Libertarianism

            
             Two hundred and twelve years ago thirty nine signatures spoke, gracing its delicate spaceless yet palatial surface with the ease and wave of a single downy bowed quill. Seventeen hundred and eighty seven was the year that the most momentous document in the United States history as well as posterity was created, approved and just two years later instituted as the foundation for a fledging yet promising nation destined for greatness. It was a great concept envisioned by extraordinary men, a system in which the people of the land reign, governing through democratically elected representatives. The constitution gave our government a limited, an enumerated and a delegated right to act, dispensing power between three balanced branches. Then came an amendment to the constitution, the Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights was a revolutionary measure in that it guaranteed that our federal government could never lawfully advance outside it's authorized bounds and encroach upon the natural born rights of man to act as he chooses as long as the rights of others are not violated in the process. This unrestrained freedom is the staple of our nation, recognized as our individual or civil liberty.
             In direct correlation with our nation's constitution is a political philosophy know as libertarianism. Firstly, a brief definition of Libertarianism. Libertarianism is the political philosophy rooted in the belief that people should be allowed to live their lives as they see fit, free from government coercion and regulation--so long as they do not infringe upon the rights of others. Libertarianism can trace its history as far back as sixth century BC philosopher Lao-tzu who accordingly stated "Without law or compulsion, men would dwell in harmony." (6:27) Nevertheless, Libertarianism as it pertains to the United States struck a cord with Americans under the despotic colonial rule of Great Britain.