There is a growing contingent of people who claim to be Libertarian, but are actually completely full of shit.
When discussing politics, these people will ramble about how their views are too thoughtful and complex to be placed within the confines of the archaic left-right spectrum. They will simplify their beliefs for us simpletons by saying they are “socially liberal, but economically conservative.” These people feel they have earned the right to call themselves “socially liberal” because they support gay-marriage, women receiving equal pay and minority rights in general. Congratulations, you’re not a bigot. You’ve met the absolute minimum requirements to not be considered an asshole.
These are, although not entirely, social issues of the past. Are you considered an enlightened soul because you’re against slavery? No, you’re just considered sane. Do these self-proclaimed forward-thinker support privacy rights, or trans rights? Too often, the answer is no. Your crazy, racist grandfather and Ron Paul have a lot more in common than you think.
