Posted under Political Philosophy & Pro-Life & Ron Paul
This is a good article on libertarians and abortion. Contrary to popular belief, libertarians are not unanimously “pro-choice.” Some recognize that killing innocent babies does not square with their stated dedication to non-aggression.
I disagree on a couple of matters. For example, the Libertarian Party Platform is not neutral as Vance claims but is effectively pro-choice.
Recognizing that abortion is a sensitive issue and that people can hold good-faith views on both sides, we believe that government should be kept out of the matter, leaving the question to each person for their conscientious consideration.
We oppose government actions that either compel or prohibit abortion, sterilization or any other form of birth control.
Sorry, but that is pro-choice. Anyway, the article is well worth a read.Â
Andrew T. on 29 Jan 2008 at 8:53 pm #
It’s a good article.
I think he mean neutral as far as the irrelevant LP can be to pander to both sides of the issue that its members hold. No different than aggressive war.
roho on 29 Jan 2008 at 11:59 pm #
Good article Filmer!………………As a paleocon, I have to stay on task, to remember that libertarians are NOT liberals, and should not be treated as liberals!
David L on 30 Jan 2008 at 12:34 am #
As a Libertarian I agree the platform is pro-choice. The purpose of gov. is to protect the individual and their liberty in the womb or out. To remain neutral about force initiated against an unborn child does not conform with Libertarian principles.
michelle fire eater on 30 Jan 2008 at 2:49 pm #
I think the LP is confused and, yes, pandering, but in the end they pander to pro-choice and forget one very, very important thing. One of the liberties I enjoy under the law is the liberty to create community through local law.
Libertarians think all government is the same. Until they learn the difference between federal law and state law, I remain faithfully a conservative Republican.
Personally, I am pro-choice. I believe communities have the right to choose what kinds of laws they have. If a state (thuh peoples) feel that life is sacred and want abortion banned, zippy. If there are sufficient folks to block such legislation, well, there you go. Government doesn’t make people moral – it is an expression of our morality, and that expression at the local level must be defended against the growing federal beast. As long as we give up our communities as fodder to the beast in exchange for… well, nothing, then we give up our right to form strong communities to defend against a growing tide of immorality… caused by…. the growing federal socialist commie beast! Round we go…
Having the fed decide this matter without the support of the people won’t suddenly make folks moral but just the opposite. The pro-life set should be looking to that fine day when they have engendered such value in American society that a constitutional amendment may be passed, or when all states have sufficient support so that one isn’t needed, for then they will have done their job (exercised their liberty to promote good values and morals in society) and our government will express such feeling.
I don’t think they will. They are too busy yelling and screaming and fighting to take away the very liberty that gives them the right to yell and scream. It’s hysterical. Oh, well. I’m going to continue funding good wholesome sex education and good wholesome life education that includes instructions on how and why to ignore your hormones for a while. The grown-ups? Paul wins them by promoting liberty…. that is just neat. But as long as the pro-life movement follows the lead of the pagan socialist commie democrats and try to use federal force to make people do what is best for themselves, they will fail. It’s very sad. Wah.
All summer long I signed up pro-choice dems in support of Paul. That’s crazy! But I did it by showing that leaving that decision in the hands of the community is the right thing, and they were totally okay with that! They understood that if their community was overwhelmingly pro-life, then why shouldn’t the local law reflect that? And they also understood that it is a lot easier to defend their beliefs at the local level then to have to fight for it nationwide. Ta Da! Pro-choice Paul voter! Nuts!
I love Ron Paul.