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Founded a little more than 30 years ago, the Libertarian Party is one of America’s most prominent third parties, seeking to offer an alternative to the standard two-party system.
The party was created in 1971 by “disillusioned” Republicans and Democrats, according to lp.org, and has since become the third largest political party in the United States.
Being that Libertarianism was formed through the bipartisanship of Republicans and Democrats, the party shares characteristics of both.
For example, like Democrats, Libertarians support personal freedom without imposing laws or restrictions on a person’s lifestyle or persecuting the lifestyles of citizens, as long as they do not harm others. And, like Republicans, Libertarians favor a smaller government and lower taxes.
The party has over 200,000 registered voters and offers membership, for an annual fee of $25. Members also receive cards showing their alliance to the party.
Famous members of the Libertarian Party include and have included: actor/director Clint Eastwood, actor Kurt Russell, columnist Dave Barry, Republican Congressman Ron Paul, actor/musician Dwight Yoakam, and novelist Ayn Rand.
Industrial Design senior Marvin Asuncion, 23, said he decided to support Libertarianism four years ago, but is not an official member.
Formerly a Democrat, he said he chose to support Libertarianism because of its social and economic policies.
“As a member of a third party, especially in the Libertarian Party, you can see yourself on both sides,” he said.
Ascuncion said being in the party allows him to relate to members of other different parties, because, rather than looking at the issues they disagree on, they focus more on their shared beliefs.
“I wouldn’t say it alienates me so much as it gives me a wider perspective,” he said.
Asuncion believes there may be more Libertarians out there, but some may refuse to admit they are because it seems “extremist.”
“It’s so much easier to fit yourself into a bipartisan system than it is to fit yourself into a third party system,” he said. “So, people just take the easier route.”
In the 2004 election, the party garnered 397,265 votes, according to the Federal Elections Commission.
This year, the party selected Bob Barr, 59, a lawyer and former congressman, as its presidential candidate and entrepreneur, author and television producer Wayne Root, 47, as its candidate for vice president.
As of Oct.18, the Libertarian Party has been given presidential ballot access in 45 states, including Michigan, according to ballot-access.org. However, the party is active in all 50 states, with party members holding positions in various levels of government.
Asuncion said that, even though Libertarianism is growing in numbers, it would be more beneficial to vote for Democratic or Republican candidates who support Libertarian values because they are more likely to win.
Traditionally, he said, most Libertarians would vote Republican because of their economic beliefs.
However, he said, this year many Libertarians have been supporting Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama because of his anti-war sentiments and economic stance, which calls for a mixed economy.
Leading up to the 2008 election, The South End will be taking a look at each political party’s views and beliefs. This week TSE brings you the Libertarian Party:
Taxes: Supports the reduction and repeal of taxes; service businesses, such as education, security and transportation should not receive tax dollars, but be paid directly by consumers.
Free Trade: Wants to end all trade restrictions and allow natural resources to be distributed fairly and efficiently.
Immigration: Supports suspension of immigration restrictions; believes people have the right to travel anywhere and to take any job, as long as it doesn’t violate the rights of others.
Drugs: Supports decriminalization of all drugs.
Military: Against draft as a means of building defense forces; believes military should only be used to protect country, not “policing” others.
Economy: For the separation of government and economy, believes in the elimination of welfare, and a move to a free market system based on supply and demand.
