Conservatives co-opting Libertarianism

[Kilgore Trout]

I'm hearing more and more conservative talk promoting the idea that they're "libertarians." What's the push behind this conservative rhetorical co-opting of libertarianism? What is it that they're hoping to accomplish, and what do you think the unintended consequences of this marketing will be?

 

[Engyo]

I thought Libertarians were fiscally conservative and socially more middle-of-the-road. Sounds like some more redefinition to escape currently unfashionable labels to me.

 

[Smoke]

I can't think of any likely effect of Republicans claiming to be libertarians, apart from discrediting libertarians.

 

[Wandered Off]

I see it as an attempt to fool people who actually like liberty into seeing them as a non-threat.

The unintended consequences will be even a further setback to genuine libertarians, as the public blurs the lines. Social conservatives and fiscal conservatives are already lumped together, and this will just reinforce that.

 

[Smoke]

I see it as an attempt to fool people who actually like liberty into seeing them as a non-threat.

The unintended consequences will be even a further setback to genuine libertarians, as the public blurs the lines. Social conservatives and fiscal conservatives are already lumped together, and this will just reinforce that.

If there are any fiscal conservatives left in the Republican Party, you have to wonder what they're doing there.

 

[Mathematician]

I see it as an attempt to fool people who actually like liberty into seeing them as a non-threat.

The unintended consequences will be even a further setback to genuine libertarians, as the public blurs the lines. Social conservatives and fiscal conservatives are already lumped together, and this will just reinforce that.

What is genuine libertarianism, though?

Both Chomsky and Paul are technically libertarians. Libertarianism is just as diverse as any thing else. You can be a libertarian and support communism, or you can be a libertarian and support capitalism.

"Conservative libertarianism" makes sense insofar as it de-emphasizes federalism. It's basically paleoconservatism.

 

[Tarheeler]

I'm hearing more and more conservative talk promoting the idea that they're "libertarians." What's the push behind this conservative rhetorical co-opting of libertarianism? What is it that they're hoping to accomplish, and what do you think the unintended consequences of this marketing will be?

I noticed this the day after the election. Many of those who had voted and supported for McCain suddenly became "Libertarians" overnight. I think they realize that the republican platform isn't nearly as popular as it once was, and are just trying to distance themselves.

As for the consequences, I think Smoke is on the right track.

I can't think of any likely effect of Republicans claiming to be libertarians, apart from discrediting libertarians.

I agree, and in discrediting the legitimate libertarians, they will also discredit themselves when they claim to be republicans once again.

 

[Revoltingest]

What is genuine libertarianism, though?

Both Chomsky and Paul are technically libertarians. Libertarianism is just as diverse as any thing else. You can be a libertarian and support communism, or you can be a libertarian and support capitalism.

A libertarian communist would be one who believes in individuals getting together of their own volition to practice such an economy within a group.
Since we favor minimal gov't coercion, communism imposed by gov't wouldn't work. Typically, it happens as a subset within a capitalistic economy.
I knew hippies who tried this. It seldom worked out though.

 

[Revoltingest]

I thought Libertarians were fiscally conservative and socially more middle-of-the-road. Sounds like some more redefinition to escape currently unfashionable labels to me.

I don't know any of us who are middle of the road socially.
We're pretty far out there....you know, legalizing drugs, gay marriage, & worse.
A faux libertarian is easy to spot - they'll be supporting some kind of limits to liberty.
Be suspicious of anyone claiming to be one of us, yet wins elected office.

 

[Wandered Off]

What is genuine libertarianism, though?

As you point out, it's diverse. No question. These social conservative fake libertarians, though, are more interested in telling you how to behave IMO.

 

[Tarheeler]

As you point out, it's diverse. No question. These social conservative fake libertarians, though, are more interested in telling you how to behave IMO.

It's pretty simple.

A libertarian supports personal freedom in all areas. The government's function is to protect it's citizens from coercion, and individual rights are paramount.

As you said, the ideas of individual libertarians are diverse, but this remains the same.
Revoltingest's post is a good example; communism is fine, provided the people are involved voluntarily.

 

[Mathematician]

A libertarian communist would be one who believes in individuals getting together of their own volition to practice such an economy within a group.
Since we favor minimal gov't coercion, communism imposed by gov't wouldn't work. Typically, it happens as a subset within a capitalistic economy.
I knew hippies who tried this. It seldom worked out though.

Hippies aren't communist...

My point is: Libertarian socialists and libertarian capitalists disagree with what constitutes 'voluntary.' I'd say there's a thin line between someone like Ron Paul and say, Pat Bachunan, that can be crossed just as easily as someone could confuse Rosa Luxemburg for an anarchist.

In other words, "conservative libertarian" can make sense, to an extent.