Frequently Asked Questions - Platform
To make it easier for you to find what you are looking for, we've organized the questions into categories. These are the Platform & Issues questions. There are lots more in the FAQ submenu above. Click a question to jump down to the answer.
Do we need another political party?
What is the platform of the Libertarian Party?
Where does the Party stand on Issue X?
I disagree with the Party Platform on Issues Y and Z. Can I still be a Libertarian?
Where can I learn more about libertarian positions on current issues?
Are you advocating that people gamble, take drugs, drive without seatbelts, buy guns, etc?
Answers
Do we need another political party?
Both Democrats and Republicans have greatly increased the power and cost of government. Besides arguing over what types of controls to put on your life and how much they can get away with taxing you to pay for it, there's not a lot of difference. The Libertarian Party offers a real choice to voters who value their freedom and their paychecks and want to keep more of them.
What is the platform of the Libertarian Party?
You can read the U.S. Libertarian Party Platform for yourself on the national website. It covers many of the most common political issues.
Where does the Party stand on Issue X?
If your issue is not covered by the Party Platform, try asking yourself "Who decides, you or the government?" So long as it's a peaceful and honest action (i.e. does not involve force or fraud), Libertarians would let you decide.
For example, gambling regulations interfere with the peaceful actions of those who choose to gamble and would be opposed by libertarians. Businesses that cheat their gambling customers, however, engage in fraud and would be prosecuted in a libertarian society.
Questions concerning your body or your property should be decided by you alone. While we take no official stance on the abortion issue, for example, many pro-life libertarians recognize that a government powerful enough to stop abortions is also powerful enough to force people to have abortions, like they do in China. Persuasion is always better than using force to change attitudes and behaviors. Force drives undesirable behaviors underground, exacerbating the problem rather than solving it.
I disagree with the Party Platform on Issues Y and Z. Can I still be a Libertarian?
The only requirement of Libertarians is that they do not believe in or advocate the initiation of force to achieve their goals. Many Libertarians differ on how this principle applies to specific issues, such as abortion, immigration, or war. All are welcome in the Party.
Where can I learn more about libertarian positions on current issues?
The research areas of the Cato Institute and the Heartland Institute websites are packed with public policy information. Another great place to check for common questions and answers is the "Ask Dr. Ruwart" area of The Advocates for Self Government website.
Are you advocating that people gamble, take drugs, drive without seatbelts, buy guns, etc?
Absolutely not. We state unequivocally, however, that it is the inalienable right of individuals to make those decisions for themselves. The wisdom of peaceful actions is a matter for individuals to decide, not politicians.
What if I can't find my question?
Check our list of resources or contact us for further information.