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Blog entry :

Blog By vitasveritas

title : What is a Libertarian?

dated : 8:38am Apr 21, 2012

Have you ever posed a question to which everybody had a different answer? Try asking someone to define Libertarian. You may get a wide variety of answers which create confusion. However, the precise fact that Libertarians are difficult to pin down does identify them as Libertarian. No one tells a Libertarian how to think, not if he/she is TRULY Libertarian. And a Libertarian who is philosophically committed to that position will not spend an excessive amount of time trying to sway the way YOU think. And this is not to say we are without argument. We believe in the system as it was originally intended to be. When controversy arises, as it will, we let all voices be heard, and think the people should make an informed decision. I have heard critics say that extreme Libertarianism is tantamount to anarchy, as we hold civil liberties with an undue reverence. I disagree. Libertarianism is not opposed to laws that are practical, enforceable, and consistent with majority opinion. Any other laws which may be meted out are either excessive, or superfluous.
Because we are free thinkers, it is not always a safe assumption that the best answer to your question will come from a Libertarian. Words and definitions change in the course of time.
An analogy:
Coffee drinkers in the US have long been acquainted with the "Yuban" brand name. But is Yuban the same today as it was in yesteryear? I think not. At one time it was 100% Colombian; but not anymore. The constitution of the product itself has changed, and I will refer back to this at the end of my blog, so keep that fact in mind.
The question people should ask of persons who identify themselves as Libertarian should vary depending on the questioner. Ask them what they think about your favorite topic, and don't assume that you would get the same answer from another Libertarian. Libertarians are neither conservative or liberal in the way that either of those words have evolved in the last century. Possibly the most insulting thing that you could say to THIS Libertarian is that he is a moderate. Whooooeeee! That's like saying I'm neither cold nor hot, and that my Higher Power would just as soon spit me out of his mouth. But, that's just me. I just won't spend a lot of time debating with someone who can't be civil in spite of strong opinion.
I hope what I've said has given you a "taste" of how I view the honor of being called Libertarian. It's a taste of freedom--of thought, of word, of deed--and, like 100% Colombian coffee, nothing else compares (at least in my opinion)to that.
How did I realize that Yuban coffee was no longer 100% Colombian? I tasted it! And I knew with the first cup of the (new) stuff that I needed to find myself another brand. "Yuban isn't what it used to be," I noted. (And neither are the political labels we have today what they used to be)
Please don't tell me that another Libertarian thinks I'm all messed up on my definition of Libertarian. I'll just laugh. Of course he/she does! They are free to do that, that's what makes them Libertarian.