Philosophical libertarianism: Difference between revisions

We have come to expect politicians to seek power and to promise to use it to bring people some boon that more often than not fails to fulfill its purpose, causes more problems than it solves, and costs the governed too much not only in money but in lost opportunities. Opportunities to make wiser and better choices with their time and money than any politician could ever make for them. Libertarians believe that government should best serve the governed by respecting their ability to govern their own affairs. So it is surpirsing to most voters when any candidate says what [[John Hospers]] said when he ran for president in [[1972]]. Asked the old question, “If elected, what will you do for me?” Hospers replied, “I’ll leave you alone.” Hospers’ reply was neither cavalier nor cold; it kept to the libertarian message, which is respect for your autonomy, your right to make decisions, to make your own choices and associations, to live your life as you see fit so long as you grant others identical respect to lead their lives as they see fit.