Myths and Truths about Libertarianism

[BucEyedPea]

"Libertarianism is the fastest growing political creed in America today. Before judging and evaluating libertarianism, it is vitally important to find out precisely what that doctrine is, and, more particularly, what it is not. It is especially important to clear up a number of misconceptions about libertarianism that are held by most people, and particularly by conservatives. In this essay I shall enumerate and critically analyze the most common myths that are held about libertarianism. When these are cleared away, people will then be able to discuss libertarianism free of egregious myths and misconceptions, and to deal with it as it should be on its very own merits or demerits." ~ Murray N. Rothbard. a founder of modern libertarianism


Just for starters

[BucEyedPea]

Murray Rothbard famously said we can tell a real libertarian, anarchist or minarchist, from other orientations by this test: do you hate the state?

Beltway Libertarianism

[CrazyPhuD]

I don't hate the state but I do tend to think the only people we elect are sociopaths.....

But that's our fault as much as theirs.

[listopencil]

Originally Posted by BucEyedPea

Murray Rothbard famously said we can tell a real libertarian, anarchist or minarchist, from other orientations by this test: do you hate the state?

Beltway Libertarianism

I don't know if I would go so far as to say I hate the State. I have a begrudging, disrespectful acknowledgement of the necessity for it.

[cosmo20002]

Originally Posted by listopencil

I don't know if I would go so far as to say I hate the State. I have a begrudging, disrespectful acknowledgement of the necessity for it.

I saw a story a couple weeks ago about the rise of proposals for planned "libertarian" communities. Glenn Beck was behind one of these proposed communities. I guess it would be some libertarian utopia where you could act as libertarian as you want. So, to ensure the libertarian-ness of the communities, there are all these rules and regulations so they can ensure the libertarian purity.

[BucEyedPea]

Originally Posted by listopencil

I don't know if I would go so far as to say I hate the State. I have a begrudging, disrespectful acknowledgement of the necessity for it.

Yeah, but where do you draw the line on it, is the question? Because that statement is what paleo-conservatives believe too. A paleo is a limited govt person, but based on the Constitution. It supports local values of people. They just don't go as far as a libertarian. So there are libertarian centralizers who do like to use the state. Men like Randy Barnett and Roger Pilon.

Most of the guys over at Lew's are really true libertarians. The often mock who they consider false libertarians. That's why it says: "Anti-state, anti-war and pro-market." That is right libertarianism.

I couldn't find the other Rothbard article on it which I thought was better.

[Bo's Pelini]

Originally Posted by BucEyedPea

Murray Rothbard famously said we can tell a real libertarian, anarchist or minarchist, from other orientations by this test: do you hate the state?

Beltway Libertarianism

You probably hate Rothbard he supported Bush.

[listopencil]

Originally Posted by cosmo20002

I saw a story a couple weeks ago about the rise of proposals for planned "libertarian" communities. Glenn Beck was behind one of these proposed communities. I guess it would be some libertarian utopia where you could act as libertarian as you want. So, to ensure the libertarian-ness of the communities, there are all these rules and regulations so they can ensure the libertarian purity.

[bandwagonjumper]

Originally Posted by BucEyedPea

"Libertarianism is the fastest growing political creed in America today. Before judging and evaluating libertarianism, it is vitally important to find out precisely what that doctrine is, and, more particularly, what it is not. It is especially important to clear up a number of misconceptions about libertarianism that are held by most people, and particularly by conservatives. In this essay I shall enumerate and critically analyze the most common myths that are held about libertarianism. When these are cleared away, people will then be able to discuss libertarianism free of egregious myths and misconceptions, and to deal with it as it should be on its very own merits or demerits." ~ Murray N. Rothbard. a founder of modern libertarianism


Just for




starters

Its funny but the first name to come mind when I hear libertarian is Marquis de Sade. For me libertarianism means absolute freedom and no interference by the state in your private behaviour. As Marquis de Sade showed it might be enjoyable for you but not so much for other people.

[BucEyedPea]

Originally Posted by bandwagonjumper

Its funny but the first name to come mind when I hear libertarian is Marquis de Sade. For me libertarianism means absolute freedom and no interference by the state in your private behaviour. As Marquis de Sade showed it might be enjoyable for you but not so much for other people.

Except that's where libertarians draw the line. The aggression doctrine is the fundamental basis that unites all types of libertarians. Since the state is aggressive force, because it relies on a gun to a person's head to comply or go to jail, they want as little as possible. So they feel that if they're not harming someone else directly, then there should be no govt interference. They consider these victimless crimes. It wouldn't be based on if it's enjoyable for other people though.

[cosmo20002]

Originally Posted by BucEyedPea

Yeah, but where do you draw the line on it, is the question? Because that statement is what paleo-conservatives believe too. A paleo is a limited govt person, but based on the Constitution. It supports local values of people. They just don't go as far as a libertarian. So there are libertarian centralizers who do like to use the state. Men like Randy Barnett and Roger Pilon.

Most of the guys over at Lew's are really true libertarians. The often mock who they consider false libertarians. That's why it says: "Anti-state, anti-war and pro-market." That is right libertarianism.

I couldn't find the other Rothbard article on it which I thought was better.

I can't even tell you the disappointment. I really can't.

But what a tease--get us all jacked up on Murray Rothbard--the FOUNDER of modern libertarianism--- and his "famous" quotes, and then you tell us there an even better article out there.

[BucEyedPea]

Originally Posted by Bo's Pelini

You probably hate Rothbard he supported Bush.

Link

[BucEyedPea]

Originally Posted by listopencil

Beck is continously mocked for calling himself a libertarian by the Rothbardians. He's a joke to them.

[listopencil]

Originally Posted by BucEyedPea

Yeah, but where do you draw the line on it, is the question?

I draw the line at only those things that are necessary for our society to function. That means that I'm not always going to get what I want. I am always going to think that the government is too intrusive, and I'm always going to think that the law is too overbearing.

[listopencil]

Originally Posted by BucEyedPea

Beck is continously mocked for calling himself a libertarian by the Rothbardians. He's a joke to them.

Well, to be honest, I think Glenn Beck could be considered a joke by anyone.