DU Discusses Libertarianism

Democratic Underground ^

[Dakmar]

Huh? My politcal philosophy doesn't hinge on every moment to spout about how the fate of the republic hangs on the right to smoke dope(I will give you a hint of who they are, Lib-rtar-ans).

Your political philosophy seems to be geared around attacking anyone who might have some point, large or small, that they agree with libertarians on. Then you try to smear them with your "doper" brush. It's wearing thin.

[Celtjew Libertarian]

Sorry. I don't use illegal drugs; never have; never will.

[Dane]

You speak as if Harry Browne speaks for everyone with libertarian leanings. I assure you, he doesn't

I see that you haven't been around FR too long. You weren't around here in election season 2000, when Harry was the Libertarian "god".

[Celtjew Libertarian]

No sarcasm intended, but how do you approach gun-control from a liberal perspective. Now, a radical left perspective -- see left-Anarchist singer Leslie Fish, for example -- I can see.

[fnord]

You may be right. Certainly most of the songwriters of that era (or this) would want it to mean what you see in it. I know nothing of Alvin Lee (writer?) either, but when I first heard it as a kid when it came out, it struck a chord in me. Maybe I misinterpreted and am giving him way too much credit, lol.

[Celtjew Libertarian]

I am sure we can show you more intolerance in the future.

Wouldn't count. You had to be prompted. 8>)

[Celtjew Libertarian]

When they're wishing harm to my kids, for my political beliefs, they're not my "brothers in arms."

[Celtjew Libertarian]

DING DING DING! You, my friend, win a cigar. This is the Quote of the Week.

Thanks. But the week is young and I may yet be trumped.

[muir_redwoods]

Perhaps you've heard the old saw that "Capitalism distributes wealth unequally but Socialism distributes poverty equally"

[jackbob]

Leftists are much more prone to use ad hominen and other name-calling, and the use of 'magic words' that are supposed to stop all argument (racist, McCarthyite, gun lobby, you know the drill) .

Yes, I agree completely. They are much dirtier fighters. They also tend to hide, disguise, and quite often out right lie, far more than conservatives do. They have the same view of conservatives. But I can say, having traversed both camps, they are far more deceitful.

I've criticized Reagan policies to conservatives but I've never been called a 'Reagan-hater'; but it's impossible to discuss any Cl*nt*n scandal with a leftie without being called a Cl*nt*n-hater.

On this one, I don't agree. I don't ever remember meeting a Clinton supporter who was not ready on a pin drop to criticize the heck out of him. They just were not about to do it as a part of a any conservative agenda (no matter how small - even in little 3 person office chit chat).

One note though is worth making here. They are always unable to stay on subject. If talking about Clintons faults, they will always add a Republicans fault to the conversation.

[Virginia-American]

I keep hearing about all the l*b*r*ls who want to end the drug war, but all I'm aware of is a few D*m*cr*ts (not x42, not the Gov of CA, both of whom tried to stop the medipot initiative) who kinda go along with medical marijuana. Are there really any lefties who want to fire all the drug warriors, not spend all that money, not have an excuse for jailing minorities, etc, or have they really changed since W*ls*n's and FDR's time?

[Celtjew Libertarian]

My own experience is more akin to Celtjew Libertarian's that jackbob's. Leftists are much more prone to use ad hominen and other name-calling, and the use of 'magic words' that are supposed to stop all argument (racist, McCarthyite, gun lobby, you know the drill).

Funny thing is that I've ended up in some discussions with leftists where they started flaming me (or others) with some of the most anti-Gay language I've heard. This isn't common, but it is frequent enough to be very interesting.

[Zon]

("The poor have to use old replicators that can take an entire minute to make dinner, and many of them can only afford to take off-planet vacations once a year....")

ROTFL!!!

That's almost fitting for the old (now defunct) NT zoo. Amusing clowns, aren't they -- DUers that is.

[Celtjew Libertarian]

I see that you haven't been around FR too long. You weren't around here in election season 2000, when Harry was the Libertarian "god".

For the record, I voted for Bush.

[Dakmar]

It's a nice thought, but still the stuff of science fiction. I guess I shouldn't ever say 'never' when I mean "in the forseeable future". Also, megawealthy also means powerful (to me, anyway, in current context), not just blessed with material possesions.

Thank you for envisioning a happy outcome for all of humanity, though, I hope you are proven correct.

[tpaine]

Good grief --- Does your insane anti-libertarian babble have no end?

Harry Browne has never been a 'god' here or anywhere.

[except your sick & fevered brain]

[tdadams]

Libertarians are liberals who don't have the balls to admit it.

I admit to being a classical liberal, but I'd probably have to explain that to you. Hint: it's not the same as 'leftist' or 'statist'.

[gjenkins]

"I don't know whether he has balls or is just ignorant."

He is an avatar keyboard warrior. God bless his angry ol' heart. Thigh highs are the only boots he probably wears ... or waders.

[Celtjew Libertarian]

"Liberal" got hijacked and I've never been sure whether to blame the left or George H.W. Bush's 1988 campaign.

[Dakmar]

Perhaps you've heard the old saw that "Capitalism distributes wealth unequally but Socialism distributes poverty equally"

I've never heard it put exactly that way, but I believe it is 100% correct. Do you know who said that originally?