The Very Heart and Soul of Conservatism is Libertarianism

“If you analyze it I believe the very heart and soul of conservatism is libertarianism.” ~ Ronald Reagan

Read more of Ronald Reagan’s views on Libertarianism from this interview he did in 1975. At that time, Reagan used the term “libertarian-conservative” to describe his political philosophy. Reagan’s record, while generally conservative, was not particularly libertarian, but one’s administrative decisions, constrained as they are by existing laws, institutions, and politics, do not necessarily mirror one’s underlying philosophy (consider Mitt Romney when governing the very liberal state of Massachusetts). This interview gives an interesting glimpse into the real Ronald Reagan.

Another good quote from Ronald Reagan, “I don’t believe in a government that protects us from ourselves.”