I guess that putting it that way makes it sound like Harry Browne had any chance whatsoever of actually being elected president. Hey, I got news for all of you who think that. Libertarians assert that the less government the better. The first thing my liberal friends bring up when I mention libertarianism is that they, personally, can not abide with the thought of no government at all. Libertarians further assert, correctly, that all government is backed with force and operates on compulsion.
Conservatives allege that force is an absolutely necessary ingredient in maintaining order.
Most of libertarian criticism is aimed at the federal government, completely ignoring or finessing the place of state and local governments in the philosophy. Liberals and conservatives alike object this oversight, calling it radical. All of these subjects are certainly valid topics for discussion and consideration. The idea that we should look first for non-governmental solutions to our problems before passing laws is a guideline, not a commandment. That governments should reduce the use and threat of force is a fervent wish, not a religious principle.