Conservatism

Kim du Toit:

Libertarianism is contrary to conservatism, not its first cousin. There are issues that overlap, there might even be some common issues (and much fewer than most libertarians believe withal), but the way in which one determines the right or wrong side of an issue also determines whether one is a libertarian or a conservative.

Libertarians decide issues using the criterion: "Will it increase or decrease individual freedom?"

If it decreases individual freedom, they are against it, almost regardless of the consequences to society as a whole.

Conservatives decide on matters using the criterion: "Will it improve or damage our society?"

I couldn't define it better. I sometimes define myself as a conservative with libertarian leanings. And though I like "Atlas Shrugged", I definitely have not flittered with becoming a Randite. But libertarianism (and libertarians) certainly have a place and a purpose.

As they say, read the whole thing.