X-Message-Number: 21888 From: Subject: Re.: message #21880 Date: Thu, 05 Jun 2003 20:10:08 +0000 O.K.! Lets see. The Libertarian party that advocates the Libertarian philosophy I subscribe to was formed in 1971. I have not a clue as to what Libertarian-Socialism means. The motto of Socialism is: "From each according to his ability to each according to his need". The government takes from the producer, in relation to the size of his product an "amount". It then redistributes that "amount" to someone with no moral claim to it (does the I.R.S. come to mind?). That is the understanding of Socialism I have. By that definition, Libertarianism (the type promoted by the 32 year old...not century or more old that you discuss...Libertarian party is in no way socialist!). The Libertarian party I am affiliated with IS NOT Libertarian-Socialism! They abhor Socialism for the corrupt and immoral product it has produced anywhere it exist. Take a look at Cuba, China, North Korea, etc. For that matter look at the American experiment in Socialism: Social Security Administration, Medicare, H.U.D., H.E.W., the "education" department, D.E.A.,B.A.T., F.B.I.,...and on and on. This certainly is not what our founding fathers had in mind when they created this country. Libertarian-Socialism from the standpoint of the existing 32 year old Libertarian party is certainly an oxymoron! Thanks for the offer of books but I am up to my neck in books and magazines. My political philosophy was formed around 1986 after reading Atlas Shrugged. Any philosophy that promotes mandatory redistribution of wealth and unrestrained government regulation (as exist now) I oppose. No need to read long excuses by their supporters as to why they consider such tactics "good for me". Jerry T. Searcy Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=21888