Paleolibertarianism is a school of libertarian thought. Paleolibertarians, sometimes referred to as "paleos", are libertarians who believe that social conservatism is a natural form of values in a free society. Paleolibertarians support most conservative values but believe that government should not enforce them. Many view laissez-faire capitalism as an ideal society.
History of term and later rejection by coiner
The term "paleolibertarian" was coined by Lew Rockwell of the Ludwig von Mises Institute as a means of separating idealist anti-government libertarians from the so-called "Beltway libertarians" of groups such as the Cato Institute.[1] In 2007, Rockwell rejected the term "paleolibertarian", claiming he didn't intend for it to be associated with social conservatism.[2]
Many feel that this was due to allegations of racism during the 2008 Ron Paul presidential campaign.[3] During the campaign, many politically incorrect columns and controversial columnists were pulled from his site, LewRockwell.com.[4]
Social Conservatism
Although paleolibertarians differ from many other libertarians in their socially conservative views, they share the idea that government should not enforce these values. For instance, although many libertarians personally support same-sex "marriage", paleolibertarians do not. However, both groups feel that the government should not enforce anti-homosexual values, regardless of whether they personally hold them. Rather, they support same-sex "marriage", or in some cases marriage privatization. Many paleolibertarians are pro-life, but also here most of them thinks the government shouldn't intervene.
Notable Paleolibertarians
- Ron Paul
- Lew Rockwell
- Hans Hermann-Hoppe
- Murray Rothbard
- Justin Amash
- Walter B. Jones
- Rand Paul
- Mike Lee