Why I’m a Libertarian Nut Instead of Just a Nut

The Glenn Beck Program ^ | July 1, 2009 | Penn Jillette

[astyanax]

Thanks, that was an interesting (and thought-provoking) read.

[r-q-tek86]

Between Penn and John Stossel, I find very little I disagree with.

[HoustonTech]

I agree. Penn is a nut.

[SJSAMPLE]

I love his show, “Bullshit!” and I agree with much of what he says.

However, even when I don’t agree, at least I can give him credit for the intellectual honesty of his arguments.

[KarlInOhio]

What does Teller have to say about this?

People try to argue that government isn’t really force. You believe that? Try not paying your taxes. (This is only a thought experiment though -- suggesting someone not pay their taxes is probably a federal offense, and while I may be a nut, I’m not crazy.) When they come to get you for not paying your taxes, try not going to court. Guns will be drawn. Government is force.

And those parts of government where the fact that government is about force and violence is openly admitted are the most effective parts of government (like the military) while the parts where they try to hide the inherent violence of government behind a smiley face are the least effective parts (like just about any welfare program).

[cripplecreek]

Wasn’t it Penn and Teller who went to an earth day rally and got people to sign a petition to outlaw dihydrogen monoxide (water)?

Seems like even the rally organizer signed it.

[astyanax]

Between Penn and John Stossel, I find very little I disagree with.
Is John Stossel also a Libertarian?
Those two make much more sense than most of the RINOs.

[SJSAMPLE]

Yep.

And the episodes on gun contol and “recycling”.

Great stuff and very informative.

[r-q-tek86]

Is John Stossel also a Libertarian?

Idon't know if he is a "card-carrying" libertarian, but everything I've seen from him seems to fit the description.

[dangerdoc]

Nice words.

Lets see if backs them with any actions.

[r-q-tek86]

Wasn’t it Penn and Teller who went to an earth day rally and got people to sign a petition to outlaw dihydrogen monoxide (water)?

Along the same lines, The Man Show started a petition to end women's suffrage. Hysterical.

[T-Bird45]

at least I can give him credit for the intellectual honesty of his arguments.

Absolutely on point. I would, however, think that Mr. Jillette would be more properly identified as a libertarian (note the lower case) rather than a Libertarian (note the upper case) as his arguments centered on use of force, the basis of any libertarian discussion. The Libertarian Party, on the other hand, tends more towards anarchy, especially when it comes to drugs. JMHO, YMMV...

[cripplecreek]

Along the same lines, The Man Show started a petition to end women's suffrage. Hysterical.

LOL I saw that one too. Idiots.

[r-q-tek86]

Nice words.

Lets see if [he?] backs them with any actions.

I think his television show is pretty good action. He presents these views in a way that can appeal to people without it being tied to politics.

[astyanax]

Anyone know of a decent site that “rates” your political leanings?
Other than generally having to vote “against” the dems, I wouldn’t consider myself a republican, either (at least not as they currently stand.)
I’m a big fan of the Constitution, low taxes and small gov’t.
Is “conservative” close enough?

[enduserindy]

Don’t mean to single you out this is for all, where’s the love for EVERY other libertarian? Most posts relating to them make them out to be the lowest of the low.

[r-q-tek86]

Anyone know of a decent site that “rates” your political leanings?

I've seen one or two in the past, but I would have to search to find them again. From your self-description, you sound like a (little l) libertarian

[astyanax]

If you don’t mind (and to further flaunt my ignorance,) what’s the difference between a “libertarian” and a “Libertarian”?

[T-Bird45]

Conservative works for me. Perhaps the modifier of Constitutional Conservative might be a better fit.