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.