Category Archives: Libertarianism

Uncommon insight

The Saddest Lede on the Internet Today. Says Ric Locke on his new blog.   And what was the lede?     “Americans believe that the normal state of things is not-violence.” Do you suppose that’s true? That that’s why we … Continue reading

Posted in Blogs, Domestic Politics, Economics, Libertarianism, social science, Synova's Page | 5 Comments

New GOP 2012 Challenger: Gary Johnson?

2012 could be an interesting year for GOP presidential candidates if it features both Mark Sanford and Gary Johnson. This, along with the tea party movements, seems to be an outgrowth of the Ron Paul candidacy, perhaps similar to what … Continue reading

Posted in Chris' Page, Domestic Politics, Libertarianism | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Houston Tea Party

I didn’t get to make it out, as I work almost 30 miles away, but here’s the video:

Posted in Chris' Page, Domestic Politics, Economics, Libertarianism | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Texas Bill Introduced to Reassert 10th Amendment Rights

H.C.R. 50 has been introduced to the Texas House. Authored by Texas State Representatives Brandon Creighton, Bryan Hughes, and Leo Berman, it reasserts Texas’s rights of sovereignty under the 10th Amendment of the US Constitution. RESOLVED, That the 81st Legislature … Continue reading

Posted in Chris' Page, Domestic Politics, Law, Libertarianism | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

A Rose By Any Other Name

Sounds like they want the Fairness Doctrine to me. If they want this fight, then broadcast TV ought be included. More over at QandO. http://www.cnsnews.com/public/content/article.aspx?RsrcID=43414 “If markets cannot produce what society really cares about, like a media that reflects the … Continue reading

Posted in Domestic Politics, Keith's Page, Libertarianism, Media | Tagged | Leave a comment

What Does It Take for a Police Officer To Get Fired?

Radley Balko compares two police officer firings and finds that it’s pretty hard for an officer to get fired, unless they go easy on marijuana users.The first officer kind of reminds me of Alaskan State Trooper Mike Wooten from Sarah … Continue reading

Posted in Chris' Page, Libertarianism, Society | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Resignations for Radicals

Sadly, it seems Angela Keaton has finally resigned from the Libertarian National Committee. If you haven’t been following this little bit of salacious Libertarian Party drama, here’s the “Resolution of Discipline” against her from December 1st, which details many of … Continue reading

Posted in Domestic Politics, Election 2008, Libertarianism | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Third Party Personality Disorder

I found myself complaining to a Libertarian colleague of mine today (note the capital ‘L’), about the deplorable political consensus that has emerged on the bailout strategy for economic resuscitation. The bipartisan policy is a ghastly trifecta of the ineffective, … Continue reading

Posted in Domestic Politics, Libertarianism | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Huckabee: Enemy of Libertarian Republicans Everywhere

Mike Huckabee’s new book is coming out, and in it he takes some pretty heavy shots at libertarian and economic conservatives who don’t share his populist big government views. The real threat to the Republican Party is something we saw … Continue reading

Posted in Books, Chris' Page, Domestic Politics, Libertarianism | 1 Comment

Is it the Means or the End that Matters?

Michele Catalano writing at Pajamas Media yesterday, defending Obama’s call for (at one point) mandatory community service,  gets it completely wrong. To backtrack a little bit for those who haven’t been paying attention the last week or so, at President … Continue reading

Posted in Blogs, Chris' Page, Domestic Politics, Libertarianism | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Against Galt

Synova wrote a little post that gets halfway to where I would come down on this perennial parlor game of  the John Galt general strike. Sy recognized that to be successful, such a revolt would realistically be a miserable experience … Continue reading

Posted in Books, Culture, Lee's Page, Libertarianism | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 25 Comments

Going John Galt… quietly.

