Mathematician
Reason, and reason again
I've noticed in recent months (especially) that a large student movement has developed around right-libertarianism - namely, constitutionalism, although there are shades of Objectivism and even anarcho-capitalism (oxymoron?). I wish to sketch out a few reasons why libertarianism is a flawed ideology out of respect to these students. If you want to join along, feel free.
I'll focus this post on anarcho-capitalism:
1.) Misleading term: Anarchism stands in opposition to all coercive hierarchy - all masters. The Somalian experiment an-caps at anti-state.com champion is a complete disaster; most of the countryside is run by a single state entity. Local jurisdictions have their own governments and the few warlords who contended land and capital with weapons have managed to create little micro-states.
2.) Implausibility of justice: There is no compelling evidence that shows conflicts would be settled through private courts. I could call up my private protection agency and falsely accuse my neighbor of theft. What if he refuses to show up to any court? Seeing as how I live in Texas, I can answer that question: bullets go flying. Even if a matter did reach a court, the lack of financial accountability would inevitably lead to judges being payed off.
3.) Monopolization of force: What if I create my own private protection agency and live according to my rules? The bigger PPA will dominate little ones; oligopolies will form. With such market influence, they'll be able to carry out CIA-like operations without having to worry about major operations.
4.) Concentration of wealth: It's undeniable that state welfare reduces the concentration of wealth. Under "anarcho-"capitalism, the concentration of wealth could become even more aggressive. Let's say I enter the market with my daddy's riches. I buy up a road outside your house and refuse you passage to the house via motor vehicle unless you pay an obnoxious toll. You and everyone else on the street are forced to sell at a very low rate. I buy these houses and sell them at a large profit. I can already see the green!
5.) Poverty and unemployment: Definable poverty prior to the New Deal constituted 56% of the American people. When Pinochet came to power the unemployment and poverty rate doubled - even tripled in some instances. Marx points out that humans are biological creatures. Their primary interest is not philosophical musings about "poverty and unemployment being natural states of a free society." Materialism trumps phony morality.
6.) Lack of artistic entrepreneurs: I think I have some credibility in this field, considering the fact my job entails print design and compilation of novels. Intellectual property, or copyrights, are vital for the survival of artists and small authors. Only under a non-profit system (infosocialism?) could copyrights be eliminated.
7.) No regulation: Supposedly a whole market of private inspectors will arise, but this has never been the case. Even small business try to maximize cost. Why not just create your own inspection agency and fake it?
8.) Baron capitalism: Runaway capitalism has, historically, been very violent. In the one city of Moscow it is believed that a bare minimum of 500 people died through contract killings between 1993 and 1999. Gangs are a rampant problem in all corners of the world - rarely avoiding violence. During the 19th century business owners called for their workers to be shot. In places with no hour restrictions, even small businesses were known to employ people for 10-12 hours a day.
9.) Children would have no guaranteed protection against mental, physical, and sexual abuse. If someone creates their own private protection agency, that person would not be compelled to treat their children justly.
10.) Property disputes would be rampant. Who decides where property goes - to the wife? The children? Parents? What is a natural way
11.) Roads and sidewalks would be disastrous. Apparently the answer to this is that companies will fit the bill to have roads lead to their organization.
12.) Safety concerns would rabidly increase. No standardized stop lights. No standardized road signs. No standardized food regulation.
I'll focus this post on anarcho-capitalism:
1.) Misleading term: Anarchism stands in opposition to all coercive hierarchy - all masters. The Somalian experiment an-caps at anti-state.com champion is a complete disaster; most of the countryside is run by a single state entity. Local jurisdictions have their own governments and the few warlords who contended land and capital with weapons have managed to create little micro-states.
2.) Implausibility of justice: There is no compelling evidence that shows conflicts would be settled through private courts. I could call up my private protection agency and falsely accuse my neighbor of theft. What if he refuses to show up to any court? Seeing as how I live in Texas, I can answer that question: bullets go flying. Even if a matter did reach a court, the lack of financial accountability would inevitably lead to judges being payed off.
3.) Monopolization of force: What if I create my own private protection agency and live according to my rules? The bigger PPA will dominate little ones; oligopolies will form. With such market influence, they'll be able to carry out CIA-like operations without having to worry about major operations.
4.) Concentration of wealth: It's undeniable that state welfare reduces the concentration of wealth. Under "anarcho-"capitalism, the concentration of wealth could become even more aggressive. Let's say I enter the market with my daddy's riches. I buy up a road outside your house and refuse you passage to the house via motor vehicle unless you pay an obnoxious toll. You and everyone else on the street are forced to sell at a very low rate. I buy these houses and sell them at a large profit. I can already see the green!
5.) Poverty and unemployment: Definable poverty prior to the New Deal constituted 56% of the American people. When Pinochet came to power the unemployment and poverty rate doubled - even tripled in some instances. Marx points out that humans are biological creatures. Their primary interest is not philosophical musings about "poverty and unemployment being natural states of a free society." Materialism trumps phony morality.
6.) Lack of artistic entrepreneurs: I think I have some credibility in this field, considering the fact my job entails print design and compilation of novels. Intellectual property, or copyrights, are vital for the survival of artists and small authors. Only under a non-profit system (infosocialism?) could copyrights be eliminated.
7.) No regulation: Supposedly a whole market of private inspectors will arise, but this has never been the case. Even small business try to maximize cost. Why not just create your own inspection agency and fake it?
8.) Baron capitalism: Runaway capitalism has, historically, been very violent. In the one city of Moscow it is believed that a bare minimum of 500 people died through contract killings between 1993 and 1999. Gangs are a rampant problem in all corners of the world - rarely avoiding violence. During the 19th century business owners called for their workers to be shot. In places with no hour restrictions, even small businesses were known to employ people for 10-12 hours a day.
9.) Children would have no guaranteed protection against mental, physical, and sexual abuse. If someone creates their own private protection agency, that person would not be compelled to treat their children justly.
10.) Property disputes would be rampant. Who decides where property goes - to the wife? The children? Parents? What is a natural way
11.) Roads and sidewalks would be disastrous. Apparently the answer to this is that companies will fit the bill to have roads lead to their organization.
12.) Safety concerns would rabidly increase. No standardized stop lights. No standardized road signs. No standardized food regulation.