Libertarianism
From Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This page is about the common American idea of libertarianism. Other people (especially in Europe) use the word libertarianism to refer to anti-capitalist anarchism
Libertarianism is an idea about government. A Libertarian is someone who thinks violence is allowed only for self defence. Libertarians believe no one has the right to start violence against other people or take other people's things.
In most countries, the government takes tax money from the people. This is supposed to be used to help the people. But Libertarians believe even the government has no right to take tax from people. Libertarians think people can take care of the poor without the government. They believe that people should pay for the things that they want to use, but not have to pay for other things that they do not want.
There are three types of libertarians:
- Minarchists believe government should only have police and judges to make sure people obey laws and an army to make sure no one attacks the country.
- Anarcho-capitalists believe no government is needed. They think people can organize their own lives and businesses.
- Libertarian socialists believe that there should be no or very little laws about peoples own lives, but there should be laws to make sure no-one becomes poor.
Libertarians think everyone can decide what is good or bad for their own body. Libertarians think if adult people want to use drugs, they can do that, even if it spoils their lives. It is the drug user's own choice. Libertarians think if someone wants to drive a car without wearing a seat belt, it is their own choice and they can do that.
Many libertarians also believe families and friends should look after friends so they would not use drugs, drive without seat belts, or do other things that are bad for them. But no one can force you to things that you do not want to do, or to stop doing things that you want to do.
[edit] External links
Cartoon that tells about Libertarianism available in #English, #French, #Portuguese, #Spanish, & #Danish