The idea of “Going John Galt” makes me a little bit uncomfortable, to tell the truth.    John Galt essentially said screw them all, and shut down knowing that a whole lot of people would be hurt.    It was about the … Continue reading

Posted in Domestic Politics, Economics, Hugo Chavez, Libertarianism, Synova's Page | Tagged , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

FDR Prolonged the Great Depression

New Deal policies signed into law 71 years ago thwarted economic recovery for seven long years. Continue reading

Posted in Chris' Page, Domestic Politics, Economics, Libertarianism | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

So Very LP

What’s this? Bob Barr wanted Ronpaul as his veep? Take your eyes off the Libertarian Party for a minute and you miss a lot of foolishness. Our old friend Steve Newton fills us in on the amusing drama that ensued … Continue reading

Posted in Domestic Politics, Libertarianism | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

A Western Vibe Ticket

Todd Zywicki, of the Volokh Conspiracy, takes a look at libertarianism in the McCain/Palin ticket and notes a distinct western vibe to the first all-western ticket in our history. He had an interesting observation that I think captures a lot … Continue reading

Posted in Chris' Page, Domestic Politics, Election 2008, Libertarianism | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Summarizing Bob Barr

From the Onion. (1995–2007) Trying to control the faith, sexuality, reproduction, drug use, and national allegiance of every single American. (2007–) Aw, F–k it. H/T: Reason

Posted in Chris' Page, Domestic Politics, Humor, Libertarianism | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Legislating Morality

Newmark’s DoorWe can’t enact or enforce enough laws to manage ethical behavior. “Goo-goos”–good government advocates–have been fighting corruption in government through endlessly tweaking campaign financing reform laws and ethics laws for at least 40 years. Senator Stevens is the latest … Continue reading

Posted in Libertarianism, MikeR's Page | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Medifraud

Michael F. Cannon at Cato blogs about a NYTimes article on the rife fraud found and covered up at Medicare. A confidential draft of a federal inspector general’s report claimed that the behavior they found at the Medicare Administration was … Continue reading

Posted in Chris' Page, Health Care, Libertarianism | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Black Market Bacon Dogs

L.A. Police have started cracking down on hotdog carts selling grilled bacon wrapped hotdogs. Confiscating all equipment and trashing all food on site. As always, nanny knows best.

Posted in Chris' Page, Domestic Politics, Libertarianism | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Risk and Reward

Many of us, when we hear the phrase “risk and reward” think of Wall Street.  Or business in general. But in reality, “risk and reward” affect us throughout our lives. Our parents take a risk when they conceive us.  They … Continue reading

Posted in Law, Libertarianism, Media, Peg's Page, Philosophy, regulation, Society | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

When Families Fail

Because of my background in working with emotionally disturbed, learning disabled, and generally abused kids, I am often to drawn to stories about the results of extreme neglect of children. I saw some awfully hard cases with some of the … Continue reading

Posted in Law, Libertarianism, MichaelW's Page, regulation, Society | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

A New Libertarianism of Paranoid Revolt

Jordan Page (who is a kind of Ronpaulist Joan Baez) reflects on the “Revolution March,” a July 12th Ron Paul protest rally in Washington DC, in part organized by Adam Kokesh (who of late believes the Washington police are involved … Continue reading

Posted in Lee's Page, Libertarianism | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 24 Comments

Landham Returns

Taking fecklessness to new levels of embarrassment, the Libertarian Party of Kentucky is now considering rescinding its unanimous de-endorsement of genocidal fantasist Sonny Landham, and formally renominating him as its candidate for US Senate. “We’re really stuck,” said Libertarian Party … Continue reading

Posted in Election 2008, Lee's Page, Libertarianism, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Sonny Landham Falls

Looks like the Libertarian Party of Kentucky has dumped Sonny Landham, previously their clinically insane pick for US Senate. Good for them. Even if given the psychopathic nature of Landham’s views, I feel a little like I’m congratulating them for … Continue reading

Posted in Domestic Politics, Lee's Page, Libertarianism | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Why I am still an independent #3476

Ah, the Libertarian Party. I wish I could call it home, but like all parties animated by ideals, it is susceptible to grievance mongers who latch themselves onto the rhetoric to justify disgusting views. The Republican Party of La. had … Continue reading

Posted in Domestic Politics, Lance's Page, Libertarianism | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Harry Reid, Idiot

While my opposition to modern liberal left politics is pretty clear, I generally feel that name calling is rarely needed, or warranted. I certainly do not believe that any particular ideology is more or less likely to have virtuous people, … Continue reading

