From: weyand@sisters.cs.uoregon.edu (Christopher Scott Weyand)
Subject: Re: Libertarian Positions
Organization: University of Oregon Computer and Information Sciences Dept.
Distribution: alt
Date: Mon, 14 Sep 1992 00:53:53 GMT

In article <1992Sep12.061245.12504@cirrus.com> lando@cirrus.com (Dave Landis) writes:

   Could a bona fide libertarian please outline the party's
   position on the following areas?  If you're not a Libertarian,
   I'd rather not hear what your opinion is pro or con.  I just
   want some data.  Thanks in advance.

There is no "right" answer to these issues, even among libertarians.  But I'll
take a shot at some these.  See the party platform for more complete answers.
Note that I have not gone to much depth in the answers, e.g. I have not
necessarily gone to the trouble of explaining why a certain policy would have
beneficial results.

   1)  How does the Libertarian position guarantee that I will
       breathe clean air?  In other words, how would they protect
       the environment or would they?

The environment would be protected by upholding property rights and holding
offenders strictly liable for damages.  Pollution of another's property is a
vioaltion of that person's rights.  The EPA by setting acceptable pollution
limits condones that level of pollution.  This also removes the ability of
citizens to claim damages from pollution that is "acceptable" by gov't
standards.  

   2)  In light of the fact that nations such as Japan and Taiwan have
       very good nationalised education programs, how can Libertarians
       justify a more privitised education system.

This point makes little sense.  We can hardly use these cultures as guides
since they differ so vastly from our own.  Regardless, the US has a
nationalized education system that has failed us.  Parents do not have a
choice of schools to which to send their children.  Our government has set up
a virtual monopoly on education. Since public schools do not compete in a
truly free market they have degenerated to providers of poor education
at high cost.  A privitized education system would provide maximal choice and
displace governmental control of education and return it to its rightful
owners, parents and students.

   3)  It is an unfortunate fact of life that people who are not Caucasian
       are more frequently victims of discrimination than those who are 
       Caucasian [U.S.A context].  If minorities are to enjoy "life,
       liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.." what is in the Libertarian
       platform that would ensure them the same job opportunities as
       Caucasians?

All citizens would be equally free to seek employment from whoever offers 
and equally free to start an honest business and employ whomever they wish.

   4)  The invasion of Kuwait was indeed a terrible action on the part
       of Sadaam Insane.  Would the Libertarian party condone the use
       of force against them outside of our boarders?  It is reasonable
       to assert that the U.S.'s participation was based upon economic
       interests.  I'm personally glad that the u.s/u.n. kicked Sadaam
       out of Kuwait, because I have to commute to work.   I like having
       income.

Libertarians advocate a foreign policy which eliminates US intervention in the
affairs of other nations.

   5)   Would Libertarians condone the preservation of unique land areas
	under the National Park system?  Personally, I'm glad to see
	places such as Rocky Mt. Nat'l Park, Yosemite, etc. protected
	for everyone to enjoy.

Most Libertarians, like most Americans, would likely applaud and support the
preservation of unique land areas.  However, this would not be the role of
government.  If private land owners decided to preserve their land that would
be their right.  

   6)   Is Alaska the most Libertarian of the 50 states?

Don't know.

   If the Libertarian platform has been posted several times, it may not be
   proper to post it, but I'd be interested in reading it. (e-mail if
   appropriate)

It is available via anonymous FTP from think.com (in pub/libernet/ I believe)


Chris Weyand
Newsgroups: alt.politics.libertarian