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Quote by: big_lefty  The poster was using a bit of hyperbole to make a point, but I thought that was still a pretty accurate summing up of the Libertarian mindset.
Isn't it about individual liberty about all else, even sometimes at the expense of others?
Isn't it about minimizing government, even at the expense of pragmatism in some cases, in order to defend the ideal of individual freedom as supposedly guaranteed by the Constitution? |
So what examples of that far reaching contention can you provide?
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Quote by: big_lefty That's why a lot of people don't take it seriously. It's simplistic, naive, inflexible, and does not make enough allowances for practical realities. |
I think it has more to do with the marginalization it suffers in the media, and by people opining who clearly operate on a misunderstanding.
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Quote by: big_lefty But still, the basic idea is worth defending. It just needs some refining to recognize the value of pragmatism and the hierarchy of rights. Some rights are arguably more important than others. For example, as is the case with smoking, my right not to be exposed to toxins is more important than your freedom to expel them in public. |
Ah, but should you right not to be harmed extend onto other peoples property, in effect trumping property rights?
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Quote by: big_lefty The gun question is more complicated, however, since there is no clearcut demonstration of inherent social harm from unregulated gun ownership. |
I maintain that the ills of disarming are greater the the benefits.
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Quote by: big_lefty Personal freedom is important, but not sacrosanct. It's not more important than human rights or the need to keep peace and protect the public from harm. |
Wrong, that is not our governments charter.
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Quote by: big_lefty Libertarians, unfortunately, will always be a laughing stock until they recognize that.
I just realized that came off as a parent lecturing a child. Sorry. Force of habit after nagging my lazy teenage daughter all day. ;-) |
I hope you're a little more tactful when she ends up proving you wrong as well.
