Libertarian Party Press Release
No hair jokes, just issues.
For immediate release
September 16, 2015
Nicholas Sarwark, Chair of the Libertarian National Committee issued the following statement:
Libertarianism is the idea that you have the right to pursue happiness in any way you wish as long as it doesn’t hurt people or take their stuff. We support the fundamental rights of all people, all of the time. We do not denigrate or disparage any group. We respect the humanity of all people.
Unfortunately, the only policy position addressed on Mr. Trump’s official campaign webpage is immigration. Thus, we are limited to piecing together Mr. Trump’s positions on policy issues based on recent quotes in the news media.
Let’s compare and contrast Donald Trump’s views with those of the Libertarian Party:
National Security
Mr. Trump likes tough talk and seems to think that wars are an effective solution to many of our problems. Libertarians think that wars often create more problems than they solve, are bankrupting our nation, and that violence is only justified when used for defense.
Foreign Policy
Mr. Trump advocates more sanctions on Iran, more support for Israel, and being tough all around. Libertarians think the United States should both avoid entangling alliances and abandon its attempts to act as policeman for the world.
Trade
Mr. Trump thinks that foreign countries are getting the better end of trade deals and says that he would negotiate more favorable deals. Libertarians support free trade and think that U.S. citizens and businesses should be allowed to negotiate the deals that they find favorable without the interference of the U.S. government and government officials.
Healthcare
Fifteen years ago Mr. Trump claimed he was for a government run single-payer Canadian-style healthcare system. Mr. Trump now says Obamacare is ineffective and should be repealed and replaced, but he’s not specific. Libertarians have always opposed government run healthcare, and support a free market.
Immigration
Mr. Trump advocates building a wall along our Southern border and has said disparaging things about immigrants. Libertarians believe that people should be able to travel peacefully across borders to work, trade, or live.
Eminent Domain
Mr. Trump has taken advantage of eminent domain laws to build his real-estate empire. Libertarians think that eminent domain is often exploited by the wealthy at the cost of average Americans and is a violation of our most basic rights.
War on Drugs
Mr. Trump has, in the past, advocated ending the “war on drugs” because it is ineffective and wasteful. Lately, he seems to be adjusting his stance and claiming that it’s an issue for states to decide. Libertarians also think that the “war on drugs” is ineffective and wasteful. In addition, we think the “war on drugs” is one of the biggest violations of Americans’ civil liberties as it has been used to put hundreds of thousands on non-violent people in prison.
Gay Marriage
Mr. Trump also has said that he thinks that gay marriage is an issue for the states. Libertarians think that the government has no business regulating anyone’s marriage.
Justice System
Mr. Trump says he would be tough on crime via anti-crime policies. Libertarians also want to decrease crime but likely disagree with Mr. Trump on the nature of “crime.” Libertarians are careful to differentiate between violent crimes and non-violent crimes, and also between crimes which involve a victim and those that do not. Currently, a huge percentage of our prison population is imprisoned for non-violent, victimless crimes such as marijuana use. Libertarians think that this is unjust to everyone: the taxpayer, the incarcerated, and society more broadly. Prison should be reserved for violent criminals.
Education
Mr. Trump has stated that he is against Common Core and supports school-choice. Most Libertarians would agree. Libertarians think that the federal government should not have the authority to dictate to Americans how we should educate our children.
2nd Amendment
Mr. Trump has said that he is against limits on Americans’ 2nd Amendment Rights, but has supported the ban on so-called assault weapons and longer waiting periods to buy guns. Libertarians oppose all laws at any level of government that attempt to restrict, register, or monitor the ownership, manufacture, or transfer of firearms or ammunition.
In the first debate, Trump said, “Our leaders are stupid. Our politicians are stupid.” Libertarians think big government policies are the problem, and smarter politicians with the same policies won’t help. America needs new policies and a new perspective focusing on smaller government, more liberty, and peace.
They have plenty of “undiscovered talent.”
Mostly for PF, here’s someone else whose noticed how weak the D bench is:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-partisan/wp/2015/09/23/the-insiders-where-are-the-democrats-fresh-faces/
No to Obamacare
YES to Trumpcare!
