The truth behind America’s libertarianism – Chicago Tribune

Unfortunately, Dennis Beard's letterto the Tribune is a completely distorted view of libertarianism. He equates that philosophy with Russian nihilism. American libertarians are anything but nihilists. They have strong beliefs. First, and foremost, they believe in individual freedom, not anarchy. They are strong supporters of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

While libertarians believe in the rule of law, they also believe in limited government. The Declaration states that people have the unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It doesn't include the words only if the government says it's OK. As Thomas Jefferson wrote in his Notes on the State of Virginia, The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as are injurious to others.

Regrettably, many Americans now believe, and it appears that Mr. Beard may be among them, that government has a right, through numerous taxes and regulations, to tell us how to lead our daily lives. Do the politicians and bureaucrats in Washington and Springfield really know what's best for us?

Finally, Beard stated that in America it was the rich ... who were longing to get rid of government. He provides no facts to support that statement.

Perhaps he should do more reading in American history and in libertarian philosophy. I suggest he start with The Libertarian Mind by David Boaz.

Robert Angelica, Downers Grove

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The truth behind America's libertarianism - Chicago Tribune