Libertarianism is a political philosophy that puts the principle of liberty as the highest determining function of governmental institutions. Libertarians believe that people should be free to live their lives as long as they do not harm or use force against other individuals. Government's sole purpose is to protect individuals natural rights. Libertarians believe that the government should not enforce any time of morality. As a result, most libertarian are against the war on drugs, they do not believe the government should tell people who they can marry, they are against governments involvement in economic affairs and political interventions around the world, and they believe strongly in freedom of speech.
Libertarianism has recently experienced a resurgence in popularity mainly because of the political campaign of Ron Paul. However, the one-sided story that is perpetrated by today's popular media is that Libertarianism is an old idea that has no practical implications for today's complicated world and that those who believe in its principles are naive.
 |
| Ron Paul, 2012 Presidential Candidate |
The effects of this single narrative is the closing of voters mind to the ideas presented by the group. One key falsehood that is portrayed in the media is the idea that libertarianism is an old idea that has been "disproved". It is my belief that this idea comes from the fact that the principle spokesman for the cause has been Ron Paul, who was criticized in the election for being to old to run for President. The media has taken Ron Paul's age and have matched it with the idea that his political philosophy is old and outdated too. The exact opposite is actually true, no other political candidate for the 2012 presidential election received more votes from college-age voters than Ron Paul.
Libertarianism will be limited in its societal effects if this narrative continues because voters will never take its ideas seriously. They will see these ideas only for political debate and theory rather than principles to live by. Any effort the group takes to provide critical thinking or guidance on issues will be ignored because of the perception that this is old thinking and only uneducated individuals would give it any serious consideration.
Artifacts Used:
No comments:
Post a Comment