Libertarian+Party

THE LIBERTARIAN PARTY 2. The Libertarian Party -the third largest political party in the United States. They believe their voters are currently deprived of a real choice because of limitations placed by the government.

Libertarians believe the answer to America's political problems is the same commitment to freedom that earned America its greatness: a **free-market economy** and the abundance and prosperity it brings; a dedication to **civil liberties and personal freedom**; and a foreign policy of **non-intervention, peace, and free trade**

Beginning with a small group of activists in Colorado, the party has become America's third largest political party. They are proud of their heritage and the progress we have made since 1971.

The Libertarian Party was formed in Colorado Springs in the home of David Nolan on December 11, 1971.

The formation was started partially because of the Vietnam war, conscription, and the end of the Gold Standard.

The first Libertarian National Convention was held in June, 1972.

In 1978, Dick Randolph of Alaska became the first elected Libertarian state legislator.

In 1994, over 40 Libertarians were elected or appointed which was a record for the party at that time.

In 1995 a highly rising membership and voter registration for the party began.

In 1996, the Libertarian Party became the first third party to earn ballot status in all 50 states, two presidential elections in a row.

In the end of 2009, 146 Libertarians were holding elected offices.

Other Notes: The Libertarian Party is the first party to earn an electoral vote for a woman as well.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">In the 1972 Presidential Election John Hospers ran for president on the Libertarian Ticket, with his running mate, Tonie Nathan (a woman). The team earned one electoral vote in that election, making history.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 90%;">** 3. Describe what your party’s philosophy is regarding the role of government in American life. **

<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 90%;">The libertarian party believes in the freedom of individuals to engage their daily lives as they see fit, so long as they don't cause harm to others. Libertarian's depend on very little governmental intrusion. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;"> Their primary philosophy roots from writer Ayn Rand's "Objectivism", and various free-market economists. Many believe that the Libertarian predates back to the age of the Enlightenment thinkers. To put it simply, a Libertarian should have the say to do with his/her property what he/she will, as long as it is not imposing harm to someone else.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 90%;">**4. Choose __TWO__ major issues (except immigration and military spending) and describe your party’s position. Be sure to explain how your party justifies its position and why this is best**.

<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">In order to fully understand the thoughts and beliefs of a libertarian, it is vital to see how these ideas undergo specific situations that are debated at this time: such as the U.S.' military defense and drug prohibition.

<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">U.S. military defense: <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"> From a libertarian's point of view, he/she would not defend the military industrial system, and instead the military that he'd/she prefer to see would be a small fraction of its current size.

<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Drug prohibition: <span style="color: #000000; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Also from a libertarian's point of view, complete legalization of everything that is a drug would put an end to the drug/gang wars. <span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 104%; line-height: 21px;">It is plain to see that the statement, "That government is best which governs least." compliments the Libertarian principles and theories.


 * 5**. “Not liberal. Not conservative. Libertarian.”

This means that these people are aggressive and they like to take action. These libertarians don’t wait around for things to happen, they make their own success. Liberals wait around and see what happens when controversial topics are

yeah, where’s he from? I’m sure he’s an Arian Well, what about him? He throws the part of the century
 * 6.** (dialogue) I know this guy named Libert

We believe being free is a great way to live. We’re caring, people-centered & love to give Libertarians make sure to give you respect American heritage is what we never neglect.

We don’t want to push people around You’re unique, get up & stand your ground

Our only role is to help you defend But for war on terror we don’t like to spend With social issues we try not to interfere This is no lie, we swear--we’re being sincere

The people is what we truly care about Benefiting citizens is the best route Government branches do nothing but corrupt They’re counterproductive & tend to interrupt

Government control is an unruly beast

The libertarian party is what we propose Its free, has swag, & everything goes

Loving lady liberty represents our country.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">**7. Libertarian Logo** The party adopted the statue of liberty as its mascot.The Lady Liberty in the logo of the Libertarian Party perfectly represents its ideology of right libertarianism, non-interventionism & classical liberalism.

**8. Two famous Libertarians**

Drew Carey starred in the ABC Sitcom, The Drew Carey Show (1995). The Sitcom won Drew Carey two People’s Choice Awards. Carey hosted the show Whose Line Is It Anyway? In 1998. Then in 2007 he took over the show the Price is Right. In 1998, he engaged in an act of civil disobedience when he lit up a cigarette in a bar in California to protest the state's new anti-smoking law. He says, "I don't think there should be a total ban, it should be up to each bar owner and patron to decide if they want to smoke or not."

When asked about his view on government he said, “The less the better. As far as your personal goals are and what you actually want to do with your life, it should never have to do with the government. You should never depend on the government for your retirement, your financial security, for anything.” "I never thought I was a libertarian until I picked up Reason magazine and realized I agree with everything they had printed.." -- Drew Carey in Time (August 9, 2007)

Ayn Rand She was Russian born (1905-1982) she brought more people into the libertarian movement than anybody else. She did this by making a moral case for individualism and liberty through her dramatic novels. Her first book was We the Living (1936) it was about love and the struggle for liberty during the Soviet oppression. Then her novel The Fountainhead (1943 ) was a big success. It was about a determined individualist pursuing his vision in a collectivist world. This novel became a besteller and was made into a movie. Rand elaborated her philosophy with essays gathered in books. "The government was set to protect man from criminals and the Constitution was written to protect man from government." "The smallest minority on earth is the individual. Those who deny individual rights cannot claim to be defenders of minorities."


 * 9.**


 * 10. Political Cartoon depicting Libertarians' view on war on terror.**