by Joshua Jongema – Secretary
Q) What is the foundation of the entire Libertarian platform?
A) “All individuals are sovereign over their own lives and are not (to be) forced to sacrifice their values for the benefit of others.”
Q) What are some of the most core beliefs atop that platform?
A) “We believe that respect for individual rights is the essential precondition for a free and prosperous world, that force and fraud must be banished from human relationships, and that only through freedom can peace and prosperity be realized.”
Q) What would the world look like if Libertarians were elected to serve in office?
A) “The world we seek to build is one where individuals are free to follow their own dreams in their own ways, without interference from government or any authoritarian power.”
Q) Does the end justify the means?
A) “Government force must be limited to the protection of the rights of individuals to life, liberty, and property, and governments must never be permitted to violate these rights. Laws should be limited in their application to violations of the rights of others through force or fraud, or to deliberate actions that place others involuntarily at significant risk of harm.”
Q) How strong should our military be?
A) “We support the maintenance of a sufficient military to defend the United States against aggression.”
Q) Should we engage in mutual defense pacts, or assist other countries militarily if they ask?
A) “The United States should both avoid entangling alliances and abandon its attempts to act as policeman for the world. ”
Q) If the nation is under threat, shouldn’t all individuals living and born within its borders unite for that cause?
A) “We oppose any form of compulsory national service.”
Q) Isn’t the best defense a good offense?
A) “The only legitimate use of force is in defense of individual rights — life, liberty, and justly acquired property — against aggression.”
Q) Does a war mean civil rights should be restricted?
A) “The Constitution and Bill of Rights shall not be suspended even during time of war.”
Q) If the danger is high enough for me, shouldn’t everyone else help me fight or even better, protect me while I hide?
A) “People should not be forced to sacrifice their lives and property for the benefit of others.“
Upper Peninsula Libertarian Party 