Libertarianism Isabella, AJ, William MAXIMUM FREEDOM MINIMUM GOVERNMENT

What is a Libertarian?  Opposes any form of government  Cherishes individual liberty  Promotes free market  Promotes absence of regulation in moral, economic, and social life

Abortion  No government has a legitimate function to spend public funds either providing or prohibiting abortion

Prayer in Public Schools  Government shouldn’t interfere with prayer in public schools

Gun Control  Affirm right to keep and bear arms  Oppose prosecution of individuals for exercising their rights of self-defense  Oppose all laws at any level of government requiring registration, restricting, or transfer or sale of firearms or ammunition.

Censorship  Promote unrestricted free speech

Adoption  Government regulation hurts, more than helps families

Affirmative Action  Do not believe in discrimination  Against affirmative action

Animal Experimentation  Dismissive of animal rights  Believe in animal experimentation for medicinal advancements

Production of Biological Weapons  It would be irrelevant in a free society because there would be no wars, and thus no need for biological weapons

Capital Punishment  The death penalty is an extreme demonstration of the government power, and should thus be abolished  Important factor: victimless crime

Cloning  The Libertarian Party believes that cloning "is one of the 'most exciting and important scientific breakthroughs of the 20th Century' and should not be prohibited by the government.”  Believes in the advantages and possibilities of cloning, which could help save millions

Drug Legalization  Drug use should be decriminalized because it is not harming anyone, and it is a personal choice  Both parties (drug and yourself) are in consent

Euthanasia  Should be allowed as long as it is consensual between patient and doctor (both sides agree)

Gambling  Believes gambling should be allowed because it is personal choice (victimless crime)

Global Warming  Realization of constant change in climate  “Government is incompetent in protecting the environment”  Free market stimulates ecological solutions

Homelessness (Poverty)  End the failing welfare system  Banish all healthcare reform  Privatize social security  No more free handouts

Homosexual Marriage  Consenting adults should be free to keep their sexual orientation  No government intervention

Immigration  Unrestricted immigration into the country  Immigration policies are government interference

Media Violence  Oppose media censorship, as it is considered a government interference  Censorship = obstruction of free speech

criticism  More of a belief rather than a political stance (lack of common sense)  Economic nonintervention leads to extreme capitalism  Victimless crimes (drugs, sexual norms, education) seen as threats to society  threatens freedom, democracy, human rights, and economic growth