Unless you have done some pretty significant research, your first question might be: What exactly IS a Libertarian? And it's a good question because there is a lot of confusion about all of the "third parties" - not just ours.

"Aren't these the potheads who want to legalize marijuana?" - That's one of my favorites and obviously the favorite of the media. In fact, whenever you see an interview with a Libertarian on the news, it's always one of the first questions. I wonder why? In fact - if this is true - then Libertarians MUST be wacko leftist liberals...

"Aren't these guys the pure free-market capitalists - where anything goes - and all government regulation is evil?" Another gem. There's nothing scary about power-hungry, ethically-deprived capitalists after all. That said, if this is true, then Libertarians MUST be wacko rightist conservatives...

"But wait... they are for gay marriage!" - they must be leftists!!!

"I know they are active in citizens' right to bear arms!" - they must be rightists!!!

"They think abortion laws shouldn't be decided at the federal level!" - they must be liberals!!!

"They think the US Constitution is the law that governs us at the federal level!" - they must be conservatives!!!

"They are against using military force for political or social gain!" - they must be Democrats!!!

"They promote fiscal responsibility and a balanced budget amendment!" - they must be Republicans!!!

So what are Libertarians? Unfortunately, we don't fit into the neat little boxes that the current, powerful parties want you to choose. In fact, most Libertarians I have met don't even agree with everything on the Libertarian Party platform!

However, we do agree on ONE thing... LIBERTY. And that is the basis for the name of our party.

We believe an individual is the best gauge for his or her own life - what they want to achieve, where they want to live and work, and what role that they want to play in a society. We also believe in your neighbor's right to do the same. Therefore, according to our belief, YOU have the right to do whatever you want to do as an adult in our society - but NOT at the expense of someone else's liberty.

And that is our view of the role of the government. ENSURE my liberty and punish those who encroach on my freedoms and harm me in the process. Of course, as pragmatists as well, we obviously recognize that society/government needs to provide things like roads, parks. police, etc.

So what about those stereotypes mentioned prior? Does that mean that they are true? Are Libertarians FOR pot smoking, winner-take-all capitalism, gay sex, gun holster-wearing wild west society, reading the Constitution like it is the Bible, limited military, slash-the-budget-and-screw-the-poor-and-disadvantaged... people? Seriously - do we need to even ask that question? Because it's a stupid question...

...and WE THE PEOPLE aren't stupid. In fact, the Libertarian Party is the ONLY party of the big three parties that doesn't insult your intelligence! Why? Because the other two parties believe that you cannot make your own choices about your life. You NEED more legislation to govern your life.

For too long we have been represented by two "big government" parties - the "conservative big government party" (aka the Republican Party) and the "liberal big government party' (aka the Democratic Party). There is NO DEBATING this... BOTH parties have held control of all three branches of the federal government at different times. BOTH parties have increased the size of the federal government EVERY YEAR, and have stripped the state and local governments' ability to govern locally. That is not how the United States is supposed to operate!

Does an INCREASING federal government give you MORE freedom, choices, opportunities and liberties... or LESS? It's not rocket science - is it?

The purpose of this group is to inform our fellow citizens of Stark County about our Party and to provide a third and viable option in the polling booth... finally! We will also educate - as well as learn from - our membership about the founding of our country, the principles and documents that forged the way for our great country, and to share the philosophy and principles of the Libertarian Party.

Join us at a meetup and meet your local libertarian citizens and see if we are on the same page. If you like it, you can get involved in the management of the party in Stark County. You can also just attend some meetings if you wish.

Or... you can just sit around and complain about the government with your friends while continuing to vote the same way you have always voted. As Dr. Phil would say, "How's that working out for you?"

It's your life, your family. your town, your county, your state, and your nation.

Do something - or do nothing. It's your choice.

We hope you'll join us at least once to check it out. You may even meet people and have fun...