Re: Capitalism, libertarianism

[Guest guest]

> I replied to a post on AutAdvo, and went off on a tangent that is

too off topic

> for that list. I would like to pursue the topic further, so I

naturally

> thought of this community..

>

> I would love to hear what everyone here thinks of libertarianism,

particularly

> regarding economic issues.

>

> Libertarianism naively suggests that the private sector will

come to the rescue, out of the goodness of its heart and eliminate

the need for all social services, for example. They oppose minimum

wage laws, unions and taxation in general.

The most attractive part of libertarianism is its stance

against victimless crimes ( like getting high ), government

interference with personal lifestyles (alternative sexuality) and

needless military adventures (Iraq).

Most elected Libertarians hide their social agenda and get

elected as law and order republicans. They usually don't get further

than city council type offices because their social agenda finally

gets revealed.

One good thing about these folks is that they love

discussions. They run a " toastmasters " program in many cities that

helped me and many others speak publicly.

Jerry Newport

[Guest guest]

chaos bunny wrote:

> I still don't understand why anyone feels they

> have the right to try to stop that, though..

I would recommend reading " The Jungle " or " King Coal " ,

both by Upton Sinclair. They have a bit to say about

capitalism, and how it affects the masses of people.

Clay

[Guest guest]

Colin wrote:

>Try reading a little Milton Freedman. He makes a whole lot of sense.

Try reading reports from people around the world

who have been subjected to economic theory exported

from the U.S. via the World Bank and IMF.

Oh, just realized I do know of a pro-capitalism book

that is interesting enough to recommend. I don't

remember the title, but the author's name is easy to

remember (even for me): Hernando de Soto.

He's from...Peru? And he wrote a book about expanding

property ownership as a way to solve some of the most

intractable poverty in the " developing " countries of

the world. His theory is controversial. Because I lack

background in the field, I asked a couple professors

where I work what they thought of it. The one from

the U.S. was very skeptical. The one from " the 3rd

World " said skepticism was necessary but that so far

nobldy else had come up with anything as practical

(as practicable) that just might do some substantial

good.

Jane