ON THE ISSUES

The Economy

Libertarians believe that all people have the right to freely offer goods and services on the market and that free-market approaches are the most effective at improving people’s lives.

Our current economy is more crony capitalist than it is free, and that is responsible for the majority of problems that some try to blame on capitalism.

The free market, when it is allowed to do so, provides tremendous opportunity for people of all backgrounds, interests, and abilities.

Crony capitalism, however, benefits the wealthy, powerful, and special interests who know how to influence policy makers.

Libertarians default towards freedom in all things, including economics. When people are allowed to run their businesses the way they see fit, without inappropriate government interference and meddling, those businesses are able to innovate and create tremendous value for consumers and more jobs for employees.

Libertarians believe that the only proper role of government in the economic realm is to protect property rights, adjudicate disputes, and provide a legal framework in which voluntary trade is protected. Unfortunately, the vast majority of regulations on the books do not do that. These regulations are heavy burdens on businesses and people who are just trying to make a living, and often prevent new businesses from starting, prevent existing businesses from hiring new employees, and even force businesses to close. This violates the rights of people to engage in peaceful and honest trade. Additionally, it actively hurts people by stifling human energy, innovation, and well-being.

Libertarians believe that taxes have the same effect as over-reaching regulations and are a confiscation of the property of other people. Libertarians advocate reducing and eliminating taxes whenever possible to free people and businesses to do what they do best, so that everyone can have a chance to succeed.

In summary, Libertarians advocate removing unproductive regulation, reducing and eliminating taxes, and getting government out of the way of innovation and job creation.

Civil Liberties

Libertarians believe that the equal rights of all people matter all the time.  No exceptions.  Other political parties prioritize the rights of some, but not others.

Libertarians value the right of all to live in whatever manner they choose, so long as they do not forcibly interfere with the equal right of others to live in whatever manner they choose.

We also believe that the government must treat all people fairly and equally before the law.

Libertarians believe that each person has the same rights as any other.

Race, gender, ethnic background, immigration status, occupation, education level, sexual orientation, religion and other characteristics should have no bearing on our rights as free and independent people.

Libertarians seek to:

• protect freedom of religion, association, speech, press, and assembly;
• protect internet freedom and privacy;
• fight federal overreach and government surveillance programs;
• reform asset-forfeiture laws;
• restore Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable searches and seizures;
• reverse the militarization of law-enforcement agencies;
• restrict law-enforcement use of general surveillance technologies;
• restore voting and gun rights for those convicted of non-violent drug offenses.