Posted on 09/15/2014 8:33:27 AM PDT by Kaslin
I’m very depressed that my beloved Georgia Bulldogs lost to the South Carolina Gamecocks. So instead of writing about a serious topic, we’re going to enjoy some laughs today by reviewing some new anti-libertarian humor.
I’m a libertarian, of course, as are all decent and humane people.
But I appreciate clever humor, even when I’m the target. This video about Somalia being a libertarian paradise, for instance, is an excellent example of political satire. It takes a stereotype and milks it for some great laughs.
I also have to tip my proverbial hat to the person who put together this image of libertarian utopia.
It’s misleading, of course, since libertarians either have no problem with local paramedic services or they believe in private contracting of such services. But for purposes of humor, this image is great satire since it combines the stereotype of libertarians being all about profit and the stereotype of no basic government services in a libertarian world.
If you liked the above image, here’s some additional anti-libertarian satire that is similarly amusing.
Now let’s look at some anti-libertarian humor that falls flat.
As I suggested above, political humor effective is effective when it seizes on something that is true and then applies that stereotype to an absurd situation.
But this next image makes no sense. It implies that there will be more violent, drug-related crime in the absence of prohibition.
But there’s lot of violence surrounding marijuana and other drugs precisely because they are illegal and that creates lucrative opportunities for sellers in the black market.
Simply stated, if you end drug prohibition, then criminal gangs and cartels will lose their markets.
If you don’t believe me, ask yourself why there was lots of violence during the Al Capone era in the 1920, whereas you don’t see Heineken and Anheuser-Busch engaging in shoot outs today.
Or let’s look at the issue from another perspective. What if the lifestyle fascists banned cigarettes. Right now, with cigarettes being legal, there’s no violence between Philip Morris and R.J. Reynolds. But imagine what would happen if cigarettes went underground and their distribution was controlled by thugs? Of course there would be violence.
I’m not trying to turn this post into a lecture on drug prohibition, so I’ll stop here. But I did want to expose the intellectual vapidity of the person who put together the second image.
By the way, some of my libertarian friends complain when I share anti-libertarian humor. I have three responses.
1. I share lots of humor mocking statists and regular readers know that advocates of bigger government are my main targets.
2. Self-confident people should have the ability to laugh at themselves and libertarians (thanks in part to Obama) have ample reason to be confident of their ideas.
3. I’m more than happy to share pro-libertarian humor. The only problem is that I’ve only found a handful of examples.
Libertarian Jesus scolding modern statists.
This poster about confused statists.
The libertarian version of a sex fantasy.
So feel free to send any new material my way. All (good) political humor is appreciated.
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?
That much we can agree on. You can make yourself clear - or not. No skin off my nose either way.
I have a better idea. Tell us what you think.
That way it is a discussion -- and not a failed cross-examination.
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.”
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.
See post 124
“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.'
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.
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.
I know your’re dense. But my original claim was also questioned and answered.
Try to keep up.
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.
The only other threads where you see such rabid responses are those relating to Apple Inc.
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.
ml prefers certain taxes over others - nothing unconservative about that comparative statement.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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