children. All we have done is throw money at a problem that continues to get worse. Only when you have local citizens who take an active role in making sure the education system doesn’t fail do you see results (i.e Cincinnati as a recent example). The federal government should not be in the business of giving us health care. Medicaid is a nationwide disaster. It’s inefficient, slow, and worst of all, a terrible payor. I lived in England for two years and saw national health care in action. It’s nothing but waiting lists and sub-standard health care. Now, employ that with a population of 300 million and you will see first hand the horrors of national health care. The federal government should not be in the business of taxing us the way they do. The tax code is convuluded, unfair, and a giant mess. I understand the importance of bringing in money so the government can function. However, a lot less government means a lot less in taxes. Besides, the state governments should be handling this anyway. The federal government should not be in the business of shaping social policy. As a man who is ultra-liberal on most social issues, I despise seeing our Constitution used to justify discriminating against gay men and women in this country. Change does indeed come from the people (I credit my friend Jessica for convincing me of this), and it is through them that true equality for gay men and women in this country will be achieved. Finally, the federal government should not be in the business of spying on its citizens. I despise the Patriot Act and the way we justify the erosion of our civil liberties. What good is winning the war on terror if the means you employ destroy the very foundation of that which you wish to protect? To respond directly to Mrs. Holland, I don’t need the federal government to pass a law telling me it’s important to wear a seat belt. I already know it is. I don’t need the federal government to be in charge of building and maintaining our infrastructure. Let the states handle that.
In the end, Republicans are just as bad as Democrats. Both parties want nothing more then every citizen to suckle at the tit of government bureaucracy. They don’t believe I can manage my own affairs, and they spend millions trying to convince me that I need them, when in reality, I need them very little. The federal government should stick to what it does best…defend us from foreign threats. Washington said it best when he said “A government is like fire, a handy servant, but a dangerous master.”
P.S. Food for thought…Republicans are NOT for less government than Democrats. When it comes to who you sleep with, who you marry, and what you watch on TV or listen to on the radio, then Republicans want as much government as possible! Both parties are lost and should be removed from power before they destroy this country.
Comment by Matt Roberts | June 8, 2008
I am with Sarah 100% about Libertarianism. I only wish I had come up with the phrase “sexy political philosophy” first…
Comment by heather | June 8, 2008