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Lots of good ideas here as to why libertarians remain at the fringe of American politics, but they mostly seem a little self-promoting, as if libertarianism is simply a good idea badly misunderstood.
I know better than to think anyone's opinion about such things can change much, no matter what the argument, but at a minimum I think we can maybe look around at the rest of the world and try to find examples of where our ideological beliefs are best being applied, and then ask how things are going in that country.
Accordingly, what libertarian country stands as any sort of good example that libertarianism works?
In deed, where in the world has any society decided to go the way of libertarianism? None that I can think of, or if forced to consider where libertarianism ideas can be found in practice, you are forced to look at perhaps a few 3rd-world countries where "freedoms" are expanded essentially because there is not the rule of law that most of us consider appropriate if not necessary.
Something to think about anyway, right?
Next, and maybe this is more my personal opinion or observation, but I find libertarians, like everyone, enjoy imagining a place where we can be free of government involvement, or simply free to do as we please. Lots of talk in general terms along those lines, especially anti-government. Some things, yes, more people are comfortable accepting, some of the easy "low-hanging fruit," like the right to choose, marry who we wish, do what we want in the privacy of our own home...
But get beyond the basics and into the grittier specifics about where and what government functions to cut or how to manage our society so we don't go more the way of the haves vs have nots, and libertarians begin to prove themselves both naive and impractical.
Sure, cut taxes, shrink government, more freedoms, and we all love the sound of that! Until of course, the cutting of taxes means one less person to serve in the military, or at the DMV, or at the VA, police officer or fire-fighter, etc. Easy to say, before we realize that is the income our sister relies on, or mom or dad...
Never mind those less fortunate or less advantaged that have yet to get proper access to the basics like safe housing, education and health care. For libertarians, those people are someone else's problem. Cut those taxes and benefits and do what with all those people? The elderly, disabled, poor mothers of children without fathers, mentally ill?
Libertarians have a hard time considering but the most basic of issues that go beyond that "perfect world" scenario, not too inclined to consider the plight of minorities, racial issues, even women's issues. If only so easy, if only such a world existed where we could all count on our own abilities to make a good life!
According to most I have read or know about Libertarians, they are; only about 7% of Americans, almost all white, mostly males, younger, middle-class folks.
Also akin to what some refer to as the "old boys club."
In some ways libertarians have helped the Tea Party by making the Tea Party folks look somewhat moderate in comparison. I'm willing to bet just about every pro-libertarian who has posted here is a supporter of the Tea Party as well, right?
All for the most part entirely simple and predictable...
Because Ron Paul is an economic delinquent. If you really listen to him you will notice just how stupid he is. You ever seen that video he posted about the economic end times? The guy doesn't even understand inflation
Currently, the most vocal libertarians incessantly talk about anarcho-capitalism along with other extreme libertarian "ideas" (by American political and economic standards).
Currently, the most vocal libertarians incessantly talk about anarcho-capitalism along with other extreme libertarian "ideas" (by American political and economic standards).
Ron Paul may be the most vocal and he never argued it. Claims are also nothing more than that.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Frank DeForrest
We have taxes because taxes are low? Brilliant logic.
Simply put, we have taxes because an organized mob with guns, jails and good public relations wants our money. What the loot is spent on after the fact is irrelevent.
not sure if you are joking or if you honestly didnt understand.
We have an income tax because the rest of the world became more economically stable and we could not balance the budget of the government on the back of foreign investment alone. Is that a better explanation.
The sarcasm in the"brilliant logic" comment is unwarranted.
Quote:
All drugs should be legal. Why do you think politicians know which ones should or shouldn't be? Anyway,its none of anyones business what an individual puts into their body and along with that, the consequences suffered are theirs to bear.
Everyone has a right to an opinion.
Quote:
So if the Chinese government bombed your neighborhood or Russia blockaded our ports and froze our assets or Venezuela sent a hit team to topple our government, you wouldn't consider those acts of war? And yet America does all those things to other countries with impunity.
Acts of war, yes, war in and of itself, no. Again war has a definition and simply dropping a bomb doesnt do it. Do you not understand that ? When we invaded Afghanistan, did your livelihood change in any way, no.
Ron Paul may be the most vocal and he never argued it. Claims are also nothing more than that.
You mean the guy who wants to delete most of the federal government? Besides, when most of the people who support you are the AC's...I mean....come on.
All drugs should be legal. Why do you think politicians know which ones should or shouldn't be? Anyway,its none of anyones business what an individual puts into their body and along with that, the consequences suffered are theirs to bear.
As a libertarian minded person who supports the ending of the drug war (I favor decriminalziiton), I get so annoyed when purported libertarians spout this nonsense. There is a very real social and economic cost to legalized drugs that will be felt by society, not just the people who consume drugs, i.e. increased theft, which incidentally violates the NAP. You certainly will require regulation of drugs in some form.
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