Is libertarianism good or bad?

Daniel S

I just don't get it? Some aspects like having a small government with the intention of having a surplus every year sounds good to me, but then the Irish side of me thinks of the scobes who need their weekly entitlements...

Would you vote for a Libertarian Party full of competent people?

galwayrush

I'd prefer if politics was banned from AH at this stage.

starbelgrade

I'd vote for any party full of competent people.

If there was one.

44leto

I like libraries so it is good.

Benny_Cake

Has today's libertarian thread quota on Politics already been filled?

The King of Moo

I wouldn't. The idea of it sounds good in many ways, and appeals to people's desires for personal freedom.

But I think if people are left to their own devices it leads to exploitation of the weaker/poorer by the rich and powerful.

You need a government to regulate things to some extent, I believe.

Born to Die

THERE IS A POLITICS FORUM.
PLEASE USE IT.

Daniel S

Born to Die wrote: »

THERE IS A POLITICS FORUM.
PLEASE USE IT.

BUT THEN I'D GET SERIOUS ANSWERS!!!

Born to Die

Daniel S wrote: »

BUT THEN I'D GET SERIOUS ANSWERS!!!

THAT IS THE PROBLEM. YOU WILL GET THEM HERE TOO

The King of Moo

Ow, my ears! :mad:

Born to Die

The King of Moo wrote: »

Ow, my ears! :mad:

Sorry, I needed to be heard.

grindle

The King of Moo wrote: »

I wouldn't. The idea of it sounds good in many ways, and appeals to people's desires for personal freedom.

But I think if people are left to their own devices it leads to exploitation of the weaker/poorer by the rich and powerful.

You need a government to regulate things to some extent, I believe.

This is the truth and the end of the matter. Libertarianism is an ideal, but it's impossible to truly make it work, because it relies on people working towards the same ideal.

token101

No need for the giant, bold caps lads.

Daniel S

grindle wrote: »

This is the truth and the end of the matter. Libertarianism is an ideal, but it's impossible to truly make it work, because it relies on people working towards the same ideal.

So basically the problem is with people not willing to play along rather than the system itself?

grindle

Daniel S wrote: »

So basically the problem is with people not willing to play along rather than the system itself?

Kind of. Some people don't have the choice, and libertarianism would have them dead unless someone was willing to pay for them.

Daniel S

grindle wrote: »

Kind of. Some people don't have the choice, and libertarianism would have them dead unless someone was willing to pay for them.

So it's kind of survival of the fittest?

Born to Die

grindle wrote: »

Kind of. Some people don't have the choice, and libertarianism would have them dead unless someone was willing to pay for them.

Africa?

grindle

Born to Die wrote: »

Africa?

Africa. Disabled people. Orphans.

St.Spodo

I saw all the threads about libertarianism on in the politics forum today and I bailed out of there as fast as I could.

My name is URL

It's a bit like asking if socialism is a good thing.. you can't really conclude that it's either good or bad unless discussing a particular aspect of it.

Trying to be 'one or the other' just for the sake of being able to identify yourself as part of either side is rather silly and idealistic really.

The King of Moo

Daniel S wrote: »

So basically the problem is with people not willing to play along rather than the system itself?

I think so, similar to the problems inherent in pure communism, which relies on everyone doing their share of the work.

Libertarianism in a pure form which I suppose would be closer to anarchism, assumes a level playing field for everyone, but the fact is that those who get more would then be able to exploit those with less.

Although lots of libertarians would probably be ok with that, though they might not admit it openly.

Benny_Cake

Daniel S wrote: »

grindle wrote: »

This is the truth and the end of the matter. Libertarianism is an ideal, but it's impossible to truly make it work, because it relies on people working towards the same ideal.

So basically the problem is with people not willing to play along rather than the system itself?

The problem with the idea is that it seems to put a great deal of trust on the wealthy and the powerful not moving into the space vacated by government in order to take advantage. You may trade control by government (which, at the very least is democratically elected) to control by corporations accountable only to their largest shareholders. No sale.

Jimoslimos

Daniel S wrote: »

So it's kind of survival of the fittest?

