What is a Libertarian?

There are many things said about Libertarians in America, much of which is contradictory. Some say they are "right-wing" or "conservative" yet in the same breath talk about how they are anti-war and, often times, against federal abortion law in either direction, still others are pro-choice and almost all are for legalizing most if not all drugs. Others will talk about how Libertarians are against laws that would mandate marriage to be between a man and a woman yet are also against a national health care program. Libertarians are against new taxes, income taxes, sales taxes and, it seems, anything with the word tax in it (taxidermists and taxicab drivers beware). It may seem confusing where all these "crazy" Libertarians come up with their ideas, they always seem to be against something, everything at times. The most vociferous of Libertarian minded individuals in government, Congressman and recent 2008 Presidential candidate, Dr. Ron Paul, votes against so many bills he has been given the nickname "Dr. No". Why does it seem that Libertarians are against everything? Just for "shits and giggles", why don't we ask, what are Libertarians for?

To answer this question, all one has to do is look at the name. Wrapped tightly inside the word you will find its root and from that root can be discerned the basis for all Libertarian politics. Liberty. Libertarians believe, above all else, in the freedom of the individual from being forced into participating in anything against their will. It is the Libertarian's belief that any interaction that an individual takes part in must be voluntary. You may do whatever you like outside of that which would impart harm or force upon another.

Given this philosophy of the individual and her freedom from being forced to take part in any activity, it would be safe to assume that this ban against force would apply not just to other individuals but to government as well. Libertarians are not against income tax because they hate poor people, they are not against health care because they hate old and sick people, they are not against regulating the actions of a man in business because they like big business, they are not against suicide bans because they want to see everyone kill themselves, not against drug prohibitions because they want to see everyone using drugs and they are not against abortion bans because they hate babies or mothers, these notions are nonsense. Libertarians are against income tax, abortion law, business regulation, suicide bans, drug prohibition and national health care all for the same reason, because these all require force.

When government does these things, they force people against their will, as sure as a rapist, killer or armed robber. It is the belief of Libertarians that if you care for the plight of the poor, it is up to you to give of your own money and to convince others to give voluntarily as well. It is the belief of the Libertarian that convincing ten thousand people of the necessity of solving a problem is far more effective than forcing a million to pay for it. The collective powers of a million passionate minds is far more efficient than involving governmental force when solving social and environmental issues.

To be for liberty sure does put you against a lot of things.