Just what is a libertarian? The word is so connected to 
the third-party today many may be confused about the word vs. the Libertarian Party. Since I am not a member of the LP this article will focus on the actual word and what libertarianism is. This is something many in our community and across this country embrace in their daily lives.
In order to form a common basis for understanding we should define libertarian. To do so lets start with the definition from the 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language by Noah Webster. This was the first dictionary produced in the United States that gives us insight into the language of our founders as they understood the definitions. It is a very important reference for any study into, and understanding of, our history. As we know words change over time. How can we expect to gain an appreciation for what the true intent of our founding documents were if we don’t also become students of the language used, in a very precise manner, both in the documents and debates of the time? With that in mind lets explore the word;
LIBERTA’RIAN, a. [L. liber, free; libertas, liberty.]
- Pertaining to liberty, or to the doctrine of free will, as opposed to the doctrine of necessity.
- Remove from their mind libertarian prejudice.
- Notice first a libertarian is in opposition to the doctrine of necessity. One cannot at once embrace libertarianism and support strong government control. When considering what the doctrine of necessity is we must look to the second use of the word necessity. Turning once again to the dictionary we find;
NECESSITY, n.
2. Irresistible power; compulsive force, physical or moral. If mans actions are determined by causes beyond his control, he acts from necessity, and is not a free agent. Necessity compelled the general to act on the defensive.
Take a moment and explore two other important words, liberty and free, which are key components of those who strive to be libertarian in thought and action.
What did you discover? Were you surprised to find so many nuances and separations in liberty? In the 18th Century much time was invested in carefully studying, discussing, and understanding there are distinct areas within liberty and the doctrine of free will. When you finish this article go back and revisit the definitions of natural, civil, political, and religious liberty. All were important aspects of colonial and early American life. Pay attention to the second definition under the word free as it addresses directly how people interact with government. A key to this is not having a dependency upon the government while being subject to the laws consented to.
Did you notice how Noah Webster understood natural liberty was abridged by civil liberty? Keep in mind this abridgment is understood and agreed upon by libertarians. We are not anarchist nor do we strive to end civil liberty. Also, the distinction he recognized between civil and political liberty is one that libertarians recognize, as well as support, today. There is a difference between the liberty of the people (civil) and the liberty of states, which in their time was synonymous with nations (political).
- STATE, n. [L., to stand, to be fixed.]
- 5. A political body, or body politic; the whole body of people united under one government, whatever may be the form of the government.
- Municipal law is a rule of conduct prescribed by the supreme power in a state.
- More usually the word signifies a political body governed by representatives; a commonwealth; as the States of Greece; the States of America. In this sense, state has sometimes more immediate reference to the government, sometimes to the people or community. Thus when we say, the state has made provision for the paupers, the word has reference to the government or legislature; but when we say, the state is taxed to support paupers, the word refers to the whole people or community.
- It is the understanding and support of political liberty that leaves many libertarians cheering loudly when states demand their sovereignty under the 10th Amendment. During the many state debates for ratification of the Constitution people wanted assurances each state would maintain the sovereign standing as independent nations with the federal or general government only being able to exercise the powers consented to by each state ratifying the document. It was of such importance many states refused to accept the Constitution unless both the 9th and 10th Amendment were insured since both the state sovereignty as well as the sovereignty of the citizens of each state was critical for controlling the potential tyrannical growth of the newly created federal government.
- In setting one of the goals of our Federalist Republic as striving to form a more perfect union our founders knew the historical nature of both man and government. A libertarian recognizes our weaknesses and strives to improve our strength by exercising critical thinking while questioning every decision by government. Most true libertarians tire of angry slander or slurs against competency while embracing debate and conversation surrounding the science of government.
- Our founders were considered enlightened men and women. As such today’s libertarian strives to gain further enlightenment while understanding our goal of increasing our knowledge is action and the action desired is more liberty, more personal responsibility and more respect for one another. As each of these areas grow the need for government decreases and we embrace the idea a government that truly governs least is the very best. There is no pompous stance of supremacy in thought or action but instead a humble desire for securing the promises of the Declaration of Independence for our posterity. We can all live better with a foundation of free will rather than government will.
- Here are two quotes that will provide even further insights into the mind of a libertarian.
- “The worst evils which mankind has ever had to endure were inflicted by bad governments. The state can be and has often been in the in the course of history the main source of mischief and disaster.” Ludwig von Mises
- “The smallest minority on earth is the individual. Those who deny individual rights, cannot claim to be defenders of minority.” Ayn Rand
- By defending our individual liberty while supporting the level of government we have consented to within our states and our states have consented to within our federal agreements we become libertarian in our thoughts and action. If you wonder just where you stand take the little exam developed by David Nolan known as the Nolan Chart, or a couple of the many variations developed since the original, to get a feel for where you stand. The results may surprise you.
- Libertarians are passionate about the restoration of the grand experiment of our Federalist Republic. However, this restoration would include alterations based on the many lessons we have learned over the past 220+ years so as to continue the goal of forming a more perfect union. There is also a passion for education, discussion, and free interaction with an aim toward protecting all individuals rather than select groups at the expense of others. Discrimination is considered as good today as it was in the 18th Century while prejudiced thought is considered to be just as bad as libertarians of the past believed.
- This column, then, will present articles, events, book reviews, and news as it pertains to our world today in conjunction with either supporting or tearing at the ideals of libertarianism. Libertarianism understands there is a need for government but that government must be kept with the least power at the federal level and the most power within the community and by the responsible actions of the individual. It is not subject to the whims of the majority nor is free will best managed by a federal government far removed or, even worse, a national government. We the people are freest when we are responsible rather than dependent on some entitled right granted from afar. In the comments feel free to share your results from the exam(s) as well as your understanding of libertarianism and how you can spot a libertarian.
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Remember our history, not our modern traditions that are moving us toward representative democracy. Below is a link to our recommended reading websites to help begin the stirring of our memory. Study these with friends and family as if you were studying the scriptures of your religion or the stats of your favorite sports team.
A linked listing of important and useful study sites.
Many original documents stored here.
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The most important thing we can all restore is conversation regarding politics.
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