nihaoshabi

Most libertarians I have spoken with appear to have differing views as to the extent the size and role of government should be reduced. Some advocate for a small flat tax, while others don't believe in any taxation whatsoever. Some believe in some form of financial regulation (e.g. antitrust laws, prohibitions against insider trading, capital requirements for banks, etc.), while others seem to be in favor of abolishing all financial regulations with the possible exception of regulations against abusive and unfair practices.

My question is where exactly do you stand within the spectrum of libertarianism? Should the government solely seek to provide infrastructure and protect its citizens? Does the government ever have a role in creating more efficient markets besides just getting out of the way?

Thank you very much for doing the AMA. I respect that you joined the political party that most aligns with your views, despite the fact that it would have been more politically expedient to have just stayed put.

Thank you Congressman for both doing this AMA and introducing the bill. As someone who is stuck with Rep. Trent Franks (R-AZ), I am pleased to see that some of my fellow countrymen get to be represented by someone who isn't a hack. My questions are as follows:

1. What role does the pharmaceutical industry play in lobbying against legalization? In Arizona, the makers of Fentanyl donated to the opposition campaign in the state's legalization referendum that was on the ballot last November. My understanding (and I could be wrong) is that they were in the process of developing a synthetic form of THC that they wished to sell. Legalized marijuana would hurt their bottom line. Such an example is rather narrow, so I'm wondering if pharma, as a whole, tends to oppose legalization. How much?

2. What are your views on decriminalization of other drugs? When should a drug be criminalized and when should it not be? Should all drug offenders receive treatment as opposed to jail time? If so, what about cost considerations? If not, to what extent should the penal system seek to provide treatment.

Thanks again!

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