I'm a Libertarian ... What does that mean for you?
A Libertarian Social Contract, by Gene Trosper
I believe in tolerance.
That means I will tolerate your lifestyle so long as it remains peaceful and non-coercive to others. You can wear funny clothing, sport strange hairstyles, smoke whatever you wish, make love the way you want, worship in your own way ... it's your life to lead as you choose. Although I may not agree with some of your habits and choices, you still have the right to be you!
I believe in privacy.
That means I won't be peeking over your fence, staring through your windows, sorting through your trash or asking neighbors about your private life. I respect you as an autonomous individual capable of making your own decisions without the unsolicited "help" of myself or others (Of course, I'm always glad to help and offer advice if you ask though!). You won't find me trying to pry into your privacy.
I do not covet what is yours.
What you earn and own is yours, not mine. I do not want to expropriate your hard-earned dollars for the benefit of myself, my family, my neighbors or total strangers. You, your money and property are safe around me. I will not steal -- and I will not ask the government to tax you for any reason. In fact, you will likely find me asking the government to give you (and everyone else) a break at tax time!
As a libertarian, this is my contract with you! All I simply ask is that you allow me the equal freedom to live my life unfettered. Once we agree, the basis of a more peaceful and abundant society will have been established.
Gene Trosper is an LP activist and writer living in California. re-published here with the permission of the author
IF YOU BELIEVE THE ABOVE, THEN PERHAPS YOU ARE A LIBERTARIAN?
"Left-wing politicians take away your liberty in the name of children and of fighting poverty, while right-wing politicians do it in the name of family values and fighting drugs. Either way, government gets bigger and you become less free." Harry Browne
