Statement of Purpose and Principles
The mission of the Libertarian Party is to move public policy in a libertarian direction by electing candidates of the Libertarian Party to public office.
The LPIN affirms the following principles:
- That all people possess certain unalienable natural rights, and that among these are rights to life, liberty, justly acquired property, and self-governance.
- That the only moral basis of government is the preservation and protection of unalienable natural rights.
- That no person or institution, public or private, has the right to initiate the use of physical force or fraud against another person, and that all people are bound, without contract, to abstain from infringing upon the natural rights of other people.
- That all people are entitled to choose their own lifestyles, as long as they do not forcibly impose their values on others.
- That the voluntary and unrestricted exchange of goods and services is fundamental to a peaceful and harmonious society.
Issues
- Property Tax Repeal/Reform -- The Libertarian Party of Indiana is at the forefront of the battle to eliminate or reform property tax laws in the state. Proposed in the early 2000's, the LPIN activists proposed a sensible alternative for moving Indiana away from unconstitutional taxes. The plan, designed for incremental change, allows for equitable assessment of property based upon square footage in three classifications: residential, industrial/commercial and agricultural. The eventual goal for most in the party is the elimination of the tax.
- Support for Small Business -- The Small Business Initiative builds upon the rights of small business owners to operate their businesses as they see necessary with little interference from government. Excessive taxation, restrictive business licensing and expensive permitting should be examined and minimized. Our laws should protect the interests of entrepreneurs and pave a way for a thriving private economy free from corporate welfare and transference of tax dollars from one business interest to another.
- Electoral Reform -- The LPIN insists in true election reform and the administration of fair elections. Free speech should not be hindered by overreaching campaign finance laws. Every vote should count and we should count every vote. We must provide a verifiable paper audit trail with each election. We cannot accept paperless, electronic voting equipment.
- Defense of Private Property -- Be it opposition to eminent domain and forced annexation or defending the rights of restaurant owners to offer a smoking section, the LPIN fervently defends the property rights of individuals and corporations alike.
Activism
The Libertarian Party of Indiana is the only party other than the Democrats and Republicans with ballot access in Indiana. Hoosier Libertarians have continually earned ballot access since 1994. Other parties have tried – and failed, to gain ballot access. We take pride in our consistent presence.
We are the new political center. Hoosier Libertarians advocate smaller government while vigilantly defending civil liberties. In a time of unprecedented spending and regulation from both major parties, Hoosier Libertarians are a sensible and credible alternative to the parties of big government.
We fight issues that matter to Hoosiers. In the last decade, Hoosier Libertarians came to the defense of eminent domain abuse victims, marched in opposition to draconian property tax laws, fought for reduced small business licensing and pursued equity, fairness and transparency in our elections.
Hoosier Libertarians lobbied dozens of city and town councils across Indiana to allow property owners to make the decision on smoking on their property, not the government. These efforts included the town of Fishers, who just later resoundingly defeated a proposed smoking ban that would have shut down many of the small business owners responsible for the town’s economic prosperity.
Most important, we are Hoosiers. Hoosiers committed to creating the best opportunities for economic and social growth in our own communities. We are business owners, educators, attorneys, homemakers, preachers, blue-collar and white-collar workers, parents, students, retirees and community leaders. We share one vision and one commitment. We believe Libertarian principles make the best public policy and we are dedicated to electing Libertarians who share our beliefs.
