During the Q&A session on Wednesday of Mike Gravel's speech at Penn, I questioned him on how his support for universal, government healthcare fit in with the Libertarian Party's platform. He responded to the effect of "I don't know of any part of the party's platform that would exclude such a proposal."
The LP's platform, section II, part 3:
"II.3 Public Services
The Issue: Federal, state and local governments have created inefficient service monopolies throughout the economy. From the US Postal Service to municipal garbage collection and water works, government is forcing citizens to use monopoly services. These are services that the private sector is already capable of providing in a manner that gives the public better service at a competitive price.
The Principle: A free and competitive market allocates resources in the most efficient manner. Consumers of services should not have their choices arbitrarily limited by law.
Solutions: Libertarian policies will seek to divest government of all functions that can be provided by non-governmental organizations or private individuals.
Transitional Actions: All rate regulation in utilities should transition to free market pricing. End the Postal Service's monopoly and allow for the free competition in all aspects of mail delivery. State and local monopoly services should be opened to free-market competition. Local and state governments can auction assets such as utility systems and landfills to private industry, thereby immediately reducing the tax burden on their citizens."
Government-sponsored healthcare is a public service. Seems like Gravel needs to read up on what exactly is entailed by the party he joined.
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