Question About Operation of Small Government

I'm rapidly finding myself to be aligned with the Libertarian views on politics and society. I generally consider myself to be an independant, however, in light of the power battle/sports team attitude we have in America when it comes to politics I've decided to toss my hat in with a party... Unfortunately...

So, I do still have a lingering question that I'm having difficulties on finding a sound answer to.

I understand that Libertarian's are in favor of small government and anti taxation. What rolls (if any) would a Libertarian nation's government play in society and how would it operate without taxation?

I'm sure that all utilities and services that are currently run by the government would be turned over to private corporations (and most likely run much more efficiently due to competition). However, wouldn't the military still be state sponsored? Or would that be turned over to the likes of Black Water USA (I believe they changed their name now) and Haliburton? And who would pay for it?

This is just hypothetically if a country was strictly Libertarian.

 

A libertarian nation would be one that does not aggress against others, since the core belief of libertarianism is freedom for all to do as they wish as long as it does not cause harm to another and his/her. Peaceful nations don't need much of a military. In fact, are you aware that the US Constitution clearly states that the US is not to have standing armies? I wonder how they get around that one.

I highly suggest you read the Libertarian Manifesto if you have not done so, http://www.hipforums.com/newforums/showthread.php?t=358253&f=346 It is free in digital format, both ebook and audio mp3.

 

Thank you for the response. I will go ahead and read the Manifesto.

Don't answer yet as I have not read the Manifesto, but my previous concern regarding a standing army should be reworded with this new info. A 'national defense force' instead like that of Japan's? Or a volunteer militia? I know the philosophy is peace opposed to aggression, but what of foreign nations impeding on our liberties? I know the Libertarian view supports regulationless management for firearms for ones protection from others, I'd assume this would carry onto the national view as well...

Again, feel free to ignore those rambled questions until I reply with possible answers to my own questions after reading the manifesto.


Thank you again for your response.

 

" turned over to private corporations " What like Iraq

 

Where does it say in the Constitution that the U.S. isn't supposed to have a standing army? I know there are not supposed to be standing *paramilitary* armies but please enlighten me on the other?

Even though your nation may be built on libertarian principles doesn't mean that you won't need a military. That's just plain ignorant, and you're asking for other people to invade YOU.

The role of government would be very minimal though.

Mainly to provide national defense and other minor roles. They would boot out organizations such as the Fed for sure. And they wouldn't federalize every aspect of our lives.

Maybe at the most they would interconnect the states with essential data that they might of overlooked. But then again with much more tax dollars in the people's hands they'd have a lot more potential to run things for themselves.

 

heres a good interview with milton friendman on this topic

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PaN9M4WwHw&feature=related

 

Another dead white man!

 

Do you ever say anything constructive?

 

There is no "getting around it", in fact your information is wrong. Go re-read (or read for the first time) Section 8 of the USC;

"To raise and support Armies, but no Appropriation of Money to that Use shall be for a longer Term than two Years;"

Maybe you can show me where it "Clearly states" that the US is not to have any standing armies?

Peaceful nations DO need a military. In fact, with a strong military you are more likely to have a peaceful nation, and a safer one at that. This is of course, considering that it is used properly as defense, and not as offense.

 

For a guide on how a Libertarian govt would operate, look no further than the U.S. Constitution

 

lol that's the stupidest thing ever, you don't mean the constitution, you mean you want to live in 1798.

 

Not on this thread Zorba

 

http://www.lp.org/issues

 

to many quotes

 

The gulf coast states are among the most staunch supporters of state's rights; as soon as the federal government cleans up their beaches.

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"A wise and frugal government, which shall leave men free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned - this is the sum of good government." - Thomas Jefferson

"Governments first duty is to protect the people, not run their lives." - Ronald Reagan

I think Jefferson is a good source of how a small government should operate, and from where the source of governments power should emanate.

I surprised this thread has not been a very active one. Is that a sign that most people would prefer a more powerful and larger government today?

 

I think that was obvious on the last presidential election day.

btw...All of your quotes are out of context. Can you expand on the context in which they were made?

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Are you implying that voters were looking for a larger and more powerful federal government?

My quotes are just randomly selected with the intent of instigating thought processes. Nothing more.

 

This is false. You ought to check your facts once in a while.

 

considering the federal government took a lot of money from bp over the years. that's more than fair