Posted in Domestic Politics, Interviews, Lance's Page, Law, Libertarianism | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Boundary Issues

Peg pointed me this way, and I really enjoyed nodding in agreement. Of course, I have long nodded in agreement with Megan. Especially on these: 2) Gay marriage. I’m basically pro, but I take the Burkean arguments seriously. 3) Immigration. … Continue reading

Posted in Domestic Politics, Health Care, Lance's Page, Libertarianism, Society | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

Bob Barr Doing Well in Polls

Libertarian Party candidate Bob Barr is doing very well in the latest Zogby poll Eric Dondero at Libertarian Republican informs us. The poll has Barr at 6% in Texas and Florida and a pretty impressive 10% in New Hampshire. State: … Continue reading

Posted in Chris' Page, Election 2008, Libertarianism | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Hippocrates Unbound

The idea of state funded and administered universal health care is a bugbear of libertarians everywhere, and especially those who are subjected to such a system as a matter of course. Routinely held up as one of the worst of … Continue reading

Posted in Health Care, Libertarianism, MichaelW's Page | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

George Lakoff: Neo-Syndicalist

Over the weekend I read with fascination William Saletan’s review of the new offering from George Lakoff, “The Political Mind,” and was struck by the remarkable similarities between it and the revolutionary syndicalism espoused during the prior fin de siècle. … Continue reading

Posted in Books, Domestic Politics, Election 2008, History, Libertarianism, MichaelW's Page, Philosophy, social science | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Potent Quotables

I’ve always loved that quote from Charles Austin Beard about earning a reputation as a “dangerous citizen” by quoting the founding fathers. This quote is from the man who made the “dangerous citizen” a cinematic icon, including in one of … Continue reading

Posted in Domestic Politics, Election 2008, Libertarianism, Media, MichaelW's Page | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Bob Barr on The Colbert Report

Libertarian Party candidate Bob Barr appeared on the Colbert Report last night. Check out the video after the jump. Some commentary from the American Spectator here.

Posted in Chris' Page, Election 2008, Humor, Libertarianism | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Political Coup in Nevada GOP Convention

Some political chaos going on in the Nevada Republican Convention. Ron Paul supporters amassed at the convention in hopes of taking it over and electing their own people as delegates. Outmaneuvered by raucous Ron Paul supporters, Nevada Republican Party leaders … Continue reading

Posted in Chris' Page, Election 2008, Libertarianism | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Jefferson Memorial Follow Up

Following up on Jon’s post a few weeks ago on the group dancing at the Jefferson memorial, we have some more information. A group of friends and other people at the incident have set up a web page. Free the … Continue reading

Posted in Chris' Page, Libertarianism | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Hoist by His Own Petard

John McCain was one politician I admired greatly. While I still believe that the man is a true hero, and while I still do applaud some of what he does, the veil has been lifted from my eyes for one … Continue reading

Posted in Domestic Politics, Election 2008, Law, Libertarianism, Media | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Patriots Day!

Dale Franks honors the story of how the fight for our Independence began on April 19th, 1775. McQ ponders how we got to where we are today, drawing from the great T Harry Williams, and Jules Crittenden has a roundup … Continue reading

Posted in History, Lance's Page, Libertarianism | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

What Is ASHC?

There seems to be some confusion on the part of some as to exactly what sort of place ASHC is: I was rather surprised to read this dubious and scornful appraisal of Michael Yon’s Wallstreet Journal editorial at A Second … Continue reading

Posted in Blogs, Domestic Politics, Foreign affairs, Libertarianism, MichaelW's Page, Military Matters, Notes on the war, Philosophy | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 15 Comments

giving it away

As much as I tend these days toward international interventionism, I see a real danger in the simple acceptance of the idea of international law. That, itself, is more of a threat to sovereignty than armies could ever be. It … Continue reading

Posted in Libertarianism, Synova's Page | Tagged , , , | 11 Comments

Where Charlton Heston Stood

Over at Where the Buffalo Roam Peter gives us Charlton Heston’s 1999 NRA Convention Keynote Speech in Denver, which was scheduled shortly after the Columbine shootings in Colorado. A perfect reminder of what he stood for, and against. Update: Here … Continue reading

