Is Left Wing Libertarianism Possible?

[andyandy]

Generally left wing policies require a big state, libertarianism likes the state to leave people alone....

So is there any political system which exists which can be described as left wing libertarianism? Could such a political system exist?

This might make an interesting discussion, it might limp to 5 replies then fizzle out....

let's see which :D

[Manopolus]

I'm not sure if it would be left wing, but secular libertarianism is certainly possible.

The advent of the American system has often been called both liberal and libertarian, as well. Perhaps the use of many laws (liberal) which primarily limit the role of government (libertarian) fits the idea, sort of.

[geni]

Generally left wing policies require a big state, libertarianism likes the state to leave people alone....

So is there any political system which exists which can be described as left wing libertarianism? Could such a political system exist?

This might make an interesting discussion, it might limp to 5 replies then fizzle out....

let's see which :D

Anarcho-communism

[seayakin]

You also need to have definitions for left wing and right wing.

Wikipedia

In politics, left-wing, leftist and the Left are generally used to describe support for social change with a view towards creating a more egalitarian society

In politics, right-wing and the Right are generally used to describe support for social stratification, the preservation of social order, and upholding traditional values.

However, this source seems to have biased definitions but by these definitions, it seems the left wing may be closer to libertarianism.

[JamyeJ]

Can you have social change without the government being responsible for it? Absolutely!

You can want people to work together without the desire to have it come from government mandate.

I don't want government regulation to tell people to help each other out. I don't think we should be forced to financially support causes that we don't (as individuals) feel are worthy of our support. That doesn't mean that I don't give both time and money to charitable causes to help my fellow man because I think it's the right thing to do.

[quixotecoyote]

Libertarian socialism (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Libertarian_socialism)seems to fit the bill

[dudalb]

Problem with Libertarian Socialism is you need a species other then Human Beings to make it work.

[Ryokan]

Perhaps the use of many laws (liberal) which primarily limit the role of government (libertarian) fits the idea, sort of.

When did this ever become the definition of liberal?

Problem with Libertarian Socialism is you need a species other then Human Beings to make it work.

As opposed to vanilla libertarianism, or vanilla socialism?

[quarky]

Well, the American left has typically been anti-war, and since the military is socialist and also the biggest spender of taxes, its possible to see the left as in favor of smaller govt.

Same with drug legalization. It takes big government to enforce arcane drug laws; if it was legal, less intrusion of big government.

Silly definitions.

[Manopolus]

When did this ever become the definition of liberal?


I agree that it isn't, actually. It is a way in which it is often portrayed by its detractors, however.

[Kthulhut Fhtagn]

I was under the impression that originally libertarians were Marxist-anarchists until the term was hijacked by conservative-propertarians who favored minarchist government. At least that's what the term seems to be commonly used as today.