Is America shifting towards Libertarianism?

[UnbiasedAmerica]

Are we seeing a libertarian political shift in America? Quite a few typically libertarian issues are suddenly becoming mainstream.

Marijuana acceptance is reaching a tipping point. The swing towards support of gay marriage was sudden and met very little resistance. The push for new gun control met massive opposition. Surveillance laws like the Patriot Act, which were overwhelmingly supported just 10 years ago, are being demonized daily. Turncoats like Edward Snowden and Bradley Manning enjoy considerable public approval, with those happy that government surveillance was exposed outnumbering those against the revelations by 2-to-1. Support for cuts to military spending is on the rise. And there's almost no support for military action anywhere anymore. Neocons are on the defensive.

Polls show bipartisan support for smaller government. 65% think government should cut spending. Only 28% support bailouts. 56% favor deregulation. 62% favor free market reforms over Obamacare. More are pro-choice than pro-life. Two-thirds of the people now believe that a too-powerful government is a bigger danger in the world today than one that is not powerful enough. Only 25% say that government has our consent. [1]

In fact, when surveys ask people specifically about their political leanings, 59% of Americans said they are "fiscally conservative and socially liberal." [2] Which is the general description of a libertarian: fiscally conservative and socially liberal.

Democrats would be wise to understand the importance of this trend, but thus far have attacked libertarians, labeling them "far right" despite sharing many of their views. The Republican Party has been more inclusive of libertarians, but are wary of their growing political strength. Libertarians themselves have chosen to infiltrate the Republican Party rather than promote itself as a third party. Ron and Rand Paul have had good success engaging the party and pushing libertarian ideals.

Whether this is a real trend remains to be seen. But, with more and more youths embracing libertarianism, it may be the future of politics.

[1] Rasmussen Reports

[2] How Many Libertarian Voters Are There? | Cato

 

[Contumacious]

Is America shifting towards Libertarianism?

Shirley, you jest.

The questions should have been

Is America shifting towards COMMUNISM?

.

 

[Mac1958]

.

No, I don't think so. The Libertarian elements that have found their way into the GOP are making a lot of noise, but I don't see their efforts effecting the general culture. And that culture seems to me to be heading clearly towards a more centralized, authoritarian federal bureaucracy and more dependence across the board.

.

 

[candycorn]

Are we seeing a libertarian political shift in America? Quite a few typically libertarian issues are suddenly becoming mainstream.

No. Won't happen.

 

[Duped]

Shifting towards a greater divide - communism / libertarianism.

 

[UnbiasedAmerica]

If we were seeing shift toward liberalism, we'd be seeing support for more government spending, more regulations, and bigger government. Instead we're seeing just the opposite.

If this was a shift toward conservative/neocon ideologies, there'd be much less support for gay rights, marijuana legalization, abortion rights, military spending cuts, and much more support for military action against Iran. Again, that's not what we're seeing.

The smoking gun for me that this is a libertarian trend is the poll showing 59% of Americans said they are "fiscally conservative and socially liberal."

I just think most people just don't know what 'libertarian' means, even though they unknowingly support the ideology.

 

[Mac1958]

The smoking gun for me that this is a libertarian trend is the poll showing 59% of Americans said they are "fiscally conservative and socially liberal."

I've seen those polls. There are two problems:

First, seems to me that people who are socially liberal are far more likely to still support liberal causes that would not be considered "fiscally conservative". In other words, they're conservative only as long as they are not emotionally involved.

Second, people like to say they're fiscally conservative because it sounds responsible. But ask those same people for specifics on where they would make spending cuts, and more often than not you'll get a blank stare. They'll make some vague assertions, but ask them to make specific cuts in stuff they like, and once again they end up not being so conservative.

Sometimes I think many people who answer surveys don't always think stuff through.

.

 

[MACAULAY]

.

No, I don't think so. The Libertarian elements that have found their way into the GOP are making a lot of noise, but I don't see their efforts effecting the general culture. And that culture seems to me to be heading clearly towards a more centralized, authoritarian federal bureaucracy and more dependence across the board.

.

........................................

