Don’t put too much stake in all the “movement” drama, or in any particular individual, organization, or event. Whatever else happens along the way, changing minds is what matters.
Tag: government
Marine Le Pen and the Growing Scourge of Nationalism
While I certainly do not expect to see Marine Le Pen secure a victory in the upcoming French Presidential runoff election, even her ascendency to such a race represents yet another (once) surprising victory for the strain of nationalistic populism which has been sweeping the globe in recent years. From the Philippines to Great Britain to the United States to Turkey to France (and many other similar examples as well), we are witnessing the reversal of a trend at least 70 years in the making.
Unlucky vs. Evil
I don’t for a second believe the person who committed negligent homicide intended to cause harm. Yes he made bad choices, but so do we all. But cops make the conscious decision to do what they do; they intend to commit the acts they commit–acts of enforcement of counterfeit “laws”–in exchange for stolen money.
Proud of The Bad Guys?
It’s a terrible shame when someone chooses to throw their life away in service to a gang of nasty thugs. That shame is compounded by delusional friends and family who think this tragic turn of events is something to be proud of. It’s most certainly NOT.
Is Taxation Theft? Yes and No
Whether the government-based practice of taxation is theft depends on whether said government has jurisdiction over those they tax. Whether said government has jurisdiction over those they tax depends on whether said government’s laws outlining jurisdiction apply to anyone.
Liberty Butts
It’s interesting to me how committed most people are to liberty. Liberty… but not if it means leaving people alone to do things I don’t like. Liberty… unless it means I can’t control other people. Liberty… except when people want to use their property in ways that annoy me.
Who Will Build The Roads? Anarchists.
The Portland anarchists at PARC are out to fix more roads and serve their community, by voluntary action. Without government permission and at government dismay. Only few anarchists are bandana-wearing, Molotov cocktail-wielding protestors, while many are peaceful, liberty-loving people who want to help their community via voluntary association.
Spontaneous Order is Not an Engineered Outcome
I’m convinced that the kind of laws, customs, and government that reign at any time in a society largely reflect that society’s ideologies. If I am correct about this matter, then libertarianism – just like “Progressivism,” Nazism, Talibanism, or any other ism – cannot be imposed in a way that lasts for any length of time.
23 Ways Big Government Is Hurting the Poor
Advocates for big government often equate expanding government with concern for the poor. But reality speaks to the contrary: Expanding government often has very harmful effects on the poor.
“Spurious Quotes”
It bothers me when a quote which is truthful is doubted just because the “famous person” the quote is attributed to may not have ever said it.
Truth isn’t propped up by the person who says it; people are raised up by the truth they speak.