X-Message-Number: 23082
Date: Thu, 11 Dec 2003 16:48:49 -0500
From: RANDY WICKER <>
Subject: Libertarian Failure Re 23078

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Libertarian failure is described by Mike Perry in 23078:

>I also question whether a radical or "pure" form of 
>libertarianism would be the best system to advocate, in part because I 
>think human nature might not allow it to persist in such pure form.

>As one possible case in point, I understand that some generations ago, in a 
>certain geographical locale, the government was very weak and the people 
>sensed a need to more or less set up a system of their own to maintain 
>order and such. At that point they could have opted for a highly 
>libertarian system, but instead what emerged was more of a feudal-type 
>system with patrons, clients, and brokers. If you were not powerful 
>yourself you allied yourself with someone who was, and in return for your 
>loyal and material support you would obtain protection and services.

This exact same situation arose in Somalia after the United States withdrew
in the 1990s.  The general public fell prey to extortionists who charged
them for safe passage on roads, for personal escort services etc.

When the former warlord returned, he was greeted with wild celebration
by the general public who wanted law and order restored at any
price.

The proof is in the pudding.  Libertarianism is an attractive idea.  I
was a libertarian once.  I took their test recently and found I
was "borderline" between libertarian and liberal left.

But libertarianism is no more workable than communism (another
attractive idealistic idea).

I wrote a letter to the Libertarian Party asking if they had taken a
position on cryonics.  I further suggested that if they had not taken
such a position, they certainly should do so now.

I have not heard from them.  Now if everyone getting this letter would
write a query to the Libertarian Party, it just might motivate them to
act.

They are not shy about unpopular positions.  They support cloning and

the legalization of drugs. Certainly, what you do with your body after death is 
just
as important a right to privacy as either of the above.

The web site is www.lp.org 

Randolfe Wicker
Founder, Clone Rights United Front, www.clonerights.com 
Spokesperson, Reproductive Cloning Network, www.reproductivecloning.net 
Former CEO, Human Cloning Foundation, www.humancloning.org 
Member, The Immortality Institute, www.imminst.org 
201-656-3280 (Mornings)



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