Libertarian Values

Originally posted by ElectricUniverse
So pretty much what Libertarians want is to rewrite the Constitution of the United States, as well as the Bill of Rights, and write a new Declaration of Independence. In conclusion, you want to create your own country. A country in which every man rules himself, hence anarchy rules, which is nothing more than chaos.

Either you don't have a clue what libertarianism is, or you don't have a clue what the constitution says. Because libertarians are all about following the constitution the way it was meant to be.

I'm a libertarian and I am strict constitutionalists. I know the constitution very well.

[edit on 1-4-2009 by badmedia]

Libertarians want the government to adhere to the Constitution, the ultimate Law of the Land, as written. Politicians in general and the adherents of the major political parties want to twist and warp the laws to serve their own purposes with total disregard to the Constitution.

Read the Constitution. You will be amazed.

Well, I have to read through all the info again when I'm not so tired but I thought my outcome on the test was.....well, interesting to say the least. I had always considered myself more of a constitutional moderate, I firmly believe the constitution to be the foundation of our Republic. Anyway, here is my test:

(I'm a 26 year old male NYer btw)

Your political compass
Economic Left/Right: -7.75
Social Libertarian/Authoritarian: -5.13



Apparently I'm more libertarian than Ghandi and Mandela and farther Left than both of them and the Dalai Lama. I have to say, I'm pretty surprised.

However, I must say that I've never subscribed to any form of communist belief, the closest I can say I come is what you see on Star Trek, a society with no need for currency or economy due to the complete abundance of everything. (Yes, I know thats post TOS Trek, nerds)

To make things easier I am copying the first article that I wrote for a newspaper here in Utah, they pay me now to write a blog about every day. -joy- I get paid to rant... hopefully the mods will let this go...

Let me take a moment to welcome you to my site. I’d like to take a moment to tell you all a little about myself. I used to be a republican. Not that I’ve changed but the party has so much that I can’t (in good conscious) stay with them. I’m a hard-nosed conservative. I have certain beliefs, tenets, that I will not compromise on. I will always welcome debate, however. I feel that I can learn not so much with people that agree with me but with people that don’t.
Here are a few of the things that I believe and will spend time talking about.
Gun control. For me, that means using both hands. I don’t even think that there should be any debate on the subject. It’s our second amendment. Only topped by our first which is our wonderful right to freedom of speech.
Which leads me to another topic, which primarily is freedom of speech. All speech. I will defend to my dying breath the right for any nitwit to say whatever they want. You (the nitwits) should respect that same right. What cheeses me off to no end is these liberal sissies that scream freedom of speech, only if it’s what they want to hear. To those of you that feel that way, all I have to say is shut up. You bore me. You bore everyone else. People like you should have special signs on them so we can avoid you on the street.
Abortion. -God- I hate that word. It is one of the nastiest words in the English language. Do I like it? Do I support it? In a word, no. Do I think it should be made illegal?
No.
I’ll type slowly now so those of you who are slow can read this better, you can’t legislate morality. Do I need to repeat it? You can’t make laws that control morality. Period. It just doesn’t work. What does need to be done is to change the way we are teaching our young in our schools. Maybe teach morality again. Then, and only then, can we put abortion clinics out of business. In order to do that though we have to go after one of the most vile, disgusting department in our nation.
No, not the IRS.
No, not Dancing With The Stars.
It’s the Department of Education. These morons have ruined generations of children with their propaganda campaign ‘deregulating” any morality. I think the worst thing EVER done in this country was taking the 10 Commandments out of school.
And boo-hoo to you sissies that say it’s the wrong religion or all religions have to be represented.
Fine. Represent them all. There can’t be anything wrong with a variety of different views on morality as long as there is some, ANY view on morality to begin with.
And if there are any ‘atheists’ out there who want to complain, I say, “go to hell ”
Finally, hee hee hee, state rights. For those unwashed peoples who are unfamiliar with the 10th Amendment let me educate you. And you as well, Governor Huntsman, we in the state of Utah have rights, inaliable rights that are guaranteed by the Constitution.
I can assure all you readers out there (there should be at least three...) That I will be keeping a close eye on our state representatives and our members of congress to make sure that you are representing the people of Utah and not just special-interest groups or your own checking accounts.
Well, that’s me. I am a father of two, a married man who has a wonderful wife that (I don’t know how) puts up with me day after day. If you have issues, comments, concerns, or just want to buy me a new car then please contact me and yes, I like the new Mercedes.

