Political foo: The Parable of the Shoes

[alpharaposa]

http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/277788/tyranny-typical-jonah-goldberg

A brief peek into libertarian thought.

Comments

[zeeth_kyrah]

We've had privatized fire and police services in the US. The government took over because private services failed to provide fully for the public good.

[yechezkiel.livejournal.com]

Yet, privatized security forces provide some of the best protection umbrellas in American urban centers; see the University of Chicago security or the University of Pennsylvania's. While I am not a libertarian, there is a stark difference between a city sub–contracting its police force, and truly privatized security as seen on campuses, businesses or even some neighborhoods. I don't think privatization is an answer for law–enforcement and procedure, but it is superior for security.

A truly private fire service would either be a public risk or as prone to free–riding as any tax–based system. Not really much of a solution, just a moral band–aid for the group of libertarians who are such because of a belief that taxation in itself is theft.

[zeeth_kyrah]

Every time I see a Brinks truck hauling money, I remember: it was Brinks security men who shot union protestors and organizers. Yes, private companies do provide excellent security, but I don't think we need private militaries.

[xaq.livejournal.com]

I love that excuse of "turning back the clock."

Turning it back to when, exactly? When the DOW was closing in on 15,000? When unemployment was below 3%? When the government didn't seem to be on the verge of shutting down every 10 minutes?

Those don't seem like bad times to turn it back to.

[stryck.livejournal.com]

Jonah Goldberg writes a weekly newsletter called the G-File. This week, he had a throwaway line about those of us riding our stocks like Slim Pickens on an ICBM.

If only Obama would stop talking, I think things would improve. Every time he gives a speech, the Dow tanks.

[xaq.livejournal.com]

Where's an old-fashioned case of laryngitis when you need it? :[

One other thing I suppose I could have mentioned in my last comment: I don't think too many people would mind turning the clock back to when fuel prices were low enough that $20 would get you a full tank.