Democrat or Republican

[killersheep]

You left off Libertarian and Green Party. But to answer the question I vote Libertarian.

What is a libertarian?

Anarchy with an army that maintains a belief system in money that is backed by a commodity.


From what I understand Libertarian has a far different meaning elsewhere in the world.

As with all parties there are different views of what Libertarian means, especially as far as it goes. When I was in the party the talk was to abolish the IRS, get rid of the federal reserve, get rid of all entitlement programs, open the borders and make sure the constitution is followed to the letter. There were those that wanted to further privatize things such as all schools, police, fire, postal service etc.

Basically the Ayn Rand's fictional heroes.

Since that time, the GOP (republicans) have had a greater influence and have moved some of the candidates to a less far right ideology, more in line with the general public.

That sounds like socialism or maybe even communism.

Opposite of that, everything is privatized. No social programs.

[Master]

You left off Libertarian and Green Party. But to answer the question I vote Libertarian.

What is a libertarian?

Anarchy with an army that maintains a belief system in money that is backed by a commodity.


From what I understand Libertarian has a far different meaning elsewhere in the world.

As with all parties there are different views of what Libertarian means, especially as far as it goes. When I was in the party the talk was to abolish the IRS, get rid of the federal reserve, get rid of all entitlement programs, open the borders and make sure the constitution is followed to the letter. There were those that wanted to further privatize things such as all schools, police, fire, postal service etc.

Basically the Ayn Rand's fictional heroes.

Since that time, the GOP (republicans) have had a greater influence and have moved some of the candidates to a less far right ideology, more in line with the general public.

That sounds like socialism or maybe even communism.

Opposite of that, everything is privatized. No social programs.

Ultra right wing, Lyle style.

[VictorCharlie]

Master,

Libertarian ideals are to maximize personal liberties and minimize gov't, specifically by a strict interpretation of the Constitution in regards to the federal govt. Yes those who follow a strict libertarian code would be safely described in Killer's post, but its not necessarily a lock step party. While I have met Libertarians that champion all private road ways most live in the real world and understand where to pick and choose their battles. The Libertarian and Green Party are the only two viable (I use the phrase loosely) parties with any real principles, integrity and intellectual honesty.

[killersheep]

Master,

Libertarian ideals are to maximize personal liberties and minimize gov't, specifically by a strict interpretation of the Constitution in regards to the federal govt. Yes those who follow a strict libertarian code would be safely described in Killer's post, but its not necessarily a lock step party. While I have met Libertarians that champion all private road ways most live in the real world and understand where to pick and choose their battles. The Libertarian and Green Party are the only two viable (I use the phrase loosely) parties with any real principles, integrity and intellectual honesty.

Yeah social issues in general: gay rights, abortion, stuff like that has historically been under heavy debate in the libertarian party, nothing close to a consensus.

[VictorCharlie]

hmmm I find that most Libertarians are in a consensus on social issues but start to differ on foreign policy, immigration and how much is too much privatization. It is usually easier to define personal liberty in social issues than disect the abstract of "too much govt". A good example of libertarian principles is the gay marriage issue. Instead of "civil unions" being an exception for homosexuals they should be the rule for all. Marriage is a religious ceremony and the gov't has no place in recognizing it but it can approve legal binding agreements between two consenting adults. Abortion gets a little trickier depending on when you believe "life" has happened in regards to the fetus, but for the most part libertarians would be pro-choice of some variety.

[killersheep]

hmmm I find that most Libertarians are in a consensus on social issues but start to differ on foreign policy, immigration and how much is too much privatization. It is usually easier to define personal liberty in social issues than disect the abstract of "too much govt". A good example of libertarian principles is the gay marriage issue. Instead of "civil unions" being an exception for homosexuals they should be the rule for all. Marriage is a religious ceremony and the gov't has no place in recognizing it but it can approve legal binding agreements between two consenting adults. Abortion gets a little trickier depending on when you believe "life" has happened in regards to the fetus, but for the most part libertarians would be pro-choice of some variety.

How do you feel about the tax credit for having children?

[VictorCharlie]

Killer I concede the current necessity for a federal income tax as a necessary evil but I would get rid of all credits, deductions, loopholes etc and have a simple progressive system based on gross earnings in the year.

1. No income tax paid
2. 0.5%
3. 1%
4. 2.5%
5. 5%
6. 10%
7. 15%
8. 20%
9. 25%

That being said my fantasy federal gov't would not require a federal income tax to fund it.