Oct 25 2008
Presidential Candidates - The Other Parties (Libertarian)
In taking a look at the “other” presidential candidates, the second in my series is Bob Barr running for office under the Libertarian party. I have heard of this party and always thought it to be along the lines of conservatism but with some twists. So, let’s take a look and see what this candidate and his party are all about.
Bob Barr
Occupation: Attorney
Education: Georgetown University of Law, University of California and finished with an MA at George Washington University.
Prior Governmental Experience: U.S. House of Representatives (Georgia Congressman)
He says he will “work tirelessly to cut taxes, reduce government spending and restore our civil liberties lost during the Bush administration.” He will work for the American people, not the American government.
Libertarian Party
The Libertarian Party is the third largest party after the Republican and Democrat Parties. They are working hard to be included in presidential debates. (It does seem to me that all candidates should be included in the presidential debates, what is anyone afraid of, that one of the “other” party candidates might be a better choice?) They would like way less Federal government and for the local government to handle more than they do now, so that the country is governed by the people (so they are heard).
They want to put a quick end to the Iraq war, foreign involvement and the national debt. Completing those ends, they would go on to tackle healthcare, retirement funds and federal government over regulation, leaving the federal government mostly to national defense.
The Libertarian take a strong stand on American property rights and don’t think the government should be able to take (or control) property away from citizens. They believe the government should not be able to harm the earth over “political” views. As for abortion or gay rights, they believe to each his own. They believe that there should be a separation between school and government with perhaps vouchers following the child to the parental school of choice. So, your tax dollars go with your child, not to a school system.
Hmm, doesn’t sound so conservative after all, perhaps the Libertarian party requires we take another look if some of these ideas hit home for you.
