The Sane Libertarian

So what is a sane libertarian?

Well, I imagine a sane libertarian has much in common with a sane Democrat or a sane Republican, a sane liberal or a sane conservative.

That is, he or she has arrived at a set of core political beliefs after careful and reasoned consideration of the available facts. His or her philosophy is built on a foundation of principles and values that the sane person thinks are worth protecting or striving toward both as an individual and as a member of society. His or her positions on politics and policy are the result of debate and research, rather than emotion or loyalty to a party.

I have spent the majority of my life dedicated to the study and understanding of political actions and beliefs. I have a graduate degree in political theory and American politics. I have worked in political jobs in the nonprofit sector, the public sector, and the political sector. I analyzed health care and social security solvency and attended hearings at the Capitol. I have worked as a public servant investigating identity theft and fraud. I ran a campaign for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

None of that really matters though, because trust me, there are plenty of insane people in all of those jobs.

There are people who have never considered their positions, never questioned their core beliefs. There are plenty of people who have no idea that many partisan political positions are based on fundamental conceptions of human nature and human society, so they’ve never asked where their views come from. There are even more that just “know what they know” and vote the party line without questioning what people stand for and why they behave the way that they do.

That to me is insane.