Tying your politics to your view of Denver (school, college)

[denverian]

Originally Posted by sammy87

The Fed still cant raise interest rates due to how fragile the economy is.

Not that fragile. Rates are going up... maybe in December, definitely by next summer.

[mysticaltyger]

Originally Posted by Hschlick84

That's anarchy, not libertarianism.

Good point. Here is a short video that explains the differences among the different types of government:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDS1OHk7Lf8

[sammy87]

Originally Posted by mysticaltyger

The answer to that always goes back to one thing: Security. People are security junkies. People like your sister who are financially struggling are looking for a savior outside themselves so they don't have to make any changes to their lives that are outside their comfort zones. Of course, this is extremely short sighted thinking...but over a long period of time, this is how you get people to vote away their rights in favor of oligarchy/dictatorship.

It also works on the conservative side of the aisle with unquestioning support of military operations, not questioning the official story of events of 9/11, etc. Terrorist attack? More civil liberties get taken away.

The welfare state and the warfare state are just two different ways of centralizing power and control.

Its funny when some say they they dont trust the govt with anything, like health care, education, services whatever. Then they blindly follow the govt to make the right decisions on military action.

[mysticaltyger]

Originally Posted by SkyDog77

No. There is a state and a government. It's just has no power over the people. Just like the goal of libertarianism.

You don't even understand the goal of libertarianism.

[mysticaltyger]

Originally Posted by denverian

lol! Is that what Fox Spews told you to think?

Um, no. It's documented fact that about 90% of academics are of the liberal variety.

Even liberal source Mother Jones admits it. Of course, they follow it up with "but they aren't out to indoctrinate". My response to that is you don't really have to be. We all have biases that bleed through. When you're in an environment where 90% of your peers are of the same political persuasion, that only magnifies those personal biases.

Yes, Liberals Rule the Ivory Tower

[mysticaltyger]

Originally Posted by philberf

I think that might be something of strawman. To be gracious to libertarians, I think a more accurate characterization may be something more along the lines of desiring a clearly delineated role for government at various levels. The federal level does the things that are truly under the purview of a federal gov't, like national defense, standardized roads/rail/air travel, something like that. State level should have appropriate responsibilities - I dunno, maybe things like sales or resort/hotel taxes for state projects like state parks or museums, etc. And lastly appropriate local taxation.

The biggest difference I've noticed in my life is the fundamental disagreement between various positions as to what is the "good" in society and how should the government help or not help people achieve that specific "good."

For example, most people would agree that it's good to take care of your health. But not everyone agrees what health is, what risks they're willing to take, how much they're willing to pay for how much care, etc. So that leads to pretty significant disagreements as to how much the government ought to regulate health-related things - things from motorcycle helmet wearing, to vaccinations, to buying health insurance, and so on. Those details matter in terms of sorting out where people end up.

Should the gov't promote certain values, and if so, which ones, and with how much force behind it?

Thank you for an intelligent post instead of just one line hyperbole.

[SkyDog77]

Originally Posted by mysticaltyger

You don't even understand the goal of libertarianism.

No, I completely understand the goal. I studied it quite thoroughly. Even have a degree to back that up. What I think most libertarians fail to understand is the reality. Just like most self proclaimed communists.

Show me a single place where any sort of libertarianism has been instituted as a primary form of governance without chaos ensuing.

Again, a government that simply exists to be a police force to purportedly protect your property devolves into either a corrupt police force that is for sale to the highest bidder or a completely ineffective police force that gives way to regional strongmen.

You may choose to write this off as one line hyperbole, but absent any concrete evidence that libertarianism has actually worked anywhere, it's the truth.

[rumline]

I've always found that leftists get very defensive and uppity whenever "libertarians" are brought up. I wonder why that is?

[davebarnes]

Originally Posted by denverian

a Commie Muslim American Hater. D

That is despicable description.
As a staunch, some would say militant, atheist, I take strong offense with being labeled a religionist.
But, at least, you did not label me a Papist which would cause my English ancestors to make a zombie attack against you.

[SkyDog77]

Originally Posted by rumline

I've always found that leftists get very defensive and uppity whenever "libertarians" are brought up. I wonder why that is?

Assuming that this was directed at me......I'm sorry if pointing out the flaws in an ideology appears uppity and defensive to you. I'd rather have a discussion on issues. Labeling people as "uppity" is about as condescending as you can get and is frankly uncalled for. I'd rather see you address the issues I raised. It would be much more productive. Also please note the complete absence of personal attacks thus far from all non libertarians in this thread.

I guess I might ask if you have ever noticed that whenever libertarianism is criticized, libertarians always seem to revert to personal attacks. Why is that?