Indiana

I Love Me Some Libertarians, But?

By Abdul Hakim-Shabazz

One day someone asked me what stops me from being a Libertarian, even though I fundamentally agree with them on a lot of issues.   I told them two things, my practical nature and appreciation for the status quo.

I can respect the Libertarian ideas of limited government and personal freedom and more individual responsibility, however my Libertarian friends have confused me based on their actions at Monday night Council’s meeting.

Libertarian City-County Councilor Ed Coleman voted against a measure that would restrict panhandling at city intersections and also voted against a measure that would reduce the pay of the former township assessors back to a level when I had a Jheri curl.

The Libertarians argue that restricting panhandling violates free speech and the current laws are good enough.  They also argued against lowering the former township assessors salaries because the assessors had a contract when their pay was reduced last year after being voted out of office and the city should honor that agreement.  If I am misrepresenting anyone’s position, feel free to correct me.

What the Libertarians fail to realize is by voting against the panhandling ordinance and reducing the assessors’ pay, they were also voting against personal responsibility, a core Libertarian principle.   Instead of encouraging panhandlers to stop begging and not live off handouts the Libertarians have given a thumbs up to begging and condoning counterproductive behavior.   And by not voting to reduce the former assessors pay, the Libertarians are throwing their support behind the idea of paying people to do nothing and live off the government dole and not become self-sufficient.

Now I know my L friends are going to take issue with what I’ve written.   I can see my former producer and current Executive Director of the Libertarian Party Chris Spangle’s head spinning like Linda Blair in the Exorcist.  I welcome any and all replies, but in their hearts, they know I’m right.    And voting against personal responsibility and self-reliance just ain’t right.

Full post as published by Indiana Barrister on September 01, 2009 (boomark / email).