Quote:
Originally Posted by Devils'Advocate
I often wonder where the libertarian vote lies in this country. When it comes to issues like the ones you stated, the Conservatives stand for restricting individual freedom. On other cases, such as gun control or environmental regulation, the Liberals stand for restricting individual freedoms for the greater good. Makes it difficult for a true libertarian to make a choice.
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Libertarians accept restricting individual freedoms to preserve the freedom of others. What they don't accept is restricting individual freedoms because other people might get offended. I'm not sure that "true" libertarianism excludes taxes/subsidies to adjust for economic externalities either (as it would pertain to environment regulation, for example). Gun control serves the libertarian by keeping them safe. Environmental regulation serves the libertarian by keeping their environment clean. Opposing gay marriage only offends the libertarian. I'd have to think they vote Liberal, if only because I consider myself somewhat libertarian and I prefer the Liberals for the reasons laid out above. Social conservatism ruins all conservatism for me.
Another group who don't really have a party representing them are fiscal conservatives. I'd argue that the recently the Liberals have been just as, if not more, fiscally conservative than the Conservatives recently.