It is not that he hates the idea, He just loves bashing the idea since it has been bashed by a large number of taxpayers who may donate to his campaign…..
If there was nothing else, this would be a good enough reason never to vote for Trump… However, his big government solution to the border has been tried and has failed.. Why? because the big government solution is hamstrung by the big government handouts awaiting those who can climb fences… IF he said he would end government handouts to border crossers, then, MAYBE, he would be getting closer to OK… However, if all government handouts are eliminated, we would not need a fence, and the only people crossing the boarder are those willing to work for a living, and those are the people we NEED here!…
It has never been a pro gun vs anti gun argument… it has been a pro SELF DEFENSE vs anti-gun argument. Anyone who believes he/she is NOT a slave, and believes in self ownership, has the right to self defense, and ALL tools should be on the table to help facilitate that self defense. If everyone was proficient in his/her self defense, crime rates would plummet. Mass murderers do not go to NRA meetings to shoot people, they go to gun free movie theaters and schools.. Basically, anywhere they can murder people without risk of getting shot dead within 5 seconds.
Anyway, Trump is someone who has been able to draw attention to the Republican party, and to CNN, for the first time in years, so as far as him being a legit (ROTFLMAO!!!) candidate, no, he is not… However, he is drawing attention to the others on the stage, those who sound more “reasonable”, like Carly Fiorina, for example… On a side note, I did not watch last night… I already had a headache, and did not need to add to the suffering….
Sincerely,
Steve Scheetz
I thought the question was to CF, not DT.
Yes, he is playing to the Groundlings. My guess is this week marks his high water mark. He will flame out in the coming months, and not win Iowa or NH, and then skulk away.
35% chance the R ticket is Rubio/Fiorina, 30% chance it’s Bush/Fiorina. Fiorina is perfect as a VP for these times for the Rs. She’s not a professional pol. She’s historic if they win. She’s not Palin.
Unfortunately that’s a lot of other adults’ maturity level as well. Hence the millions of Trump fans and supporters. He’s playing to the “cheap seats.”
Why isn’t Trump going bonkers today over being asked about his comment on Fiorino’s appearance?
If anyone doesn’t realize that he has serious issues with women after his tacky comments about Fiorino, and then Bush’s wife, then they’re a lost cause. Trump is about the maturity of a middle schooler.. Rand Paul got that one right.
Good job, Mr. Sarwark!
RealClear’s latest national average is 3% and 7th for RP2.
At the moment, I agree with Teeth that there does seem to be an “outsider” preference at the moment in the Public Square. However, reading too much into the polls may lead us in the wrong direction.
Many are saying they “like” Trump because he is candid and blunt. They disagree with him on many issues. Yes, Trump captured attention with his anti-immigration rhetoric, but notice that he’s backed off that position, now that he’s a player in the field.
Sanders has benefited from HC’s email scandal, and her legalistic denials. There’s a widely held perception that she’s a serial liar.
I’d suggest that people are weary of government corruption and ineptitude. And they are coming to the conclusion that the distribution of wealth indicates that the “game” is rigged.
I also agree with Teeth may not be a year for Ls. I suspect it won’t be, since while there is widespread alienation with government, I don’t believe most are ready to challenge the (fantasy) cult of the omnipotent state or widespread conversion to the NAP principle.
It COULD be a year for lessarchists, but there is no leadership that I can see for a movement toward less government across the board.
1%, 11th,
Trump is no libertarian, but 2016 may not be a year for libertarians. Many Americans seem to harbor a kind of a vague, anti-Establishment anger. A sort of non-ideological populism.
Americans seem to be looking for outsiders, and they see Trump, Carson, and Sanders as sufficiently “outsider.”
Rand Paul is what the average voters thinks of as a libertarian (if they think of libertarians at all), and today I heard that Rand was polling at 3% in the GOP field.
It’s a solid, factual contrast. Are we going to be doing a series of these for the various Demopublican contenders?
Good comparison on the issues.
Good question. Dunno. May be a question for Warren.
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