a thoughtful web.
Good ideas and conversation. No ads, no tracking.   Login or Take a Tour!
comment by Panopticon
Panopticon  ·  3768 days ago  ·  link  ·    ·  parent  ·  post: NLPD: Non-Libertarian Police Department

About the statement from the opening paragraph: "as if libertarians object to the state enforcing property rights" - why do libertarians accept state monopoly over the property rights industry, but disapprove of other state industries? If the basis of libertarianism is a moral one (such as the oft-cited non-aggression principle), isn't this an outright moral failing on the part of libertarians? Shouldn't they disapprove of all infringements upon property rights (taxation)?





wasoxygen  ·  3765 days ago  ·  link  ·  

It's a broad label, one used by people who hold a variety of beliefs.

You might find the "anarcho-capitalist" position more consistent, as it advocates the complete elimination of the state.

Minarchism is a more moderate view, which acknowledges a need for a minimal "night watchman" state to provide services like enforcement of property rights.

Panopticon  ·  3764 days ago  ·  link  ·  

One could say that stealing half of someone's money is the moderate position (in comparison to stealing their whole wallet) but I was led to believe libertarianism is based on a fundamental moral belief. Inconsistent is a nice, polite word for this, I guess.

user-inactivated  ·  3762 days ago  ·  link  ·  
This comment has been deleted.