Libertarians are a growing demographic in the American political scene. The combination of a stringent two-party system and the over-simplification of central ideas called for a three rail of sorts to introduce new maxims and types of legislation. An American libertarian often pulls their ideas from a mix of historical and modern resources to create a pertinent, but American-based ideal. Historically, many individuals have maintained a libertarian mind-set without deviating from either central parts. On the contrary, recent trends display libertarians identifying with an actual American-libertarian party that gathers more support each year.
- Many libertarians chart their history back to the signing of the Constitution. Although Thomas Jefferson never actually identified himself as a libertarian, many of his ideals came to make-up the beginning of a libertarian-based social theory. The Jeffersonian democracy put-forth several libertarian ideals. Among them included an extreme decentralization of the federal government. Also, Jefferson believed in an overall limited role of the federal government in everyday life, very much to the contrary of the modern political system.
- Modern libertarians often criticize both main political parties. The argument against democrats remains more on the surface as their focus on state-organized welfare and social systems runs contrary to libertarian belief. Republicans, on the other hand, state many libertarian values in their platform but in common practice fail to deviate from the status quo of huge national debts and bloated bureaucracies.
- The recent advent of libertarian-based politics stemmed predominately from Rep. Ron Paul. Paul, former representative of the libertarian party, took national spotlight in the several Republican political debates. His arguments illustrated the modern libertarian belief-set and sent a seismic charge through the modern political system. His debates centered around a clear removal of hundreds of past American focuses.
- Among other considerations, Ron Paul advocated for the end of several failed social programs. First, he claims the War on Drugs policy that began in the 1980s illustrates failed policy that is perpetuated by politics more than good policy. In addition, Paul places doubt on the current FBI/CIA system and cites the incessant waste of money as the prime motivator for initiating wide-spread reforms.
- Libertarians also criticize the supposed free-market system America currently employs. For the most part, libertarians fights for the absolute freedom of the private industry and claim that this is the most effective way to regulate the failed American system. The future of these politics remains unclear, as the main stream media often resulted in poking fun at the insurgent libertarians.
The grass-root support received by Ron Paul indicates a growing trend for a third political party. Libertarians and there new ideas attract many disaffected Americans. Democrats, Republicans, and Independents display an inkling of this libertarian ideal and will most likely incorporate many of these ideas rather than risking lose to them in the future.