Quote:
Originally posted by ARTelevision
Is libertarianism something more than "me-ism" dressed up as a potentially viable political alternative? Isn't it really about the egoistic, even anarchic, aspects of each individual's childish dream of being autonomous? I see not much more to it than the insistence that government leave its adherents alone with the fulfillment of their desires - even the anti-social ones. It has a simple charm, I suppose. But how does one actually create and govern a vast and complex organized society constructed to uphold the single principle, "do not limit my personal notion of the freedom to do exactly what I want to do"?
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Well, I was almost done for the night until I reread this.
Sure, Art, I think you're right in some ways. I'd say that libertarianism has a lot to do with fulfilling your own, if at times antisocial, desires. It does for me, anyway. You might see it as egoistsic, and that's fine. Anarchic? In some points. I want the government there to see that I'm going to be safe. I don't think they're there to administer health care in the event that I'm not, however. That comes at the expense of the people, and I think it should come at the expense of each individual person. Maybe that's just me, but I like having the choice of where I go to for my health care, and not having to pay
more just because other people, many who don't pay taxes in the first place, are more sick than I am. Take that as self-centered; it most certainly is. I worked for money that I want to spend on myself or in a way that I choose. It's not too difficult.
I don't think you have the principle correct. It's "limit my personal notion of freedom to that which I can do that doesn't inhibit others' personal freedoms." Or something to that effect.
OK, I'm finally done. Y'all have a good night.