• That government is best which governs least.
• People have the right to live their lives as they see fit, provided that they don't infringe on the equal right of others to do the same.
  This means that people should be free to choose, and it also means that they -- and they alone -- should be held responsible for the consequences of their actions. This means liberty and responsibility.
• Force should be used only to defend yourself, or others, or to deter threats of violence -- but never to achieve so called "social" purposes.
  That excludes welfare and a host of other government programs. Why? Because they all rely on the power of a policeman's gun. (Don't believe it? Just try withholding your taxes and see what happens!)

Libertarians are working to reduce the role of government in society.

A government that was concerned only with protecting individual rights to life and property would no longer be initiating force to achieve the political or social goals of politicians and special interest groups.

Such a government would no longer be taxing one person to give to another -- or forcing their repugnant political views on you.

Does this mean libertarians are pacifists who don't believe in the right of self-defense? Of course not, in fact...

The key word is that we don't advocate the initiation of force. We believe all individuals have the right to use appropriate force to defend themselves, their families, and their country.

The Libertarian Library is a collection of articles on applied libertarian techniques and strategies.

For more philosophical or political information on libertarianism, you may want to try some of the links on our links page.