Saturday, March 1, 2014

Why social conservatives should embrace libertarianism

Rand Paul Is Right. Social Conservatives Should Embrace Libertarianism David Harsany, The Federalist:

February 25, 2014 - "At Robert P. George’s The American Principles Project last week, [Rand] Paul argued that a dose of libertarianism would not only help the GOP broaden its base, but that it was philosophically compatible with social conservative values. 'Libertarian and liberty doesn’t mean libertine,' he explained. Paul might have added that libertarianism isn’t synonymous with 'uncharitable' or 'selfish' or a 'Social Darwinist,' either. He might have argued that libertarianism would do a lot more than just help orthodox Christians politically. It may even be the most conducive political philosophy for them to thrive."

"Should social conservatives 'commit themselves' to a political philosophy that not only strives for gay equality, but one that seeks to impel others to participate in these new norms despite religious objections? Should they commit to a philosophy that impels them to fund contraception coverage and abortions — either through direct funding or fungible dollars? A philosophy that continues to force them to send their kids to crappy public educational systems that often undermine their faith-based beliefs? A philosophy that attacks parents who seek alternative means of education, like homeschooling? Or should they be more interested in wedding themselves to a political philosophy that downgrades the importance of politics in everyday life and allows citizens to work together to structure their communities without interference?

"The growing state, after all, not the atheist, is religion’s biggest rival. And, intentionally or not, government is crowding out parts of community life that have traditionally been taken care of by civil society. It’s draining resources once used by communities to implement services and take care of their own. And even more destructive, perhaps, is that government is becoming a source of moral authority for so many."

Read more: http://thefederalist.com/2014/02/25/rand-paul-is-right-social-conservatives-should-embrace-libertarianism/
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