Choosing to be a Libertarian is a lfestyle... not a party.

Earlier, I published A party of one. Its no secret that I'm a Libertarian; however, that's just a label. I've been pondering exactly what that means (to me).

I have come to the conclusion that, to me, being a Libertarian isn't being a member of a political party or group, is a lifestyle choice.

I have never "supported" legalization of marijuana, gay rights, same-sex marriage, right to life, right to choose, or any of the many other divisive social issues per se, I just never thought that issues of personal choice or biological predisposition were of my business. I don't so much "support" anything, I "oppose" Government's involvement in very personal decisions such as this.

I believe that tolerance is fundamental to America's success and that those who wish to impose their personal, religious, philosophical or (the most dangerous to me) social engineering views and schemes on others who may disagree is the greatest risk to its continued success. Libertarians often align with "strange bedfellows" to fight intolerance over specific issues; however, we seldom are in the company of people who share our social tolerance across the board (unless we are fortunate enough to be in the company of like minded Libertarians).

At the "top of my list" for offensive Government intervention is integrating religious doctrine into public policy. That's the Taliban's model... and I'm not a fan. The most "ruthless" and "primitive" Governments in the world today use Religion as a tool to control their people. I see a bit of that kind of thinking in the United States lately... and it scares me. We all have the right to pursue happiness in whatever way we choose as long as we don't hurt other people or take their stuff. A Government that gets a bit too involved in our personal choices regarding just how we go about that is offensive to me.

If our Government persecutes any Group for any reason other than that "hurting other people or taking their stuff" thing, they are over-reaching... and I will be in the side of those they persecute. If any group or individual looses the fight for a personal choice, we all loose our freedom to choose. We must be ever vigilant so we don't all loose our freedom... one personal choice at a time.