There is a trend in young people to distrust the Government, and to see Snowden as a hero. They are rejecting the socialist Narcissus in the White House. They have finally seen what Putin saw in an instant--that he is an empty suit.

These are good healthy libertarian signs; the kids are the future.

Perhaps the libertarian emergence is more mainstream than a rebellion against those old pimps that run the Republican Party. The last groundswell brought us a socialist liar in an empty suit. Maybe the next one will bring us a new Jefferson.

 

[NightFox]

The smoking gun for me that this is a libertarian trend is the poll showing 59% of Americans said they are "fiscally conservative and socially liberal."

I've seen those polls. There are two problems:

First, seems to me that people who are socially liberal are far more likely to still support liberal causes that would not be considered "fiscally conservative". In other words, they're conservative only as long as they are not emotionally involved.

Second, people like to say they're fiscally conservative because it sounds responsible. But ask those same people for specifics on where they would make spending cuts, and more often than not you'll get a blank stare. They'll make some vague assertions, but ask them to make specific cuts in stuff they like, and once again they end up not being so conservative.

Sometimes I think many people who answer surveys don't always think stuff through.

.

In a culture that glamorizes ignorance, violence and anti-social behavior you really think that could be it? Mac and his radical theories.

 

[Mac1958]

.

No, I don't think so. The Libertarian elements that have found their way into the GOP are making a lot of noise, but I don't see their efforts effecting the general culture. And that culture seems to me to be heading clearly towards a more centralized, authoritarian federal bureaucracy and more dependence across the board.

.

........................................

There is a trend in young people to distrust the Government, and to see Snowden as a hero. They are rejecting the socialist Narcissus in the White House. They have finally seen what Putin saw in an instant--that he is an empty suit.

These are good healthy libertarian signs; the kids are the future.

Perhaps the libertarian emergence is more mainstream than a rebellion against those old pimps that run the Republican Party. The last groundswell brought us a socialist liar in an empty suit. Maybe the next one will bring us a new Jefferson.

Well, I thought the Broncos were gonna win the Super Bowl last year, so my track record is spotty at best. Regarding "a new Jefferson", my guess is that the trajectory I describe really would take an iconic figure, a real leader, to change. I don't see it right now, that's for sure.

.

 

[TNHarley]

it is gaining popularity
dems are leaving because sone of their eyes are starting to open and people are leaving the gop because they are full of RHINOs that are trying to get campaign donations. sickening

 

[Katzndogz]

If we were seeing shift toward liberalism, we'd be seeing support for more government spending, more regulations, and bigger government. Instead we're seeing just the opposite.

If this was a shift toward conservative/neocon ideologies, there'd be much less support for gay rights, marijuana legalization, abortion rights, military spending cuts, and much more support for military action against Iran. Again, that's not what we're seeing.

The smoking gun for me that this is a libertarian trend is the poll showing 59% of Americans said they are "fiscally conservative and socially liberal."

I just think most people just don't know what 'libertarian' means, even though they unknowingly support the ideology.

There is very little support for gay rights, marijuana legalization or abortion rights. There is much more noise over these issues but not support. Did the crowds at Chick Fil A not register? Does the fact that more and more cities are banning marijuana sales in that city, (Inglewood California just banned all legal sales of marijuana), or the public support for limits on abortion not register?

Maybe not. It's pretty hard to hear reality over the noise liberals make.

 

[UnbiasedAmerica]

There is very little support for gay rights, marijuana legalization or abortion rights. There is much more noise over these issues but not support. Did the crowds at Chick Fil A not register? Does the fact that more and more cities are banning marijuana sales in that city, (Inglewood California just banned all legal sales of marijuana), or the public support for limits on abortion not register?

Maybe not. It's pretty hard to hear reality over the noise liberals make.

Pew Poll, April 2013, Legalization of Marijuana favored 52% to 45%. That's up 11 points since 2010, and up 40 points since 1969.

Gallup Poll, July 2013, Nationwide Gay Marriage favored 54% to 43%. That's up 27 points since 1996.

Gallup Poll, May, 2013, Abortion should be legal in some or all circumstances, agree 78% to 20%. Roughly stable since 1977.