5 Quotes From Libertarian Politicians on Abolishing the Federal Minimum Wage

Abolishing the minimum wage is a bold step to take, even for libertarians who aim to limit the federal government as much as possible. Libertarians involved in the political arena attempt different approaches to convince voters of their good intentions.

Here are five quotes from libertarians on the issue of abolishing the federal minimum wage:

1. Libertarian politicians need to explain more clearly the reasons for getting rid of minimum wage laws, Daniel Encarnacion, state chairman of the Republican Liberty Caucus of South Carolina writes in his column:

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"Has anyone stopped to think that the public is against eliminating the minimum wage because none of our party's leaders are willing to publicly argue that the minimum wage is harmful?" he asked.

Many candidates fear losing elections by talking "about the ill effects of the minimum wage on the working poor and youth," he adds.

2. "By increasing unemployment, government policies like minimum wage laws only worsen inequality," said Ron Paul, a presidential candidate for both the Libertarian and Republican parties.

Paul is among the most outspoken political figures against government intrusion, which he says contributes to economic weakness.

"Those who are genuinely concerned about increasing the well-being of all Americans should support repeal of all laws, regulations, and taxes that inhibit job creation and economic mobility," he said, according to The Washington Times.

3. Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, Ron Paul's son, is a 2016 GOP candidate to many libertarians. However, he takes a milder approach than his father as a politician.

"Minimum wage is only harmful when it's above the market wage," Paul said, according to Bloomberg.

He gave the example of his sons who seemed happy to pay for services when earning minimum wage. "I'm proud of them. I'm proud of them when they go, 'Dad, I've got money and I want to pay for it.'"

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4. Gary Johnson, former governor of New Mexico and the 2012 presidential candidate for the Libertarian Party, believes minimum wage laws interfere with the way the market place functions, hurting people entering the job market.

Before the Republican 2014 mid-term successes in the House, Senate and across state legislatures, Johnson may have foreseen the country's frustration with government interference, according to The Washington Times:

"We have a historic opportunity in 2014 to put the brakes on out-of-control government and remind the American people — and the politicians — that the strength of our nation lies not in government, but in the freedom to pursue dreams, live our lives without unnecessary interference, and seize the opportunities that only a free market can provide."

5. Libertarian Party candidates, however, want to go a step further than Republican responses to the federal minimum wage issue.

"The Republican answer, to leave the issue to the states, is a cop-out," said Arvin Vohra, vice chair of the Libertarian National Committee, according to a press release in response to President Obama's State of the Union address.

"All minimum wages kill jobs and hurt the poor. Libertarian candidates have pledged to sponsor legislation to eliminate the minimum wage in every state. That makes it easier for young people to gain experience, for the poorest workers to gain a foothold in the job market, and for small businesses to grow.”

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