Frustrated and Confused with politics in general.

[CaptainBubba]

This is starting to baffle me. Both conservatives and liberals only ever talk about the Libertarian qualities of their party. Conservatives never mention the laws against indeceny and privacy that they support, and liberals never mention being socialists. If they know that what they are in effect supporting is too shameful or unfavorable to be mentioned and heralded as a highlight of the party then why is it there at all? Why do people not notice this?

This would lead me to believe that both sides know full well that Libertarian ideals are in fact ideal. If this is so then why the hell are more people not Libertarian? Why do people go on supporting a party that is only half right, knowing that the other party is also equally half right? Why does everyone think freedom can be split in two?

[Jeanette X]

That reminds me of a quote by Bill Hicks:
"This is politics in America:
'I think the puppet on the right shares my beliefs.'
'Well I think the puppet on the left is more to my liking.'
'Hey! There's one guy holding up both puppets!'"

[The One and Only...]

I'm largely libertarian, but I differ in some respects.

For example, most libertarians believe that we need to stay out of other countries problems. I believe that is true to an extent, but I also believe that if another Hitler pops up we need to crush him before he can rival us.

Because the US should always be the most powerful country, and we should not allow others to match us. Simple matter of power and security.

I also support socialized healthcare... I'M NOT A LIBERAL, DAMN YOU ALL!!! I WILL NEVER VOTE DEMOCRAT!!!

[CaptainBubba]

Well, foreign policy is shady ground for the Libertarians really.

As for socialized health care, well, thats just a perfect exmple of what I don't understand. If you believe health care should be socialized then how can you have other Libertarian views? Should personal freedom not be absolute? Or do you really believe there are exceptions to individual liberty? I don't get most people's line of thinking.

[The One and Only...]

The better question would be... why could I not have other libertarian views?

[KevinTheOmnivore]

Originally Posted by CaptainBubba

This is starting to baffle me. Both conservatives and liberals only ever talk about the Libertarian qualities of their party. Conservatives never mention the laws against indeceny and privacy that they support, and liberals never mention being socialists. If they know that what they are in effect supporting is too shameful or unfavorable to be mentioned and heralded as a highlight of the party then why is it there at all? Why do people not notice this?

Could you perhaps give some examples???

This would lead me to believe that both sides know full well that Libertarian ideals are in fact ideal. If this is so then why the hell are more people not Libertarian? Why do people go on supporting a party that is only half right, knowing that the other party is also equally half right? Why does everyone think freedom can be split in two?

I think it's a rather naive assumption that staunch Libertarians favor freedom more than a conservative or a Democrat. Freedom isn't necessarily always a good thing, and when coming from a Libertarian, may mean the kinds of things that could jeaopardize the freedoms of others. That's an important point to remember. We aren't a nation built upon unmitigated freedom, rather, we are one premised upon individual freedom that doesn't infringe upon the individual freedoms of others (or at least this is the ideal).

I think it's preferable that people hold various qualities and view various issues differently. I view health care more like a Left-leaning Liberal, but I view personal freedoms pertaining to marijuana and other drugs much like a libertarian. I don't see this as a contradiction, because I believe most people are dichotomous and hold varying opinions. I think this holds the potential for compromise, and IMO, says something positive about the intellectual flexibility of Americans.

[ItalianStereotype]

both sides really don't see libertarian ideals as ideal. I doubt that you will find too many Republicans that are willing to support the legalization of drugs, abortion, and gay marriage.

[Dole]

'if another Hitler pops up we need to crush him before he can rival us' -ha, thats a pretty telling statement.

[VinceZeb]

It's also a pretty stupid statement, but it is par for the course with Dole.