People who venture into electronic discussion areas will invariable encounter an ideology called Libertarianism. In fact, it is said

[snip]
From proponents, you might be told

The Libertarian way is a logically consistent approach to politics based on the moral principle of self-ownership. Each individual has the right to control his or her own body, action, speech, and property. Government's only role is to help individuals defend themselves from force and fraud.

However, I regard the Libertarianism as a kind of business-worshiping cultish religion, which churns out annoying flamers who resemble nothing so much as street-preachers on the Information Sidewalk.

I'm going to beat up on libertarians by creating a straw-man version of them. But, I plan to have fun, and perhaps this little exercise will be cathartic.

Here's the straw-man: Libertarians believe that individuals should choose whether or not to participate in social good. That is, taxes are a form of theft, of the government stealing from you to support their power habits, and to give to the poor, who don't deserve it because they are fat and lazy and probably on drugs, and definitely on welfare.

This version of libertarianism isn't too far from the truth. They rant about this often enough.

Here's my problem with this:

You are part of society. You are gaining by participating in a cooperative society. Therefore, you have obligations to help keep that society as strong as possible. If you don't wish to participate in society, get the hell out. Go someplace where society supports ultimate liberty -- say, Rowanda, or Columbia, where you can do pretty much as you please, as long as you have the money. Granted, others might do unto you that which will benefit them most, but that's what liberty is about, isn't it?

[snip]
"But Tony!" you whine. "Why should I pay taxes to support someone who isn't contributing to society? Why should I help those who are unwilling to help themselves?"

Because, Mister, they don't necessarily have the freedoms you have.

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