Originally posted by Master Crimzon
Republican isn't a political ideology- it's a party affiliation. One can be a libertarian and a Republican, it is simply that the 'mainstream' and dominating ideals of the Republican party is one of conservatism, in all of its theocratic glory.I never got why libertarians often vote Republican, though. After all, is the social aspect not important? How can libertarians vote for a party that is blatantly opposed to the concept of private/relative morality and thus advocates forced conformance? Libertarians disagree with liberals and conservatives equally, but they seem to have a tendency to support the conservatives for some reason.
Republican and Conservative in the American tradition always meant small government, non-invasive-ness into people's lives.
The fiscal side of the Reps, especially the "government is not the answer to your problems, government is the problem" is what swings the libertarians mostly, imho. And gun laws I think.
imho, libertarians don't really accept the culture war in the sense that you are presenting it in. They believe that Reps support personal liberty. Barry Goldwater:
On religious issues there can be little or no compromise. There is no position on which people are so immovable as their religious beliefs. There is no more powerful ally one can claim in a debate than Jesus Christ, or God, or Allah, or whatever one calls this supreme being. But like any powerful weapon, the use of God's name on one's behalf should be used sparingly. The religious factions that are growing throughout our land are not using their religious clout with wisdom. They are trying to force government leaders into following their position 100 percent. If you disagree with these religious groups on a particular moral issue, they complain, they threaten you with a loss of money or votes or both.
I'm frankly sick and tired of the political preachers across this country telling me as a citizen that if I want to be a moral person, I must believe in "A," "B," "C" and "D." Just who do they think they are? And from where do they presume to claim the right to dictate their moral beliefs to me?
And I am even more angry as a legislator who must endure the threats of every religious group who thinks it has some God-granted right to control my vote on every roll call in the Senate. I am warning them today: I will fight them every step of the way if they try to dictate their moral convictions to all Americans in the name of "conservatism."
American conservatism is REALLY interesting. Especially when you get into things like "conservative" anarchy.
and another good Goldwater:
Mark my word, if and when these preachers get control of the [Republican] party, and they're sure trying to do so, it's going to be a terrible damn problem. Frankly, these people frighten me. Politics and governing demand compromise. But these Christians believe they are acting in the name of God, so they can't and won't compromise. I know, I've tried to deal with them.