Privacy
Since the terrorist attack of September 11th, 2001, the government has obliged Americans to give up their privacy rights in exchange for the supposed guarantee of more security. The public and the majority of the Congress has complied due to a persistent scare mongering by the Bush administration.
Consequently, it cannot any longer be assumed that we are safe from government snooping and oppression. Millions of e-mails and telephone calls have been put under surveillance so neither e-mails nor even the records of library books are now safe from the government’s prying eye. Law-abiding American citizens have been put into a giant database, not the terrorists that the Bush administration was supposed to hunt.
It seems like we are living in a society that does not value liberty and freedom. It is only a matter of time before we find ourselves in the nightmare world of George Orwell’s classic novel “1984″. It stands to reason that government must fight crime and terrorism, but it must also limit its actions to what is truly indispensable to protect American citizens. Government officials must be held responsible for their actions and these actions must be consistent with the Constitution.
The Fourth Amendment is supposed to protect Americans from illegal seizures and searches by the government and it was specifically designed for this reason. However, with the help of both Congressional Democrats and Republicans, the Bush administration limited legal and constitutional protections for civil liberties and privacy rights. As President, Bob Barr will work to reverse this misguided course and show that he recognizes government’s obligation to defend a fee society rather than destabilizing it.
As a libertarian, I am ASHAMED of the fact that the Libertarian Party is advocating the election of Mr. Barr.
Despite his promises to reverse the unjustice than Benjamin Franklin so devoutly spoke out against (trading freedom for security), he was one of the advocates for the PATRIOT ACT.
I find it hard to trust someone, who signed the PATRIOT ACT, with my freedom OR my security, seeing as neither appear to be a high priority to politicians.
As if that wasn’t enough, it was admitted by many Congressmen, that bills are often “just signed and not read.”
If the PATRIOT ACT was carelessly signed without being read, how can I trust my Congressmen or Bob Barr?
If the bill was not read by Bob Barr, he was in no position to sign it. If he did read it, why would he willingly give up his freedom, as well as mine and the rest of the American people’s?
By Steven Grant on Oct 20, 2008
I am a true Libertarian, and I have looked at your entire voting record… YOU VOTED YES TO THE (un)PATRIOT(ic) ACT!!!! You voted to tear down the Constitution and strip American Citizens of our Liberties, and yet you are the best candidate the Libertarians could come up with?
You voted yes for no-child left behind… oh yeah, the Federal Government controlling the educational system, GREAT idea. Oh yeah, expand that government to encroach on every aspect of American life, that is really Libertarian. And on, and on it goes. You voted for big spending and big government on every issue just like the rest of the pseudo-conservative Republicans that got the boot in 2008.
There is truly no place for real conservatives in this sorry nation. There is big spending, reduction of Liberty, and creation of a bigger and bigger big brother ala 1984 from all sides. Even the fringe Libertarian Party can’t come up with someone better than a yes-voter for the (un)PATRIOT(ic) Act of 2001?
What kind of a nation is my generation inheriting? I am saddened to think I will have another 15-20 Presidential elections to vote in where my only choice will be between BIG-BAD-Government and BIGGER-BADDER-Government.
You were part of the Congress that expanded our government to a bloated, obese size and busted our budget, and you didn’t stand up for the ideals that you were supposedly running for president under. SHAME ON YOU.
Libertarian Party, you can do better. If you don’t do better, you won’t be getting any of my votes in the future — I’ll just write myself in.
By Heather on Nov 6, 2008
Well there is a new law passed in Florida where if you are accussed of a felony,you must submit a DNA sample to the police for the state database.So much for innocent until proven guilty.It gets worse,though even if you are cleared of the felony you were accussed of,The state will keep your DNA on record unless you petition (probably a long and expensive process)to remove the DNA from the database. Another law that smacks of the nannystate is the new seatbelt law where a cop can ticket you just for not wearing your seatbelt. Although I make it a habit to wear my belt,it is MY choice!I do not need a nannystate bullying me or other adults to wear belts. I do not mind seatbelt laws on kids that is understandable.Don’t the cops already have their hands full with aggressive drivers which in Florida are a dime a dozen or as the economy worsens (unemployment now over 10%)the rising crime rate?This in addition to infringing on our rights is a good moneymaker for the state,of course!!As for you motorcyclists, you are next!I bet they will bring back the helmet laws on you. It is apparent Florida is going the way of California with their stupid-ass nanny laws.If that is so, I’m moving to another state!
By michael Harring on Jul 1, 2009