The desire to protect and enhance the earth is most evident in the developed nations where basic survival needs are not in question for most of the population. Only market forces can raise the standard of living to this level. As consumers become more sensitive to the environment and the suffering of other species the producers have no choice but to change with them. Creative talents develop best where there is the most open communication of ideas as the least restriction on their application. Rulers through the ages have imposed their own moralities on their subject populations and not permitted the cultivation of alternatives.
Libertarians believe that the government has no business dictating morality.
Libertarians believe that moral excellence has long range survival and economic advantages. Mature adults should be allowed to fulfill their aspirations, to express their sexual preferences, to exercise reproductive freedom, to have access to comprehensive and informed health-care, and to die with dignity. The libertarian party platform says people should never go to jail for any nonviolent activity connected with abortions or suicides. The most comprehensive and informed health care will result from freeing the people from laws restricting the practice of health care and empowering them to create institutions which meet real needs instead of enriching a protected elite. Humanist ethics is amenable to critical, rational guidance.