Reply #179: The difference between "small L" and "big L" [View All]

[Cicero]

Given that none of the other national parties (in the U.S.) take the same name as their underlying belief system (Democratic party instead of Liberal, Republican instead of Conservative, etc.), its a good rule of thumb when talking about libertarianism to distinguish between the overall philosophy (libertarian) and the actual political party (Libertarian).

U.S. Rep. Ron Paul is a good example of someone who is libertarian, but not Libertarian.

And of course, there are left-libertarians and right-libertarians, although the more consistently you support personal freedom and liberty in all things, the less distinction you can make between left and right, at least IMHO.

Later,