Posted in Firearms, Lance's Page, Law, Libertarianism | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Tragic News for Leftists

Due to free markets, capitalism and freedom in general, the world is getting wealthier. The last quarter century has witnessed remarkable progress of mankind. The world’s per capita inflation-adjusted income rose from $5400 in 1980 to $8500 in 2005.Schooling and … Continue reading

Posted in Developmental economics, Domestic Politics, Education, Libertarianism, Milton Friedman Memorial Page, Peg's Page, regulation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

To Understand Them, You Must Know Them

As Ron Paul’s more disturbing and radical views are emerging, especially how closely he has associated himself with the Mises Institute, it might behoove those of us who consider ourselves on the libertarian side of things to more closely examine … Continue reading

Posted in History, Lance's Page, Libertarianism | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Fed Games

For a couple of years now, Porkbusters has been on the warpath against wasteful spending in Congress, and although it has had some notable successes (e.g. the “Bridge to Nowhere”), it’s mostly been treading water. The latest battle, dubbed a … Continue reading

Posted in Domestic Politics, Libertarianism, MichaelW's Page | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Freedom can’t exist without trusting the untrustworthy

This is an extension of the commentary from this post from MichaelW. Have you heard the truism that a person is smart, but people are dumb? On the one hand it’s profoundly true. On the other hand we fail to … Continue reading

Posted in Education, Libertarianism, Society, Synova's Page | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

An Argument Against Public Education

Via Glenn Reynolds, Wired posts an article describing the fight to include evolution in the science curriculum for students in Florida and Texas: Charles Darwin was born 199 years ago Tuesday, but the debate he ignited about the origins of … Continue reading

Posted in Domestic Politics, Education, Libertarianism, MichaelW's Page, regulation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 27 Comments

“You grew up in freedom, and you can spit on freedom, because you don’t know what it is not to have it.”

For your viewing pleasure, watch Ayaan Hirsi Ali effortlessly dismantle the typical leftist tropes thrown at her in an interview with Avi Lewis (Naomi Klein’s husband). The quote serving as the title comes across as venomously pointed when read, but … Continue reading

Posted in Foreign affairs, Libertarianism, MichaelW's Page, Philosophy, social science | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

I Approve This Message

(Originally posted at What if?) From the moment I purchased “Managing Your Money” software many years ago, I realized that Andrew Tobias is a very smart and very amusing fellow. Later, I discovered that Andy is also warm, friendly and … Continue reading

Posted in Domestic Politics, Libertarianism, Peg's Page, Society | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

His Own Petard?

(Cross Posted at Whatif?) When John McCain and George W. Bush were vying for their party’s nomination, I was a McCain fan. How could a person not be impressed by the man who refused to leave Vietnam’s prison camp to … Continue reading

Posted in Domestic Politics, Election 2008, Libertarianism, Media, Peg's Page, regulation | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

Harming Poor Kids

  (Cross Posted at Whatif?) The next time one of your liberal associates begins to rail about how conservatives are selfish and don’t care about the less fortunate among us – you show them this. Chicago is gearing up for … Continue reading

Posted in Domestic Politics, Education, Libertarianism, Peg's Page | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

“We are tired of leaders who rather than asking what we can do for our country, ask nothing of us at all.”

That’s part of Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius’ response to the SOTU last night. Jim Hoft’s reaction: “Huh?” and drawing the obvious comparison to another famous redistributionist. My first thought was: “Ask? Well I’d be much happier if they’d ‘ask’; that … Continue reading

Posted in Domestic Politics, Libertarianism, MichaelW's Page | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Gates Capitalism

Commenting on Bill Gates’ advocacy for “kinder capitalism,” Steven Bainbridge notes: But when did Bill Gates ever believe in capitalism? He’s an inveterate monopolist and has been since the beginning. Monopolists hate real capitalism, precisely because they hate competition. Monopolists … Continue reading

Posted in Economics, Libertarianism, MichaelW's Page, regulation | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments