A libertarian is someone who is financially conservative and socially tolerant (live and let live). A libertarian believes in free trade, the right to contract, and balanced budgets.
Like the major parties, there are moderates and “hard cores.” Some examples of differences follow. A moderate libertarian is in favor of a strong military, while a hard core would want only a military necessary for immediate protection. A moderate libertarian recognizes a government role in protecting the environment, while a hard core generally thinks the legal system (through private lawsuits) can solve any problems. A moderate recognizes taxes will exist while seeking to minimize them, while a hard core calls for repeal of all taxes. A moderate recognizes immigration laws need to be reasonable while a hard core is for open borders. A hard core is absolutely opposed to the death penalty, while a moderate is not absolutely opposed. A hard core wishes to eliminate the Fed; a moderate wishes to reform its role.
Regarding Social Security, there is a 2009 article I wrote noting the unfairness of it in terms of return on investment. (See p. J-2) While a hard core would call for Social Security to be repealed, a moderate would realize that’s unrealistic and unfair, and call for its reform in a reasonable manner.
The two major parties are financially reckless, and the finances are our nation’s greatest problem.
I’m a moderate libertarian.