DR1ers and their Politics

[RHM]

Every great idea is based on a fundamental premise. For Libertarians, the underlying premise for their philosophy is that man is rational.

Unfortunately, that premise is false. Men are not rational. That is why Libertarianism and Objectivism, unfortunately, don't work.

Libertarianism is not based on the assumption that man is rational. But it is based on the concept of personal responsibility and privacy.

Scandall

 

[cobraboy]

Libertarianism is not based on the assumption that man is rational. But it is based on the concept of personal responsibility and privacy.

Scandall

You swerved into the truth of my comment.

Personal responsibility and privacy are rational concepts. The weak minded (the non-rational) shun personal responsibility. And the world is populated prolly 90% by those who do not want to be personally responsible for themselves. They want someone else or ~government~ to be responsible for them.

Enforced social transfer payments ("tax the rich/government programs for the poor") is a perfect example of not being rersponsible for ones self.

Statism/socialism/liberalism and personal responsibility are on opposite ends of the same spectrum.

Scandall-how did you score on the political test I linked?

 

[Chris]

What would be an equivalent 'label' for liberarianism in countries outside the US or Canada? Is this term even used outside of North America?

 

[RHM]

You swerved into the truth of my comment.

Personal responsibility and privacy are rational concepts. The weak minded (the non-rational) shun personal responsibility. And the world is populated prolly 90% by those who do not want to be personally responsible for themselves. They want someone else or ~government~ to be responsible for them.

Enforced social transfer payments ("tax the rich/government programs for the poor") is a perfect example of not being rersponsible for ones self.

Statism/socialism/liberalism and personal responsibility are on opposite ends of the same spectrum.

Scandall-how did you score on the political test I linked?

I took that test for the first time many moons ago and didn't bother taking it again as I know my own political beliefs pretty well. I have been a registered Democrat and Republican. Then I was independent for several years and finally ended up as a registered Libertarian. I do not support the entire platform but I do support the general foundation of the party.

I have to continue to part ways with you on the "rational actor" assumption. Most libertarians could care less how other people act, they just want to be left alone to do their own thing. Just my two pesos. Opinions vary.

Scandall

 

[Chirimoya]

Scandall-how did you score on the political test I linked?

I missed that - was it the political compass (or something like that)?

What would be an equivalent 'label' for liberarianism in countries outside the US or Canada? Is this term even used outside of North America?

It's "libertarianism" and it is a definition used in UK politics. As well as being in favour of reducing the state in the UK itself they are also very much against the European Union. There is more overlap with Conservatives with anything else.

 

[cobraboy]

I have to continue to part ways with you on the "rational actor" assumption. Most libertarians could care less how other people act, they just want to be left alone to do their own thing. Just my two pesos. Opinions vary.

Scandall

No need to part ways. We continue to agree.

I am a Libertarian, and act that way, as much as practical, in my personal sphere of influence. But I am a self-sufficient, rational person.

But Libertarianism as a government philosophy has no future. Too many folks depend on the government teat for their existance.

I'm a big fan of the deceased Harry Browne, a mainstream Libertarian who ran for president in 1996 and 2000 (I was the County Chairman for his campaign). He wrote an excellent book on the topic of personal Libertarianism, and how to effectively function within the governmental system: How I Found Freedom in an Unfree World. His book, Why Government Doesn't Work, is an excellent read also.

 

[cobraboy]

I missed that - was it the political compass (or something like that)?

Try this: Click Here-->World's Smallest Political Quiz.

 

[Chirimoya]

Thanks.
Same principle as the political compass quiz, but simplified.

 

[RHM]

No need to part ways. We continue to agree.

I am a Libertarian, and act that way, as much as practical, in my personal sphere of influence. But I am a self-sufficient, rational person.

But Libertarianism as a government philosophy has no future. Too many folks depend on the government teat for their existance.

I'm a big fan of the deceased Harry Browne, a mainstream Libertarian who ran for president in 1996 and 2000 (I was the County Chairman for his campaign). He wrote an excellent book on the topic of personal Libertarianism, and how to effectively function within the governmental system: How I Found Freedom in an Unfree World. His book, Why Government Doesn't Work, is an excellent read also.

I was a big fan of Browne too. He wrote several great books on American Libertarian thought that had me nodding my head in agreement as I read them. That was when I joined the Libertarian Party. Its platform is far from perfect but I agree with most of it.

Scandall

 

[cobraboy]

I was a big fan of Browne too. He wrote several great books on American Libertarian thought that had me nodding my head in agreement as I read them. That was when I joined the Libertarian Party. Its platform is far from perfect but I agree with most of it.

Scandall

I joined the LP when my membership # was low 4-digits, and the newsletter came out in 3 pages of purple memeograph paper stapled together and hand addressed (early 80's). I agree with them maybe 80+%, the 'Pubs maybe 60%, but the Dems only 20-30%.

I was also a personal fan of Andre Marrou, a really neat guy. I was the county chairman for his '92 bid.

 

[NALs]

Now now, don't get slippery here. You placed two responses, one in response to my post, (quoted) and one general (no quote to anyone).

Btw, the family and I will be in your neck of the woods in the next few weeks. Your school is my husband's alma mater and we're attending a happening. Want to have a beer or coffee together?

Check your PM.

-NALs

 

[Texas Bill]

Next poll: DR1ers and their religion

And, Nals, don't forget us, the dyslexic, agnostic insomniacs, who lie awake at night contemplating the meaning of dog.

Or, contemplating your navel while sitting on the throne???

Texas Bill