10.25.2013

Left Libertarianism

This post, as my first, will be where I put my political views out there. If you don't like it, leave a comment saying why you disagree with me.

As the title suggests, I am a left libertarian. If you aren't sure what that means, I'll elucidate for you.

Left libertarianism is essentially a code term for "socialism." Since that word tends to be a kind of bogeyman in our society, even today, I say "left libertarian." Basically, I am liberal economically and fiscally, but socially a libertarian. I believe in the sanctity of the individual, but feel that our leaders still have an obligation to defend the right of each person to do with their own life/body as they so choose. Just to show you where I stand visually, I'll show my "Political Compass" test results. While the test is somewhat outdated maybe, and possibly a little skewed, I think its still fairly accurate.

Economic Left/Right: -6.62
Social Libertarian/Authoritarian: -7.33


To give some context here, that falls significantly lower and farther left than famous Left Libertarians such as: Gahndi, the Dalai Lama, and Nelson Mandela. While I don't consider myself an extremist and certainly don't feel like one, there are many who would label me that way.

I remember calling into a local conservative talk radio station and identifying as a Liberal Libertarian. What did the host say? "See, that just baffles me." People don't get it. For me, TEA Partiers and other Right Libertarians are baffling. I guess its the "free market" appeal that draws them so far right. I agree with free market economy, to a degree, and yet I'm so far left due to my other ideologies. Still, I find that I agree a lot more with Libertarians of any left-right leaning than I do with the more "authoritarian" people.

So, that's where I stand. Let me know where you fall based on your own understanding of your political views. Better yet, just go take the test at http://www.politicalcompass.org/! I want to hear your thoughts.

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