Is (American) Libertarianism Inherently Flawed?

[Marie Louise von Preussen]

http://www.uwgb.edu/dutchs/PSEUDOSC/NoLibert.HTM

A very interesting analysis on the subject. Don't know if this can be applied to Libertarianism worldwide, as ideologies with similar names might have different essences in different places. But it's a sharp and devastating critique of the Libertarian Party in the US and Libertarian thought above all.

[Last Roman]

My problem with libertarianism (at least full fledged libertarianism) is it doesn't take account human nature, which is basically selfish. There is a need to regulate, both socially and economically.

I agree with many of their positions, but I'm certainly not a hard-core libertarian by any means.

[Dayman]

I'm libertarian, but, when I apply human nature to things I see myself a little more economically liberal.

I'm most likely switching to the republican party to vote for Ron Paul in the upcoming election, and I'm for smaller government. But I'm not for no government. I think the states should regulate things the federal government does.

[Earl of Rochester]

Iraq is ample evidence as to why privatization does not always make things better.

[Sosobra]

Iraq is ample evidence as to why privatization does not always make things better.

Iraq is ample evidence for why Cronyism makes things worse, privatization would have worked if the Government that was handing the contracts didn't hand them out to golf buddies.

[Rush Limbaugh]

That link is for the Libertarian party but it doesnt represent all or even most libertarians. We agree on most of its major points but some are simply unreasonable. Most Libertarians I know would be happy to simply follow the constitution as written.

[Dayman]

That link is for the Libertarian party but it doesnt represent all or even most libertarians. We agree on most of its major points but some are simply unreasonable. Most Libertarians I know would be happy to simply follow the constitution as written.

Yea, the ones I know (me and a few of my friends), are like that.

[Jabberwock]

I believe in limited government, individual liberties, and a free market. But I would never call myself a libertarian or ever be affiliated with the LP. The LP goes too far with their ideals.

[Kiljan Arslan]

Of course it is as Last ROman said they put too much on Human Character.

[Thanatos]

What they don't understand that whatever is good for the economy does NOT always mean it's good for the people or for the country.

[Dayman]

What they don't understand that whatever is good for the economy does NOT always mean it's good for the people or for the country.

That's why hardline libertarians and far-right free market conservatives are seen as pro big business or pro rich. Or even selfish.

[Kiljan Arslan]

Also Thantos makes a good. Plus a Goverment has a right to regulate what comes in to its boundries.

[Dayman]

Plus a Goverment has a right to regulate what comes in to its boundries.

To the point that is outlined in it's ruling body or document(s). Or as long as it doesn't infringe on "basic human rights."

[Kiljan Arslan]

Yes well some libertarians think a basic hiuman right is being able to buy stuff made by a country that is engaging in a trade war with you.

[Dayman]

Yes well some libertarians think a basic hiuman right is being able to buy stuff made by a country that is engaging in a trade war with you.

Which is silly.

[Kiljan Arslan]

Well then talk to some of your fellow libertarians at least 2 have advocated it.

BTW in that article that was linked I love how they say

(Hint: if you're the Republican Party, bankroll the Greens. If you're the Democratic Party, bankroll the libertarians.)

[Dayman]

Well then talk to some of your fellow libertarians at least 2 have advocated it.

I'm not a hardliner, and I'm also more of a realist than an idealist.

[Rush Limbaugh]

I'm not a hardliner, and I'm also more of a realist than an idealist.

Same here. I find it ironic that the Libertarian party is such a hardliner.

Well then talk to some of your fellow libertarians at least 2 have advocated it.

One would have to be Justice and Mercy. Who may I ask is the other? Most libertarians would agree I think that trade wars are silly.

"I deem [one of] the essential principles of our government [to be] peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations, entangling alliances with none..." "Commerce with all nations, alliance with none, should be our motto." - (Thomas Jefferson)

[Kanaric]

Iraq is ample evidence for why Cronyism makes things worse

Privatization obvious can lead to "cronyism", look at how businesses are run in general. There are FEW who run with the idea that they serve their customers, they run to make a profit at all costs which can cause problems for most people. That is why business regulation is a requirement for society.

That is also why privatization, in the end, will fail in a libertarian society. The no holds barred way of business in the late 1800s should be proof enough. If it weren't for certain laws all software would probably be owned and made by Microsoft by now.

[Kiljan Arslan]

The other used to go by the name Avarius Fedralus then read the terrible book which somewhat inspired BioShock.