Originally posted by TheWayISeeIt
So I am coming out at:

Economic Left/Right: -3.12
Social Libertarian/Authoritarian: -5.13


[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/images/member/e9aa22c820ab.png[/atsimg]

My dot right next to the Dalai Lama's.... I'm gonna go get some coffee, and ponder that

I will say that since spending time on ATS that my political views have shifted becoming... I guess one would say more cynical. I really don't think a two party system exists except as a facade that encourages the division of the voting public.

WOW! Well, I guess my dot showed up smack dab where yours is..

My results were just slightly off from yours though..
Economic Left/Right: -3.12
Social Libertarian/Authoritarian: -4.15

Interesting how this all played out.

-ChriS

Originally posted by badmedia
Btw, I think that political test is a scam in itself. The questions are a bit loaded.

A lot of these tests are stereotype, yes.

Another thing about the LP is that while I do believe the Libertarian values are the best and correct way, I at the same time realize what a shock to the nation it would be to try and do this all at once. One of the main things I liked about Ron Paul was he seemed to "get" this. And while these are the end goals, you can't just throw people who have become dependent on government programs out on the street overnight. You would cause many problems doing that, but over time you could get them off the "government tit". Throwing some 80 year old lady on the street and telling her to get a job isn't very bright.

Yep. Definetely. Not even I would feel comfortable with the LP running the country. They should become a third power though.

reply to post by Gigantopithecus


Congrats. Your the ultimate fence sitter!! I was waiting for someone to be smack in the middle lol.

Originally posted by Blaine91555
The fact that Libertarians are a Party at all is a minus. I've never dealt well with being pigeonholed and labeled. There are issues I agree with from all Parties.

Sounds Libertarian to me

Originally posted by Gigantopithecus

Oh yes, before I forget here is mine test result, bulleye centre:

Thats awesome. Havent seen that before.

I don't participate in political discussions at ATS because it is somewhat over run by extremists and paranoids.

And then a typical centrist-view to accompany it

Originally posted by Shadowflux
However, I must say that I've never subscribed to any form of communist belief, the closest I can say I come is what you see on Star Trek, a society with no need for currency or economy due to the complete abundance of everything. (Yes, I know thats post TOS Trek, nerds)

Star Trek works as a form of Government, imo. If some politicians would only learn from it...

Its interesting to see how most ATS-Members (or people posting on this thread?) are green-box-ish.

Originally posted by schrodingers dog

On a more pragmatic context, I find it hard to imagine a functional society in today's world without "big" institutions. We actually have a recent model for this: The Internet.

The Internet is more Libertarian than you might think. Why do you think Ron Paul won the purely Internet-Based Elections? The Internet provides ultimate freedom of expression, self-responsibility and highly individualized identities (in the form of blogs, websites)

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/images/member/7e7542e304d3.png[/atsimg]

I'm over in the green square too I guess. I have to agree that some of the questions did seem easy to "cheat" on. I tried to be as honest as I could, though. Socialist-Anarchist... didn't realize I was so unAmerican.

[edit on 2-4-2009 by dragonking76]

Libertarianism is a term used by a broad spectrum[1] of political philosophies which seek to maximize individual liberty[2] and minimize or abolish the state.[3] There are a number of libertarian view points, ranging from anarchist to small government, and from anti-property to pro-property.[4][5][6] The word libertarian is an antonym of authoritarian.[7]

The term libertarian in a metaphysical or philosophical sense was first used by late-Enlightenment free-thinkers to refer to those who believed in free will, as opposed to determinism.[8] Libertarianism in this sense is still encountered in metaphysics in discussions of free will. The first recorded use was in 1789 by William Belsham in a discussion of free will and in opposition to "necessitarian" (or determinist) views.[9][10] Metaphysical and philosophical contrasts between philosophies of necessity and libertarianism continued in the early 19th century.[11]

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Originally posted by Skyfloating

Originally posted by Gigantopithecus

Oh yes, before I forget here is mine test result, bulleye centre:

Thats awesome. Havent seen that before.

I don't participate in political discussions at ATS because it is somewhat over run by extremists and paranoids.

And then a typical centrist-view to accompany it

Hey Skyfloating,

Thanks for the compliment, I wouldn't know I was/am a centrist if not for this thread of yours.

