The Libertarian President 2016 Thread

[pErvinalia]

So, what does Gary Johnson stand for?

What policies of his do you like/dislike?

Will you be voting Libertarian this US election?

[laklak]

Yes, though he has no actual chance of winning.

I like the fact that he smokes a bit of weed, always thought a blunt or two would be a good aperitif before a meeting with Vlad.

Libertarians are closer to classical liberals than any other current philosophy. Non-interventionist, fiscally conservative, and social liberal. Johnson sticks pretty much to the Libertarian Party platform. Balance the federal budget, devolve more power to the individual states, fully pro choice, full LBGT rights, anti foreign intervention, pro 2nd Amendment, pro nuclear power, anti Patriot Act.

His Wiki page has a good summary of his positions.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political ... ry_Johnson

[pErvinalia]

Why do Libertarians promote devolution of power to the states? Is it because they feel states are closer to the individual than the federal government is, or is it some other reason?

[laklak]

That's part of it. The Feds are dealing with national problems, but often their policies are a one-size-fits-all compromise that satisfies no one. What works for Southern California doesn't necessarily work for Panhandle Florida. Some issues must be addressed at a Federal level, particularly when the actions of one state affect another, no question there. Riparian and other water rights are a prime example. I don't take the Seth approach that "I own the spring therefore fuck everybody downstream", we're too interdependent for that radical an approach. But I also do not believe that the Imperial Valley in California has a "right" to use so much of the Colorado river for irrigation that the river essentially disappears and it adversely affects people both up and downstream. So there has to be some level of Federal control.

Most Libertarians are fairly strict constructionists when it comes to the Constitution, or at least believe in "original intent" (as far as that can be determined). The Feds were tasked with coining money, national defense, regulation of interstate commerce, and foreign relations. The world has changed since 1776, though, and their powers have necessarily increased. However, I feel they've overstepped their bounds.

[devogue]

What's his stance on Aleppo and what's his sexual assault strategy?

[laklak]

He's a non-interventionist, so I'm guessing Informed Consent?

[JimC]

Yes, though he has no actual chance of winning.

With the vast amount of active hatred for both main candidates, maybe this is wrong...

[pErvinalia]

What's his stance on Aleppo and what's his sexual assault strategy?

Is he planning on sexually assaulting ISIS members in Aleppo?

[Brian Peacock]

What's his stance on Aleppo and what's his sexual assault strategy?

A Libertarian is primarily concerned with the extent of their own freedom rather than the freedom of others - as long as a Libertarian can go and come their freedom remains secured.

[laklak]

Both, because my freedom is the same as that of others. But there are many degrees of Libertarianism, just as there is socialism, fascism, or any other -ism. Big L libertarianism is a pipe dream. Maybe more like nightmare. We need cops, a military, a federal government, the CIA, NASA, a whole laundry list of federal agencies and responsibilities. What we do not need is an intrusive federal government involving itself in areas where they have no remit. Where that line is drawn is what separates most political philosophies.