Monday, April 06, 2009

Real libertarianism for your everyday life

Real libertarianism for your everyday life

There are real-world consequences that occur when individuals (and society) reject principled libertarian positions. I know from experience that the philosophy of liberty is not "Utopian" as its detractors often claim. It works very well for me in my every day real life. Contrary to speculation, I do not live in a cave. I also see the tragedies that occur when people violate these principles in their personal lives and in "public policy".

As an example: When I am out driving and approach an intersection that I suspect to be dangerous, regardless of the state's official signage, I am extra careful. I may slow down or even stop in order to make certain it is OK to proceed. The lives of my loved ones are much more important to me than any schedule or any angry drivers behind me.

In another recently highlighted example, "gun control" laws are always followed by an increase in violence, mayhem, and death. Always. Yet, the victim disarmament crowd refuses to accept reality and back off. They act like campers who feed the bears in spite of the warnings, and then when the bears, conditioned to be unafraid of humans and associating them with food, maul a person, they decide the best course of action is to feed the bears more to try to keep them from being hungry. Absolute insanity! "Gun control", the tactic that should be more honestly called victim disarmament, KILLS. It does this in the real world, leaving a real pile of broken, bleeding people.

On another front, there are lots of things that people do that harm their own bodies. The list includes such things as: chemicals (both recreational and occupational), "extreme" sports, rich food, too much food, taking risks, sex, too little sex, working too hard, working too little, even suicide. Yet, other than showing concern for a friend, you should not meddle. Self-ownership must include even the right to destroy that with is owned. Even if that right offends you. If you go so far as to involve the state in any way, assuming the person has violated some "law", you have probably effectively destroyed the other person's life. What a person does to his or her own body is none of your business. Interfere too much and you will probably only make the problem, if there is a real problem, worse. Remember that the other person may not share your sense of morality. At the very least you will probably lose a friend and have messed up any chance to be a real help in the future. You also lose any chance of that person helping you if you make a wrong choice somewhere down the line. Know the risks; weigh the benefits; make your decisions. Live and let live.

If you know that a condition, place, activity, or person is dangerous, be careful. Use your brain. Don't run whining to the state, asking it to put up more signs, pass new "laws", or increase "fines". Take responsibility for your own safety and stop playing right into the hands of the state. Never blame your deficiencies on "the children". Your descendants will thank you for it.

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