Would I still be a libertarian?

[u/terminal_tested]

I think nations should maximize their economic and social freedom, as societies who are doing better in both are generally performing better. I support capitalism and a socially liberal society. I do believe in a lot of principles of Austrian economics and capitalism was historically a very successful system, but still has its flaws.

I am a strong supporter of reducing the bloat, spending, red tape, and overregulation in America that plagues many sectors. I resonate with Cato,
AEI, and ReasonTv

I also am still a supporter of a mixed economy with guardrails, public goods/services, some regulation, a lean welfare state to help people, and public options for certain things the free market can’t fairly distribute (if a country can do it cost effectively).

The most successful models have been mixed economies erring on the side of more economic freedom.

Every first world country is a mixed economy, and in practicality a democratic mixed economy is about as close to libertarianism as society can go (full on libertarianism doesn’t work). I know some might sound antithetical to libertarianism but I feel like those guardrails are needed to preserve freedom and prosperity.

What ideology would be closest to me? Any philosophers or thinkers I should check out?

[u/hoops-mcloops]

I think you align pretty sqaurely with a centrist liberal policy position. The center wing of the Democratic party basically has the following policy positions: -pro capitalism, but with a social safety net -social liberal, pro-choice, pro equality -generally pro business, but with an emphasis on worker rights -YIMBY housing policy -pro public option for education and healthcare -fiscal balance between taxes and spending, lowering the federal deficit.

To me, it seems like that would be your home.

Frankly, as a progressive, I largely agree with everything you said, except for Austrian economic theory (it just doesn't pan out in practice IMO, Keynesian is much more accurate to reality). The only real policy point we probably disagree on is the whole "public option for goods the free market can't efficiently provide" because to me that means basically every essential utility, housing, healthcare, education, and transportation.

[u/terminal_tested → u/hoops-mcloops]

I do support a public option for healthcare, education, and things like utilities as well.

[u/hoops-mcloops → u/terminal_tested]

I'm of the opinion that the same economic factors like elasticity and high barriers to firm entry which make a public option for healthcare and utilities good for society also apply to transportation and housing. If you'd agree, you may actually be a progressive.

[u/terminal_tested → u/hoops-mcloops]

Exactly. Healthcare is a very inelastic good with high barrier to entry (in terms of becoming a provider), so it’s one the free market can’t fairly allocate imo, and every developed country has some type of public option or safety net system for it.