Political observers tend to describe libertarianism as “social liberalism and fiscal conservatism”—some confused group of misfits who have selected bits and pieces of various ideologies to create some sort of messy political mosaic. In reality, however, it is quite the opposite. Libertarianism and all its tenets are based starkly and directly on one very simple principle: “As much liberty as possible; as little government as necessary.”
Today, the libertarian movement is more crucial and relevant than ever before. The United States Constitution is probably the most important American contribution to libertarian literature ever written. This document, written in the late 18th century, still beautifully embodies the core of libertarianism—that is, the tenets of limited government and maximum individual freedom and autonomy. Unfortunately, the past century or so has seen expansion of the powers of the federal government that would appall the framers of the Constitution.
Like many similar massive government projects of questionable constitutional legitimacy, Social Security was generally well-regarded at its inception; however, its dangerous effects and the havoc it has the potential to cause for current and future generations is now coming to light. Welfare is another example of a well-meaning expansive government policy gone wrong: Following with a typical interventionism pattern, welfare worsens and perpetuates the poverty it was meant to ease.
This relationship has been observed all too frequently in the past decade or two, as government infringements on private life have reached a maximum. The War on Drugs empowers drug dealers and hurts users. Government involvement in issues such as marriage muddles the line between church and state. Laws such as the Patriot Act, meant to protect us from terrorism, instead violate our liberties more fundamentally than terrorists ever could. Government intervention in the economy stifles the free market, preventing it from functioning at efficient levels. A policy of foreign military interventionism diverts billions of dollars of tax-payer money out of our country and into the destruction of another.
And now, we the people are beginning to feel the effects of our government’s misdeeds. Where should we turn at this crucial juncture in history? Perhaps we should consider turning back to the principles upon which this great nation was founded.
Despite the simplicity of the underlying principle, it should be made clear that libertarians are quite diverse. Membership in one political party is neither a requisite nor an excluding factor for participation in and contribution to libertarian philosophical discourse. Many choose to identify themselves as members of the Libertarian Party. Others feel that the Republican or Democratic parties are better vehicles for their ideas. The range of opinions on specific issues, such as the IRS, abortion rights, drug regulation, global intervention, and so on, is extremely broad. In any given group of libertarians, it is difficult to find one specific issue on which everyone agrees. The core of our philosophies, however, unites us. It’s a simple concept. As much liberty as possible; as little government as necessary. Not really so extreme, is it?
The College Libertarians meet Tuesdays from 9–10 pm in the Union Room 3602.
Editor’s Note: Columns granted by the Editorial Board to the three political groups on campus—the College Republicans, College Libertarians, and Progressive Student Alliance—rotate weekly in the opinion section of The Polytechnic.
