an 8 step Libertarian Platform of my own making

I am a Libertarian Because... (This "creed" is posted on numerous political web-sites, mostly those of the republican and democratic party even though the mainstream party politicians no longer believe in it. I've added my own perspective based upon the belief of Libertarian principals

(#1) I BELIEVE the strength of our nation lies with the individual and that each person's dignity, freedom, ability and responsibility must be honored. (Individual freedoms must be safeguarded against the intrusions by modern technology, the corporation, and intrusive government. These freedoms are precious and should not be traded away for perceived economic benefit or an illusory sense of security.)

(#2) I BELIEVE in equal rights, equal justice and equal opportunity for all, regardless of race, creed, sex, age or disability. (This is such an easy concept to follow, I don't however believe government should mandate this to every individaul in the dealings of everyday life)(Besides the first two words are the most important "I BELIEVE")

(#3) I BELIEVE free enterprise and encouraging individual initiative have brought this nation opportunity, economic growth and prosperity. (Let's distinguish that free enterprise and individual initiative are quite different from unfettered corporate power. Government safeguards in the marketplace are not incongruous with a robust economy.)

(#4) I BELIEVE government must practice fiscal responsibility and allow individuals to keep more of the money they earn. (The budget should be balanced, and the tax structures should work in harmony with the economy.)(I am a believer in the FairTax and see this as a means to strangle the powerbase from Washington DC back into the hands of the people.)

(#5) I BELIEVE the proper role of government is to provide for the people only those critical functions that cannot be performed by individuals or private organizations and that the best government is that which governs least. (If it's not in the Constitution, the federal government shouldn't be doing it.)

(#6) I BELIEVE the most effective, responsible and responsive government is government closest to the people. (Strong communities are the result of local support, but let's get the federal government out of these state and local issues.) (Remember a government large enough to give you everything you want is also large enough to take everything you have)

(#7) I BELIEVE Americans must retain the principles that have made us strong while developing new and innovative ideas to meet the challenges of changing times. (Let's just be cautious not to get lost in nostalgia. Sometimes "conservative" is translated into a reluctance to move forward.)

(#8) I BELIEVE Americans value and should preserve our national strength and pride while working to extend peace, freedom and human rights throughout the world. (Let's find positive ways of building alliances and strengthening world freedoms. Our foreign policy is frequently too focused on "enemies" and coercive measures to conform the world to our vision.)(I don't however believe our government should be using the taxpayers money to curry favor with a foreign government)

FINALLY, I believe the Libertarian Party is the only vehicle for translating these ideals into positive and successful principles of government. In the world's only productive REPRESENTATIVE REPUBLIC, the party which has aligned itself with the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and The Constitution stands ready to bring government back into the realm of Constitutional reality.

If you believe as I do and have noticed the other two parties only pay these types of thoughts lip service then it is time to change the course of government.

VOTE4MARTZ
state representative district 139