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My short answer:

Libertarians embrace the "Good Neighbor Policy," also called non-aggression, self-government, or voluntary community. Libertarians believe that each person has the right to live as they wish, as long as they don't initiate aggression (theft, fraud, or physical harm).

When someone threatens aggression, libertarians will defend themselves with whatever force is necessary to stop the aggressor and obtain enough restitution to make the victims whole.

Most people already practice non-aggression when dealing with their neighbors. We don't steal from our neighbors, even if they don't spend their money the way that we think that they should (e.g., contributing to our favorite charity). However, we often feel justified going to the polls and voting for a tax for the very same cause. When we do that, we are asking the government to take our neighbor's money for us.

In retaliation, our neighbors do the same to us. We take turns asking government to bend our neighbors to our will. This process is costly: we've lost about 50% of our buying power by the time our middle-man, the government, takes its cut in tax collection, regulatory enforcement, and other costs. We all lose.

Self-government, in addition to honoring our neighbor's choice, lets us have more of what we have tax-supported government for. While not perfect, it is a practical, win-win solution to many of our economic and societal woes. If you'd like more detail, download the free 1992 version of my book, Healing Our World, from www.ruwart.com, or purchase the revised 2003 edition from the Advocates.

Dr. Mary Ruwart is a leading expert in libertarian communication and author of the international bestseller Healing Our World. She is also author of Short Answers to Tough Questions, in which you will find a collection of her answers.

Read more of Dr. Ruwart's Short Answers to Tough Libertarian Questions.

Dr. Ruwart's answers graciously provided by The Advocates for Self-Government.