Myths and Truths about Libertarianism

[BucEyedPea]

"Libertarianism is the fastest growing political creed in America today. Before judging and evaluating libertarianism, it is vitally important to find out precisely what that doctrine is, and, more particularly, what it is not. It is especially important to clear up a number of misconceptions about libertarianism that are held by most people, and particularly by conservatives. In this essay I shall enumerate and critically analyze the most common myths that are held about libertarianism. When these are cleared away, people will then be able to discuss libertarianism free of egregious myths and misconceptions, and to deal with it as it should be on its very own merits or demerits." ~ Murray N. Rothbard. a founder of modern libertarianism


Just for starters

[notorious]

The link was to a fun test I found on a quick search. Don't take it seriously.

[BucEyedPea]

Originally Posted by notorious

The link was to a fun test I found on a quick search. Don't take it seriously.

I know those tests online are just for fun. I just wanted to point out those things because they were glaring mis-fits. ( as well as vouchers )

[BucEyedPea]

Originally Posted by listopencil

No, I didn't claim that Rand was/is a Libertarian. She applied a lot of labels to herself,

A lot? I only know of one—Objectivist, because that's actually a philosophy she developed.

May I ask what these many labels were?

...and tended to overthink things a bit, sometimes getting tripped up in her own short sightedness. I think that arguments over what a "Libertarian" is are by their very nature somewhat unproductive. In a purely political sense the argument is no more productive then trying to determine what a Republican or Democrat is.

I think that applies to R and D more than libertarian. I mean libertarian is a philosophy. However, if it's unproductive, why discuss it at all?

What I have more of an issue with, is people not really familiarizing themselves with something enough to really know what it stands for, especially not knowing the founders of it, and labeling themselves incorrectly. It's political illiteracy.

[La literatura]

Originally Posted by BucEyedPea

A lot? I only know of one—Objectivist, because that's actually a philosophy she developed.





I think that applies to R and D more than libertarian. I mean libertarian is a philosophy. However, if it's unproductive, why discuss it at all?

What I have more of an issue with, is people not really familiarizing themselves with something enough to really know what it stands for, especially not knowing the founders of it, and labeling themselves incorrectly. It's political illiteracy.

I have a problem with people whose worldview is written up for them in stone by columnists on lewrockwell.com.

[Taco John]

I hate libertarians because they don't fit into my idea of what a libertarian should be.

/every leftist I know

[Taco John]

Originally Posted by La literatura

I have a problem with people whose worldview is written up for them in stone by columnists on lewrockwell.com.

As opposed to The New York Times?

[listopencil]

Originally Posted by BucEyedPea

A lot? I only know of one—Objectivist, because that's actually a philosophy she developed.

May I ask what these many labels were?

She self identified as a capitalist, an egoist, an objectivist and a romantic off the top of my head.

I think that applies to R and D more than libertarian. I mean libertarian is a philosophy. However, if it's unproductive, why discuss it at all?

What I have more of an issue with, is people not really familiarizing themselves with something enough to really know what it stands for, especially not knowing the founders of it, and labeling themselves incorrectly. It's political illiteracy.

The concept of Libertarianism is broad enough that it is worthwhile to discuss in some situations yet almost pointless in others.

[La literatura]

Originally Posted by Taco John

As opposed to The New York Times?

Now there's a good forum.

[Taco John]