Excerpts from 2008 platform

The Libertarian Party of North Carolina seeks:

* Federal government that is limited to the powers specifically enumerated for it in the U.S. Constitution.

* Federal, state and local government that does not attempt to manipulate the economy or interfere in the private moral decisions of any individual.

* A society that is freer and more prosperous, based on the respect for our differences, acknowledgement of the creative potential of a free market, and optimism for the future.

JUSTICE

Crime: The only real crimes are those which result in direct harm to a person or property. ... The LPNC calls for the vigorous prosecution of crimes with victims, and the repeal of all laws against so-called "victimless crimes."

Death Penalty: The LPNC opposes execution of prisoners. We believe that state-sanctioned revenge never serves the cause of justice.

SOCIAL ISSUES

Education: ... The state should ... ensure that children have access to a quality education by lifting the burden of regulation from private education and home schooling, and by allowing as much school choice as possible.

Day care and elder care: ... [C]omplete deregulation of the day care, nursing home and home health care industries ... will make these services more diverse, plentiful and inexpensive, eliminating the perceived need for government intervention.

Welfare: We favor ending government welfare programs as quickly as possible. ...

Health care: The LPNC calls on government to get out of the health care industry entirely. ...

FREE MARKET

Corporate welfare: ... We oppose any action by state or local government to subsidize the costs of private business.

Transportation: ... [S]tate and local government [should] stop building new highways or other transportation systems [and give] private enterprise the opportunity to come up with innovative transportation solutions without government interference. ...

Agriculture and forestry: ... People should be free to raise any agricultural product and sell it at market, without government subsidy, support, or interference. ... We call for the immediate removal of all taxes on agricultural products at all levels, including production, distribution, storage, transportation, and sale.

GOVERNMENT

Taxation: Taxation is by its very nature a coercive and destructive act against the people. The LPNC believes that all people have the basic right to keep the fruits of their labor and enterprise. We believe that the costs of government should be paid for by voluntary means only. ...

FREEDOM

Consensual relationships: The government has absolutely no place telling consenting adults which adults they can love or how they can love one another. The LPNC calls for the immediate repeal of all laws that encourage or discourage any consensual sexual or family relationships.

Immigration: The LPNC welcomes immigrants to our state. There should be no laws that set different standards for immigrants and non-immigrants. People who are not citizens should enjoy equal treatment under the law. ...

(LPNC.ORG)