Printed from the Libertarian Party of Kentucky Website: lpky.org

Frequently asked questions about the Libertarian Party

What is a Libertarian?

Libertarians believe that you have the right to live your life as you wish, without the government interfering - as long as you do not violate the rights of others. Politically, this means Libertarians favor rolling back the size and cost of government, and eliminating laws that stifle the economy and control people’s personal choices.

Are Libertarians Liberal or Conservative?

Libertarians are neither. Unlike liberals or conservatives, Libertarians advocate a high degree of both personal and economic liberty. For example, Libertarians agree with conservatives about freedom in economic matters, so we are in favor of lowering taxes, slashing bureaucratic regulation of business, and we encourage charitable - rather than government - welfare.

Conversely, Libertarians also agree with liberals on personal tolerance, so we are in favor of people’s right to choose their own personal habits and lifestyles. Libertarians favor a policy of minding our own business when it comes to foreign policy; wars should be fought only when others nations threaten us directly. We reject the draft, foreign aid, and overt and covert operations designed to topple foreign governments.

We believe that free markets are the most efficient means of distributing our nation’s scare resources. We agree with our country’s Founders that the role of government should be limited to providing citizens the protection of police and courts, national defense, providing a limited amount goods and services free markets may not (such as roads, public parks, and environmental protection), and to preserve the natural rights we are born with as human beings.

In a sense, Libertarians "borrow" from both sides to come up with a logical and consistent whole - but without the exceptions and broken promises of Republican and Democratic politicians. That is why we call ourselves the Party of Principle.

How large is the Libertarian Party?

By almost every objective measure, the Libertarian Party is the third-largest political party in America. We are active in all 50 states, have more than 200,000 registered voters and more than 600 people in office, which is more than all other third parties combined.

What kind of offices do Libertarians hold?

Around the USA there are Libertarian mayors, county executives, county council members and even a Libertarian sheriff! Libertarians also serve on school boards and in hundreds of local offices. In 2004 our candidates for U.S. earned over 1 million votes for the third time in a row, which is a feat no other third party has achieved.

These elected Libertarians are already hard at work saving you money and protecting your civil liberties. In fact, Libertarians saved Americans over $2.2 billion in 2004 alone.

What kind of people join the Libertarian Party?

People like you. People who used to be Republicans, Democrats, and independents - from all walks of life. They joined us because they realize that we are the only political party working for their personal and economic liberty.

Another question we sometimes hear: Is political extremist Lyndon LaRouche in the Libertarian Party? No, this was mis-reporting by the media. LaRouche has never been associated in any way with us. He runs for office as a Democrat.

Why should I join the Party?

Most of us have been raised as Republicans or Democrats with core beliefs - such as "Republican’s believe in smaller government", or "Democrats look out for the little guy". But despite the lip service and advertising by the huge amount of money flowing into both parties (from Big Business, Big Labor, Big Religion, Big Law and other special interests), it is obvious that neither party lives up to it’s promises?

Ask yourself: Is government too big or too small? Are taxes too high or too low? Does the government regulate business too much or too little? Does the government control my personal life too much or not enough? Are we winning or losing the War on Drugs? Can we force democracy on people overseas by bombing them into the stone age or are we just inviting them to hate us and attack us through the only means available to them - terrorism?

If you agree, like many Americans, that government is too large, too expensive, and meddles too much both at home and abroad, the Libertarian Party is for you!

You can join the Libertarian party for free, which lets the world know where you stand and how you are likely to vote. We encourage a voluntary donation to the Libertarian Party of Kentucky, so we can keep the media informed; run Internet, radio, and magazine advertisements; send information to more Americans; support Libertarian candidates in winnable races; promote pro-freedom legislation at the federal and state level; provide resources and seminars to schools for education about liberty, and more.

Now is the time to take action. Join the Libertarian Party of Kentucky today - and become part of the new choice in American politics!