Actually I was dumbfounded at my result , but it does explain a lot of things. Why I feel politics is dirty yet I am a firm believer that a country cannot progress without some form of government. While I trust myself to a responsible person, I don't trust others to be the same, there bound to be lunatics out there. I believe in one rule applies all, but I recognise there are exceptions. I am pro life, I hate abortion, but I am willing to bend my believe in certain cases. I am pro death, heinous criminals have to hang, but don't let prisoners over 60 rot in jail.

While I am clear in my thoughts and I am confident of telling right from wrong, I am not willing to share much because I don't believe people want to or are capable of understanding. I have little faith in human beings, all I see is bickering over nothing most of the time. I am also weary and I have contempt for clowns out there who would twist your beliefs and opinions. They are all around ATS! Even in this thread, people are quick to put Libertarian values down, without the slightest understanding of it.

Probably that's why I am more comfortable reading threads by a lot of ATS members like you, than contributing. This is not a suck up to a moderator, all your threads are really interesting and of alternative views. Seriously, go look at all your threads, you don't take sides. In fact, a lot of your threads are middle ground controversies, looking at things from another angle. You couldn't be doing it for points right? I truly believe you are a true centrist yourself. By the way, I thoroughly enjoy threads/posts, by Riley, Phage, Melatonin, AshleyD and of course yourself, to name a few.

I am a bit embarrass to say, I share 90% of your views in all your threads. It explains why both of us are down the middle of the Political Company analysis. Only different is I don't subscribe to your believe of more freedom (relative to mine). Like I said, I just don't trust everyone to be responsible human beings. Some people just need to be watch over, agree?

Anyway, everything is relative. From where you are, you probably think I am more authoritative. From where I am, you appear to be recklessly waving freedom at the expense security. In the end, I think the Political Compass is an accurate gauge. No right or wrong, or which is better, you value more on freedom, I want to balance everything.

Score/Results are based on questions on political issues, so I reckon the more centre you are (square 1 to 4 from centre whichever way ) the more you subscribe to be the peace maker (whom usually no one listen too!!) . As you move away from the centre (square 5 to 7 whichever way) you join the passionate people club. Good or bad, these are leaders who standby their belief and ideology. Square 8 to 10 whichever way from the centre are extremists, your ultimate saviour or doom bringer type.

Well, just my two cents worth.

Originally posted by Rockpuck
reply to post by Gigantopithecus

 

Congrats. Your the ultimate fence sitter!! I was waiting for someone to be smack in the middle lol.

thanks man, it's lonely up here and dangerous too. Fence sitter knows when to keep quiet when people from both side of the fence start to throw eggs at one another!

Originally posted by Skyfloating
I think thats about where I would have placed you. Female Libertarians are often more in the greenish square while its common for male Libertarians to be purple-ish. Something I find rather interesting.

Oh great! I'm in the green!


Economic Left/Right: -1.38
Social Libertarian/Authoritarian: -6.15


Great thread, aside from making me question my actual gender?

Seriously though, did anybody else want to answer "no opinion" to several questions? I think in my case it skewed the results, but overall a cool test!

I forgot to save the results but I am a left libertarian

so green area for me!

I've alwats considered myself to be right, oh well we learn something new about ourselves everyday.

P.S.

thanks for the test I got a friend to take it and we were less than 2 rowes/columns away.

reply to post by Skyfloating


Star Trek is my ideal utopia and it was designed, in a way, as a message to society. It shows us that it is possible to live in peace and work in harmony with one another. It proves that if we strive towards the betterment of all people (or species in this case) that it WILL work.

I still maintain that the only difference between the society/world we live in now and an ideal utopia like Trek is the decision to refuse violence and oppression. Sad that people won't make that decision.

reply to post by Shadowflux


Star Trek's world is very attractive, however not practical. Human Nature is all about what I can do for ME. Libertarianism is trying to take human nature and let it be exactly what it is. We only ask that you do not infringe upon the freedoms of others (I.E. murder, rape, stealing, etc. etc.) Thats all it is. You be free and let me be free even if you don't agree with what I am doing with my freedom so long as it does not take away from your freedom.

Take that basic template and build a government around it and you will have, in my opinion, the closest thing we can have to a Utopia.

[edit on 2-4-2009 by ExistenceUnknown]