RE: Differences.
First, let me say that I LOVE the idea of libertarianism! It's fabulous! It's great! It's not a NEW idea, it's been around since we have had societies, but nonetheless.
I think that the disagreement that we are constantly having about social programs comes down to one thing: Do you think that they are necessary for the maintenance and advancement of our society or not? I, of course, do. There are others who don't. The problem is that we have long since gone past the point where we can be a nation of "rugged individualists". There's just too damn many people. Like indy says - "More people, more rules." Now you are NOT required to like this. However, if you DON'T like it, your only choice is to hole up in Montana, or find another country, because this one isn't going to get any less crowded any time soon. The poor aren't going to quietly and politely just die, or hide out from your gaze. They're going to get what they need to survive. Now you can claim this is wrong, even though, if you were in the same situation, you would feed your wife and children any way YOU could.
Societies, in general, require compromise with our freedoms. Money is one of the lesser freedoms for most people. I'm not talking about socialism, because I know that's where your going in your head right now, just the taxes we pay now. MOST people in this country (I'd say that vast majority), don't mind at all, they just want better use of the money spent. They don't mind, because it helps their fellow man, or keeps people off the streets, or keeps disease from spreading, or prevents crime, or social unrest, or any or all of the above. They see it as a NECESSARY expense, just like water, or power. Others feel that ONE CENT is too much and is a form of "slavery". Some have even vowed that they would see our civilization destroyed and "go live in the woods", just to "give it a chance". I find that interesting, since none who made this statement are willing to even start a protest, or sit-in, without a gaurantee of success. I guess that if someone ELSE does the work, though, they would be willing to suffer the consequences.
I know you will demand "proof" that this will happen, just as you demand "proof" that any agressive action you take WILL result in success, but the proof is all around you if you only look through other eyes than those that see only your own ideology.
This whole line of argument is fruitless here, though, for reasons stated in earlier posts. I just had to sound off one last time before IT begins.
I'm starting my "quit smoking" effort in the morning. Two packs a day for forty years. I'm not sick, and I still enjoy smoking, but I AM tired of the cough, the expense, and the fact that soon you won't even be able to smoke in your own home. I'm using ZYBAN, so maybe it will help. I probably won't be posting much for up to two months, since I can't get irritated, and any replies I post just MIGHT be one the strong side. I'll still try to post when I'm feeling reasonable (I know some of you have been waiting a long time for THAT to happen), and I'll keep up on the board, and maybe the PI/alt board. Just letting you know so that you don't think I'm ignoring you if I don't reply, even though neuro is sure to report that I have "stormed off" again.
Wish me luck!
