Often times I hear that Libertarianism is just another name for anarchy. If one takes the time however to learn about the philosophical foundations of Libertarianism it soon becomes apparent that it is far from anarchistic.
Let us look at the Right to Freedom of speech. It is said ad nausium that you cannot yell fire in a crowded theater. What if the theater is actually on fire though? Would not the ethical thing be to warn those present of the danger?
Without filling up this piece with countless examples to make my point I will go straight to the issue. The issue is that with rights come responsibility, it is as simple as that.
Public freedom of speech is not only allowed, but encouraged in American society. In private however, other rights come into play. Such as being safe in your places, as in your own home, church and so on. In other words, your right to free speech ends at the door, or portal, of private property. The property owner may allow you to speak, but he is allowing you to do so. You are not exercising a right when doing that, the owner is allowing you to give voice to your opinions. Don’t be surprised if you enter a church causing a disturbance during services and the Deacons toss you out on your head.
Of what are termed the “Inalienable Rights” of man, none is any greater, nor any less than any other.
“We are, heart and soul, friends to the freedom of the press. It is however, the prostituted companion of liberty… It corrupts, it deceives, it inflames. It strips virtue of her honors, and lends to faction its wildfire and its poisoned arms… It is a precious pest, and a necessary mischief, and there would be no liberty without it.” —Fisher Ames
Hence, any “Right” can be abused or mis-used. The Right to Self Defense, as outlined in the Second Amendment can obviously be mis-used. The Right to be safe in your property can be abused, and so on. They are inextricably intertwined. Your rights end when they infringe upon the rights of others.
Conservative Libertarian Outpost 
July 10, 2007 at 06:38
[…] Often times I hear that Libertarianism is just another name for anarchy. If one takes the time however to learn Read full story… […]
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July 11, 2007 at 11:02
I have noticed that some new Libertarians are confused with understanding the difference between Libertarianism and Anarchy. This problem is compounded by our opponents labeling us as anarchists (perhaps because they themselves do not understand the concept of freedom). In an effort to address this problem head-on, the Libertarian Party of Colorado adopted a new State Platform in 2007 that included a “Values” statement. You can read it on-line at: http://www.lpcolorado.org/platform.html
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July 11, 2007 at 23:22
I might just go and do that. I am still registered here as a Libertarian. Tell you what though, I will never support any party that supports a gun grabber, nor conspiracy theory types, nor those that call our troops filthy things.
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