Newsgroups: sci.econ
Subject: Simplistic Analysis usually yields false conclusions (was Liber...)
From: demon@desire.wright.edu (Stupendous Man)
Date: 20 Aug 92 00:44:49 EST
 <Bt6yIw.M47@usenet.ucs.indiana.edu> <1992Aug19.224253.5942@isc-br.isc-br.com>
Organization: Demonic Possesions, Inc.
Summary: Show us some proof

In article <1992Aug19.224253.5942@isc-br.isc-br.com>, steveh@thor.isc-br.com (Steve Hendricks) writes:
> In article <Bt6yIw.M47@usenet.ucs.indiana.edu> jwales@copper.ucs.indiana.edu (jimmy donal wales) writes:
>>
>>The notion that the government ought to exist only to protect
>>individual rights does not preclude that the government will
>>be a strong organization.  I wish to limit the _scope_ of the
>>government... not to arbitrarily limit the _size_ of the government.
> 
> Worthwhile distinction.  I do have the impression, however, that much of 
> the appeal of libertarian philosophy lies in its promise to eliminate
> the obligation of individuals to support (monetarily) the rights of
> other citizens to whom they feel no connection.  Not meant as a
> personal accusation, only a comment on the appeal of the philosophy
> to many of its adherents.
> 
>>
>>>I get the feeling that arguing with Libertarians is like sailing in a
>>>shifting wind.  I can't tell where they're coming from.
>>
>>There are lots of flakey libertarians out there.  I don't know if
>>George Tucker is one or not.  So I understand your frustration.
>>But try arguing with socialists as a group, or Republicans, or
>>whoever.  For any political position, there are any number of
>>different adherents.
>>
>>>Martin B. Brilliant		(Winnertech Corporation)	
>>
>>--Jimbo Wales
> 
> Another valid point, Mr. Wales.  Having read libertarian theory off and
> on for the last 25 years, or so, and having plowed through hundreds of
> postings here, let me suggest that much of the "flakey-ness" in evidence
> is adolescent rebellion finding a simplistic political philosophy that
> appears to justify "doing what I want" and "keeping what I get."  For 

	Names of people who fit this stereotype?  Quotes?  Or are we to believe
such allegations simply because you say we should?

> those for whom identity formation is an immediate and pressing concern,
> libertarianism seems to promise affirmation of one's adulthood.  For
> those escaping the authoritarian bonds of one's parents it focuses on
> the evils of institutional authoritarianism.  And for those with a 
> limited historical perspective (the last dozen years, at most), the
> simplistic appeal of a laissez-faire economic policy can be most
> seductive. 

	You seem to be confusing libertarianism with drinking beer and staying
out all night.

> In short, most libertarians outgrow it. :-)

	Well if we are to give out prizes for simplistic analysis and vague
generalizations unsupported by facts or reality, you win the big prize.

	However, whether you are talking big-l or little-l libertarianism,
there is much more than economic concerns.  Reading the Libertarian Platform
might help.  Perhaps you could then bless us with some specifics.

	It's easy to maintain one's stereotypes.  It's so much easier than
thinking, eh?

Brett                                                      
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