A few weeks ago I wrote the most politically-neutral post I will possibly ever write. And it still leaned feminist libertarian, because that’s how I roll. Today, however, and next week, I appeal to Democrats and to Republicans to think outside the two-party system. I challenge all US voters to research third-party candidates, especially libertarian ones.
1) Libertarians are pro-choice.
From the official Libertarian Party Platform, as adopted at the 2014 Convention:
Recognizing that abortion is a sensitive issue and that people can hold good-faith views on all sides, we believe that government should be kept out of the matter, leaving the question to each person for their conscientious consideration.
Regardless of how libertarians personally feel about abortion, we don’t believe in unnecessary laws restricting women’s access to abortion.
2) Libertarians oppose the prosecution of victim-less crimes.
Contrary to popular belief, libertarians don’t want to legalize marijuana just so we can all get high. Also from the official Libertarian Party Platform:
Criminal laws should be limited to violation of the rights of others through force or fraud, or deliberate actions that place others involuntarily at significant risk of harm. We favor the repeal of all laws creating “crimes” without victims, such as the use of drugs for medicinal or recreational purposes, since only actions that infringe on the rights of others can properly be termed crimes. Individuals retain the right to voluntarily assume risk of harm to themselves.
The enforcement of current drug laws disproportionately affects men of color. “Although rates of drug use and selling are comparable across racial lines, people of color are far more likely to be stopped, searched, arrested, prosecuted, convicted and incarcerated for drug law violations than are whites.” The repeal of certain drug laws is not enough to eliminate the racism in our criminal justice system, but it would be a start.
3) Libertarians are anti-war.
I’m just going to keep quoting from the Libertarian Party Platform:
We support the maintenance of a sufficient military to defend the United States against aggression. The United States should both avoid entangling alliances and abandon its attempts to act as policeman for the world. We oppose any form of compulsory national service.
Let’s not forget the many Democratic senators and representatives who voted FOR the Iraqi invasion. Who was the sole “Republican” to vote AGAINST it? Libertarian Ron Paul.
4) Libertarians support marriage equality.
I must mention that while most libertarians agree on all these ideals, we do differ in how we would implement them. Some libertarians would like to remove the government entirely from marriage. They argue that marriage equality–that is, the extension of federal and state recognition and benefits to same-sex couples–is discrimination against unmarried individuals. Rather than extend such benefits to all married couples, they would remove them from all married couples.
While government-free marriage is certainly my ideal, I think we’re a little too far-gone for that. It’s honestly awkward climbing into the marital bed each night with my husband and Uncle Sam, but it’s too late to change that. As long as the government continues to grant certain rights, protections, and benefits to male-female marriages, they should offer the same legal recognition to same-sex marriages.
From the Libertarian Party Platform:
Sexual orientation, preference, gender, or gender identity should have no impact on the government’s treatment of individuals, such as in current marriage, child custody, adoption, immigration or military service laws. Government does not have the authority to define, license or restrict personal relationships. Consenting adults should be free to choose their own sexual practices and personal relationships.
5) Libertarians oppose government subsidies and bailouts.
Who else was totally pissed that President Bush bailed out the banks that were “too big to fail”? Who else was equally pissed when President Obama bailed out the auto industry?
Who else is tired of all the farm subsidies? All subsidies, actually? (This article lumps together tax credits with actual subsidies, but it is an interesting summary of huge companies getting government subsidies).
Libertarians oppose the government handing out money to companies. One more time, from the Libertarian Party Platform:
We oppose all forms of government subsidies and bailouts to business, labor, or any other special interest.
Depending on your priorities as a Democrat, you might want to consider voting Libertarian this year. I encourage you to look at who is running in your area. Research third-party alternatives. You might just be pleasantly surprised…
What issues matter to you? Have you found candidates who share your ideals?
This was a refreshing read. I feel like I’ve read a lot of appeals to Republicans on why they should vote libertarian, but haven’t seen as many directed at Democrats. I’m sure there are some out there, but Ive not seen them.
Ha, my appeal to Republicans is next week! I figured Democrats needed a bit more time before the midterm elections to think about switching their vote. Libertarians have a bad rep with Democrats, and I think it’s because of a lot of misunderstandings of what we believe in.
I’m not switching my vote (sorry!) but I still really appreciated this post! Beyond just voting, it’s a great starting point for real dialogue that can also be productive in a larger sense. And as a staunch Democrat, I have to say that I appreciate you acknowledging we’re not all about big government all the time. Personally, I agree that marriage should come with no legal rights, and should be all about how the couple defines it — religiously or otherwise. You also brought up a few issues (like farm subsidies) that I’m a bit on the fence about, so it was a good reminder that there are some areas I should be better educated in. Thanks!
I didn’t really expect to sway any staunch Democrats, but I do hope to appeal to independents who swing liberal. Next week will be my plea to the Republicans, who are more likely to vote libertarian, given a good candidate.
The big (Democrat) vs. small (Republican) government is such a myth. BOTH parties want to and historically have increased the scope of the U.S. government, just in different ways. How does that joke go… The Republicans want a government so far it fits inside your uterus. Something like that.
If by any chance, your local elections involve any other third-party representatives, like from the Green party, I hope you’ll at least research their positions and consider not voting Democrat. While I’m obviously of the libertarian persuasion, our country overall would fare much better if we didn’t have a two-party system. I support ballot access to all third-parties, and some states set up really biases rules that make that difficult. Dan might actually vote for the Green party candidate for Ohio governor, just to make it easier for the Green party to have ballot access in the next election, even though it doesn’t help our party.
While I do agree with Libertarians on some social issues, I don’t see eye-to-eye with them at all on most financial issues. I’m far more to the left in almost every aspect.