[Texaggie79]

The "state" is ultimately the people. Why do I not have a right to live in a community with common values? Why should we be forced to tolerate such destructive activities in our streets and neighborhoods?

Why shouldn't states be allowed to decide for themselves? If you were in power, would you FORCE all states to take a Libertarian stance on all these things, thereby destroying the greatest gift our founders gave us?

[Protagoras]

Libertarian stance on all these things, thereby destroying the greatest gift our founders gave us?

The gift to violate the rights of others? They never gave that "gift".

[The Green Goblin]

The "state" is ultimately the people. Why do I not have a right to live in a community with common values?

So if I live in a community of racists, I should have the right to force minorities out of my neighborhood?

[steve-b]

The "state" is ultimately the people.

Nonsense. I didn't burn eighty men, women, and children. I didn't sell nuclear secrets to China. I didn't commit any of a depressingly lengthy list of infamous crimes perpetrated by state agents.

If you were in power, would you FORCE all states to take a Libertarian stance on all these things

  "You don't like the Goths?"
  "No! Not with the persecution we have to put up with!"
  "Persecution?" Padway raised his eyebrows.
  "Religious persecution. We wont stand for it forever."
  "I thought the Goths let everybody worship as they pleased."
  "That's just it! We Orthodox are forced to stand around and watch Arians and Monophysites and Nestorians and Jews going about their business unmolested, as if they owned the country. If that isn't persecution, I'd like to know what is!"
      --L. Sprague deCamp (Lest Darkness Fall)

[FreeTally]

The "state" is ultimately the people. Why do I not have a right to live in a community with common values?

You have that right, but the catch is EVERYONE has to agree to these "common values". If everyone does not agree, then you are initiating force.

Why should we be forced to tolerate such destructive activities in our streets and neighborhoods?

There you go again with the word "force". And again, I tell you to BUY ALL THE PROPERTY AROUND YOU, and it will be YOUR community. First, you tell us that we own everyone's body except ours, and now you say we own everyone's property except ours. At least you are consistent.

Why shouldn't states be allowed to decide for themselves?

Come one tex, you know states can not "decide for themselves" right now. We have been through this dozens of times. And yes, specifically me, you and OWK.

If you were in power, would you FORCE all states to take a Libertarian stance on all these things, thereby destroying the greatest gift our founders gave us?

Oh, come on. The reliance upon "libertarian stances" IS the definition of non-force. Anything to the contrary IS FORCE. So yes, STATES would be "forced" to not "initiate force".

[steve-b]

Why do I not have a right to live in a community with common values?

You have that right. There are no border guards keeping you in the country.

[gjenkins]

"Why do I not have a right to live in a community with common values?"

You do insomuch as there are others who share those values and are willing to work with you. You do not have that luxury when government decides what values everyone must promote and support. Democracy as a tool for promoting your values is fine only as long as you are in the majority, otherwise the implicit value that you share is the subjugation to majority rule.