Targeting Libertarians with Clever Humor…and Not-So-Clever Humor

Townhall.com ^ | September 15, 2014 | Daniel J. Mitchell

[ConservingFreedom]

What exactly do you want me to tell you?

As I said: How well has that "defense" worked and with what unintended negative consequences?

And are those behaviors less malum in se than the Biblically-condemned practice of neglecting the needs of the poor? What ought the governmental arm of society do regarding that wrong?

[ConservingFreedom]

My bad.

That much we can agree on. You can make yourself clear - or not. No skin off my nose either way.

[BenLurkin]

Oh........you want me to answer your questions.

I have a better idea. Tell us what you think.

That way it is a discussion -- and not a failed cross-examination.

[BenLurkin]

Libertarianism (big L) is a utopian vision; an elegant theory. But as a wiser man then myself once observed:

“In theory there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice there is.”

[ConservingFreedom]

Legal banning as a "defense" against drug use and prostitution has worked poorly; while e.g. two-thirds of murders are solved, the percentage of acts of drug use and prostitution that even become known to the authorities is assuredly orders of magnitude smaller. The scant success of this "defense" has come with severe unintended negative consequences - most notably putting big ban-inflated profits into the hands of criminals.

Further, those behaviors are not substantially (if at all) less malum in se than the Biblically-condemned practice of neglecting the needs of the poor - which I've never seen any social conservative agree should be penalized by government (nor do I think it should be).

Your turn - tell us why you disagree.

[BenLurkin]

See post 124

[ConservingFreedom]

Libertarianism (big L) is a utopian vision; an elegant theory. But as a wiser man then myself once observed:

“In theory there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice there is.”

I'm not aware of any practical problems with limiting government to the defense of individual rights. Are you? Seems to me that's a mantra of the liberals: 'Freedom can't work.'

[ConservingFreedom]

Nonresponsive - in post #125 I show the practical failings of your social conservative policies.

[BenLurkin]

I’m not trying to convince you of anything — and even if I were, I would not submit to cross-examination by you.

You disagree with my opinions regarding Libertarianism, and that’s okay. I know you’re not trying to shout me down just because we disagree.

[ConservingFreedom]

I’m not trying to convince you of anything —

Nor I you; I'm using this exchange to address open minds.

and even if I were, I would not submit to cross-examination by you.

My stating my views and then asking you why you disagree is a "cross-examination"?

You disagree with my opinions regarding Libertarianism, and that’s okay. I know you’re not trying to shout me down just because we disagree.

I'm pointing out the numerous flaws in your arguments - if the sound is painful for you, I can't help that.

[ConservingFreedom]

How could you forget to say who "admits they prefer taxes" and in exactly what words?

[Responsibility2nd]

I know your’re dense. But my original claim was also questioned and answered.

Try to keep up.

[BenLurkin]

If I ever get around to making any arguments — feel free to point out any flaws. I assure you I will feel no pain from anything you might say.

The Libertarians I have met have all been very bright people. Smart cookies, every one.

I have no doubt that they can give a well-reasoned explanation as to why drug addiction is decent and prostitution is humane.

[zeugma]

The only other threads where you see such rabid responses are those relating to Apple Inc.

[morphing libertarian]

This is your acknowledgement of the decent and humane lie yo untold earlier.

You’re right I’ve learned not to expect honestly from you.

Go play with your nanny state friends.

[ConservingFreedom]

These libs ADMIT they prefer taxes.

ml prefers certain taxes over others - nothing unconservative about that comparative statement.

[morphing libertarian]

Tired of looking for any logic. When some one posts lies and distortions hard to believe they want to hear anything to the contrary.

Theses threads pop up a few times a week. Mostly same crap from one or two people.

Gets boring and tiresome.

[morphing libertarian]

They want confiscatory taxes but not tax revenue form things in which we can decide to not participate.

Got no response to that point I made earlier.

Sorry I’m out of this thread.

[BenLurkin]

No, FRiend. I will not allow you to shout me down simply because you do not like what I have to say.

And a Friendly word of advice, if I may: Don’t be so thin skinned. It’s bad for your blood pressure.

[ConservingFreedom]

If I ever get around to making any arguments

Oh, you have - in your tendentious characterizations, e.g., "Now....what to do about other malum in se behaviors such as drug use and prostitution? So far, society ( American society) has refused to be left defenseless against those particular offenses against society."

feel free to point out any flaws.

Done.