Why Conservatives Should Reject Libertarianism

National Review | Ernest van den Haag

[jrp]

I quit reading when I realized the author does not
know the difference between a libertarian (constitutionally
limited govt) and an anarchist (no government). The guy
is an idiot.

[BluesDuke]

Libertarians oppose public courts, laws, police, armies, roads, parks, education, health. They want no government whatsoever.

Right then and there, it becomes a waste of time and mind to contend further with this essay and its author. He has confused, apparently willfully, the critical distinction between properly construed and minimal (underline that, gang) government and the improperly consecrated and maximal State as being a furtive desire for anarchy. A libertarian rejects not the umpire but any presumption that he can call the elbows and hips the shoulders and knees.

[Hank Rearden]

you oppose "HEALTH"?!?! you mean you oppose _government_ healthCare...right? Maybe your for the libertarian party for the legal drugs. eh?

Humor, for some reason, appears lost on you right there.

And George Bush is the one arguing for "free" drugs, so what in the hell does that tell you? I don't think anyone who wants to use drugs of any sort gives a sh&t what Stupid Government "thinks" about it. I sure don't; these are people who could only get government jobs, after all - I'm not impressed.

[BluesDuke]

And George Bush is the one arguing for "free" drugs...

I can just see it now. The next waggish T-shirt to hit big around the political chambers: Front: I believe in a drug-free America... Back: ...and I want my free drugs now!

[Bob Mc]

"The libertarians are a fringe political movement with very little relevance to the real world."

True indeed! The "real world" sheeple mostly favor either some form of socialism/communism or totalitarian tyranny. They haven't the faintest interest or understanding of what libertarianism really is. The author of this article is a perfect example. Sad indeed.

[Conservative til I die]

Thanks for posting this. Its obviously a good article, judging by the vitriol coming from the usual vile creeps from the Libertarian Party.

Truth is like throwing water on the Wicked Witch to them.

[Conservative til I die]

You be the judge. I guess the Libertarian strategy of "A crackpipe in every home" isn't working!

3rd Party Results In General Elections

2000 Election Results

George W. Ralph Nader Winona LaDuke Green 2,882,897 2.74%
Patrick Buchanan Ezola Foster Reform 449,102 0.43%
Harry Browne Art Olivier Libertarian 384,429 0.36%
Other - - 232,930 0.22%

1996 Election Results

H. Ross Perot Pat Choate Reform 8,085,402 8.40%
Ralph Nader Winona LaDuke Green 685,128 0.71%
Harry Browne Jo Jorgensen Libertarian 485,798 0.50%
Other - - 420,194 0.44%

1992 Election Results

H. Ross Perot James Stockdale Independent 19,742,240 18.91%
Andre Marrau Nancy Lord Libertarian 291,631 0.28%
Other - - 378,532 0.36%

1988 Election Results

Ron Paul Andre Marrou Libertarian 432,181 0.47%

1984 Election Results

David Bergland James Lewis Libertarian 228,314 0.24%

1980 Election Results

John Anderson Patrick Lucey Nat'l Union 5,720,060 6.61%
Ed Clark David Koch Libertarian 921,299 1.06%

1976 Election Results

*No data available for Libertarians*
Eugene McCarthy Various Independent 756,691 0.93%

1972 Election Results

John Schmitz Thomas Anderson Independent 1,099,482 1.41%
John Hospers Theodora Nathan Libertarian 3,673 0.00% (LOL!)

[Ben Ficklin]

Libertarians create a lot of smoke, but not much fire!

[Ben Ficklin]

If the libertarians were to merge with the "other" party, they would be up over 1/2 %.

[Valpal1]

Capitalism: Sources of Hostility
Education as an Industry.
The Jewish Mystique
Passion and Social Constraint
Punishing Criminals : Concerning Very Old & Painful Question
U.S. Ends and Means in Central America:A Debate
The Death Penalty
Political Violence and Civil Disobedience
The social setting of homosexuality; an address

These are just a few of van den Haag's published writing. He is a very learned philosopher and legal scholar, in several languages.

It would be nice to see a reasoned explanation of Libertarian Philosophy/Theory rather than kneejerk name calling. Last time I looked (extremely not recent) they seemed to be advocating a society ala Bob Heinlein's "Friday". Has it changed?

[Exnihilo]

What are you waiting for Storm Orphan??? To get banned a second time?

[unamused]

Tax rape of the public is not codified under the Libertarian Platform....

[OWK]

At least you actually read this one first.

(not that it's really any better than your pro-communist post)

[Bob Mc]

"Libertarians create a lot of smoke, but not much fire!"

I have no idea what this really means, other than it appears to be a silly insult.