Ed Rutledge for Lieutenant Governor

By Ed Rutledge

There are plenty of accurate ways of describing what it means to be a Libertarian.

A Libertarian believes that You are better able to manage Your life than any distant bureaucrats or self-serving politicians.

A Libertarian believes that, while there is a role for government, smaller government is generally more efficient than bigger government, that local government is generally more effective than a distant bureaucracy, and that the proper role of government is to secure your rights.

A Libertarian believes that each of us has an individual and personal responsibility to help those around us, but that compassion must be voluntary, that forced charity is not charity at all. Libertarians believe that You, like most people, are generous and glad to help those in need without government coercion.

Libertarianism is the combination of Freedom (owning yourself, and living your life in any peaceful way you choose), Responsibility (refraining from the use of force against others, except in defense), and Tolerance (honoring and respecting the peaceful choices of others).

The Golden Rule. The non-initiation of force. Live and let live. A Libertarian appreciates and respects these concepts.

In fact, you learned to be a Libertarian back in Kindergarten:

- Don't hurt other people.

- Don't take their things.

- Keep your promises.

If you want to see what a Libertarian looks like, go to a mirror and you will probably see one staring back at you.

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