December 20, 2005
Phantom libertarianism
Once a moonbat always a moonbat, as the saying goes. In the Guardian (of all places) George Monbiot blasts libertarians and blames their state of mind on driving:
But this is not, or not really, an article about speed, or cameras, or even cars. It is about the rise of the antisocial bastards who believe they should be allowed to do what they want, whenever they want, regardless of the consequences. I believe that while there are many reasons for the growth of individualism in the UK, the extreme libertarianism now beginning to take hold here begins on the road.And in that paragraph we see Monboit's inability to grasp what libertarianism is about, if it is about anything.
For a libertarian the consequences are everything. That's why libertarians hold responsibility in such high regard.
Take responsibility for your actions, don't rely on the state to take it for you.
Monbiot is also living in some kind of alternative universe if he thinks that any rise in libertarianism is caused by road usage. Firstly, that there is a rise in libertarianism is certainly questionable. I have not seen any evidence of it and, indeed, I would argue that exactly the opposite is the case. Secondly, even if it was on the rise I would put it down to a reaction against over regulation.
If car usage had anything to do with libertarian tendencies how is it that the mass of feeling this must have surely created by now has not been reflected in parliament?