Yes, social darwinism if you like.

Daniel S

My name is URL wrote: »

It's a bit like asking if socialism is a good thing.. you can't really conclude that it's either good or bad unless discussing a particular aspect of it.

Trying to be 'one or the other' just for the sake of being able to identify yourself as part of either side is rather silly and idealistic really.

Socialism= BAAAAAAAAD

In my opinion anyway.

Benny_Cake

Daniel S wrote: »

My name is URL wrote: »

It's a bit like asking if socialism is a good thing.. you can't really conclude that it's either good or bad unless discussing a particular aspect of it.

Trying to be 'one or the other' just for the sake of being able to identify yourself as part of either side is rather silly and idealistic really.

Socialism= BAAAAAAAAD

In my opinion anyway.

Which variety of socialism are you referring to?

Daniel S

Jimoslimos wrote: »

Yes, social darwinism if you like.

Is it semi-Nazi then?

I know Ron Paul was a Libertarian and I thought he was by far the best Republican candidate (mainly because the rest are complete fcuking gowls).

Born to Die

grindle wrote: »

Africa. Disabled people. Orphans.

Ireland?

Jimoslimos

Daniel S wrote: »

Is it semi-Nazi then?

I know Ron Paul was a Libertarian and I thought he was by far the best Republican candidate (mainly because the rest are complete fcuking gowls).

Hold up, thread Godwinned!

If you thought Ron Paul was the best candidate then you obviously haven't paid much attention to the nomination race. He is a nutcase.

Daniel S

Benny_Cake wrote: »

Which variety of socialism are you referring to?

Communism, Autonomism, Anarchism, IRA socialism and pretty much most others. Liberal and Democratic socialism is fair enough. The thought of giving scobes anything for free just makes me cringe, no matter how unfair it is on decent underprivileged people.

Benny_Cake

Jimoslimos wrote: »

Hold up, thread Godwinned!

If you thought Ron Paul was the best candidate then you obviously haven't paid much attention to the nomination race. He is a nutcase.

He was probably better that Gingrich and Santorum at least. It wasn't too difficult to look good in that particular group of people, but generally the more people learn of Ron Paul, and the extreme nature of many of his positions, the less they like him.

Daniel S

Jimoslimos wrote: »

Hold up, thread Godwinned!

If you thought Ron Paul was the best candidate then you obviously haven't paid much attention to the nomination race. He is a nutcase.

Really? Best of a bad bunch IMO.

Jimoslimos

Daniel S wrote: »

Communism, Autonomism, Anarchism, IRA socialism and pretty much most others. Liberal and Democratic socialism is fair enough. The thought of giving scobes anything for free just makes me cringe, no matter how unfair it is on decent underprivileged people.

Not too far away from libertatianism.

Daniel S

Jimoslimos wrote: »

Not too far away from libertatianism.

I've heard its just Anarchism for rich people. I think we need a government and social classes etc, but doesn't libertarianism consider this?

KeithAFC

Jimoslimos wrote: »

Hold up, thread Godwinned!

If you thought Ron Paul was the best candidate then you obviously haven't paid much attention to the nomination race. He is a nutcase.

The only one who understands the constitution and the policies of the wars the US have been involved in since 1861.

Daniel S

I knew someone wouldn't be able to resist having a dig. My parents aren't very well off. I got a job before going to college to pay my registration fees etc (except accomodation and a weekly allowance of €40 for food etc). Wasn't born with a ****ing silver spoon in my mouth.

EDIT, Superbus' post was deleted.

Jimoslimos

Daniel S wrote: »

I've heard its just Anarchism for rich people.

Yeah, I'd agree.

There's a reason why Libertarians find themselves in the Republican party (in the US) rather than the Democrats. Extreme right-wing economic policies are of much more importance to them than the liberal social ones they are also supposed to espouse.

Put simply: They are not interested in defending human rights but rather in absolving themselves of that responsibility.


Permabear should be around shortly on a crusade:pac:

biko

Is libertarianism good or bad?

Use Politics. They will educate you.
Thx