Are Libertarians really just Republicans or do they stand on their own? (party affiliation, ethical)

[johnathanc]

I've met many people who tend to describe themselves as Libertarians - fiscally conservative, socially liberal, believe in individual freedom, and all for a minimal centralized government. And I actually respect many Libertarian thoughts to varying degrees. My observation is that Libertarians do seem to be a mix of left and right viewpoints but overall seem to support the right. After all, I find most Libertarians do support the Republicans at election time. Do you think its appropriate to view Libertarians more as a subset of the Republicans or do you believe they are distinct enough to stand alone as neither Republican or Democratic?

[Bulldawg82]

I definitely don't vote Republican or Democrat during elections. I can only speak for myself though . . .

[BatWing]

Silly party affiliations divides us all on the REAL issues.

[KC_Sleuth]

Originally Posted by johnathanc

I've met many people who tend to describe themselves as Libertarians - fiscally conservative, socially liberal, believe in individual freedom, and all for a minimal centralized government. And I actually respect many Libertarian thoughts to varying degrees. My observation is that Libertarians do seem to be a mix of left and right viewpoints but overall seem to support the right. After all, I find most Libertarians do support the Republicans at election time. Do you think its appropriate to view Libertarians more as a subset of the Republicans or do you believe they are distinct enough to stand alone as neither Republican or Democratic?

I am a libertarian and do not support either party. I feel that the Republicans have sold out to the religious right (and I feel that the Tea Party is a bit too schizophrenic and tied to the religious right as well). It is my opinion that Republicans are just as bad as Democrats in forcing their "way of life" down our throats. I am not Christian, I am not a family guy, I don't want kids (and I don't want my life to be dictated by the needs of your kids). I also am not that concerned with preserving "culture, language, borders" that Republicans love to preach about - it just doesn't effect my daily life. I am an ethical and moral person in my daily dealings with other people, but I also like to have a "live and let live" attitude. If I could base my life on any person (or character), it would be the Dude in the Big Lebowski.

I don't vote for Democrats that often...frankly it boils down to the lesser of two evils or a third party (which I do sometimes vote for).

[lifeexplorer]

We tend to side with Republican because we believe being fiscal conservative and maintaining a small government are the key to liberty.

Whether or not you like to have sex with a man or a woman or a bunch of them, not my problem either way.

[Collective]

Republicans are like democrats, except they love big government on social issues instead of economical ones.

Libertarians don't like it involved in any of them.

[evan83]

Since Republicans historically are much bigger spenders than Democrats and expand the size of the federal government much more than Democrats (Demorat presidents are then forced to "clean up" after a Repub prez), and since Republicans feel the government should probe woman's vaginas and tell gays who they can and cannot marry, a libertarian voting GOP is like a Jew voting for Hitler.

[Hot_Handz]

Only to people who don't know what defines a Libertarian...or a Republican for that matter.

Which is why true Libertarians avoid any possibility of confusion and identify as Anarcho-Capitalists.

[ChrisFromChicago]

Originally Posted by johnathanc

I've met many people who tend to describe themselves as Libertarians - fiscally conservative, socially liberal, believe in individual freedom, and all for a minimal centralized government. And I actually respect many Libertarian thoughts to varying degrees. My observation is that Libertarians do seem to be a mix of left and right viewpoints but overall seem to support the right. After all, I find most Libertarians do support the Republicans at election time. Do you think its appropriate to view Libertarians more as a subset of the Republicans or do you believe they are distinct enough to stand alone as neither Republican or Democratic?

As someone who is socially liberal

Economical conservative

and doesn't think the president does much/impacts economy

You can see that the items that a president can impact . .. well it tends to be more social



I consider Bush and Obama to be shades of each other, except on a few key social issues


i'm not happy with either party

[Saritaschihuahua]

Originally Posted by johnathanc

I've met many people who tend to describe themselves as Libertarians - fiscally conservative, socially liberal, believe in individual freedom, and all for a minimal centralized government. And I actually respect many Libertarian thoughts to varying degrees. My observation is that Libertarians do seem to be a mix of left and right viewpoints but overall seem to support the right. After all, I find most Libertarians do support the Republicans at election time. Do you think its appropriate to view Libertarians more as a subset of the Republicans or do you believe they are distinct enough to stand alone as neither Republican or Democratic?

Libertarians are Republicans that like to smoke weed, and support abortion and gays, but only a little bit.