Comments on: UPDATED: Libertarianism Lite (Small “l,” Please)

By: Robert Glisson

Robert Glisson — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 01:07:59 +0000

“SMALL L, PLEASE. Guys: We’re talking small “l” libertarianism. Capital “L” Libertarainism refers to the Libertarian political Party.” Sorry, weren’t thinking, no excuse. Further correction- “libertarianism lite sings the virtue of someday a doper can toke a joint in public.”

By: Robert Glisson

Robert Glisson — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 13:19:28 +0000

Probably redundant; however, the way I see Libertarianism [sic] is that there should not be laws restraining a person’s private liberty. An example being that I should be able to go to a pharmacy and obtain a medicine for a common malady without having to get a doctor’s permission. However, Libertarianism sings the virtue of someday a doper can toke a joint in public. Open borders libs, miss colonization for diversity. In other words, ‘Lites’ have no real substance.

By: Myron Pauli

Myron Pauli — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 12:18:12 +0000

One of the best examples of libertinism being mixed up with Classical Liberalism is Bill Maher’s characterization of himself as a “libertarian” which basically meant that he wanted his sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll. As you point out, the lifestyle brand does not challenge the state in terms of taxation, economic regulation, and warmaking – e.g. the welfare warfare Leviathan.

However, because lifestyle is the responsibility of the (adult) individual, it is permitted by Classical Liberalism, properly practiced.

By: james huggins

james huggins — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 22:22:18 +0000

Since some of you have taken the opportunity to mention “Into The Cannibal’s Pot” while commenting on this particular post I would like to add my 2 cents. I have read the book and find it to be excellent in all respects. Ilana has a heart for this particular subject and wrote what was badly needed to be written. She will get no awards for this work. Not because of a lack of excellence but because she touches a raw nerve in our culture. Good work Mercer.

By: james huggins

james huggins — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 22:15:36 +0000

I’m still not real sure of all the ins and outs of being a libertarian other than I won’t bother you so you stay out of my space and I will stay out of yours. I’ve always pretty well thought that way myself, so maybe I’m a closet libertarian and don’t know it.

[You said it; that’s all there is to it. You are one, just not the lite kind of libertarian.—IM]

By: Robert

Robert — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 20:16:03 +0000

With my utmost respect for you, Ilana, I think being a “libertarian” today is a bit like being a Methodist; you can pretty much believe in anything you want and still be a “member”.

By: Dennis

Dennis — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 18:20:41 +0000

Hello Abelard…

I think you are the only one who can answer your question so that the answer will satisfy your intellectual curiosity.

I do suggest that you will have to read a lot of books and authors – not just libertarian ones – and visit with a lot of people to converse about things as well as research websites described as libertarian, objectivist, etc. Reading Ilana’s site and participating in submitting your comments is a great step towards getting your answer.

By: irongalt

irongalt — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 18:17:55 +0000

@ James huggins on 07.08.11 4:46 am – in it’s complete form, it would not be “too simplistic” – each individual’s right of discrimination would tend to regulate the community.

For example, if someone engaged in behavior that’s disruptive to his neighbors, then they will shun him, not buy his products or sell food/clothing/supplies to him…eventually he would have to either stop or move somewhere else.

By: Bill Meyer

Bill Meyer — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 17:28:03 +0000

To adopt a “life is complicated” point of view is to lick the boot of tyranny. A more complex society is not in need of a bigger bully to keep order. Ilana, once again you help crystallize my thinking in many areas concerning this “Libertarian Lite” scourge upon the landscape. I’m Currently reading your EXCELLENT “Into the Cannibal’s Pot”. Your native South African experience is a serious warning to the West’s cultural destruction on the mantle of “multiculturalism”. Look forward to getting you on the show for a discussion.

[Yes, Bill, I hope to come on for a few segments. The book is so wide-ranging. Let me know your initial focus via email. You are one of the most intelligent interviewers out there.]

By: Abelard Lindsey

Abelard Lindsey — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 16:50:05 +0000

Mirror, mirror on the wall. Whose the most libertarian of them all?