I'm someone who was deep in libertarianism when Thiel wrote that famous anti-democratic, misogynistic essay at Cato (reading someone allegedly on "my side" arguing for my disenfranchisement was the first step in my journey from democratic skeptic to enthusiast), but who was using 'exit' arguments to push …
I'm someone who was deep in libertarianism when Thiel wrote that famous anti-democratic, misogynistic essay at Cato (reading someone allegedly on "my side" arguing for my disenfranchisement was the first step in my journey from democratic skeptic to enthusiast), but who was using 'exit' arguments to push for open borders and freedom from oppressive associations. I worry about what it means to lose 'exit' as a concept to people looking to bolt all the doors.
I don't know that I've ever really considered myself a libertarian, but there's certainly aspects of it I find appealing. And yet who out there, right now, is really elucidating actual libertarian values these days? It feels like every single one has signed up, in one form or another, for Trumpism — the antithesis of free markets and free people.
I'm not sure if you're actually asking for a list. There are people who really meant (and mean) it! But far fewer are using the libertarian label because, yeah, so many who've claimed it just hated the left more than they loved liberty (as my late friend Steve used to say).
To be a coherent group, libertarians seemed to need state socialism or something like it on the other side. Without that, it seems like it took about a quarter century to crack up. The coalition against fascism just looks completely different.
Agreed. Libertarianism has become a cover for a lot of meanness and general craziness. I'm sure you know the podcast Decoding the Gurus, which does an excellent job of espousing these folks for who they really are. And "Libertarian" doesn't come close. Like you, Justin, the hosts also did a great piece on Curtis Yarvin. Honestly, I didn't know whether to laugh or cry at some of his "deep thinking."
This is very good, thanks for it.
I'm someone who was deep in libertarianism when Thiel wrote that famous anti-democratic, misogynistic essay at Cato (reading someone allegedly on "my side" arguing for my disenfranchisement was the first step in my journey from democratic skeptic to enthusiast), but who was using 'exit' arguments to push for open borders and freedom from oppressive associations. I worry about what it means to lose 'exit' as a concept to people looking to bolt all the doors.
I don't know that I've ever really considered myself a libertarian, but there's certainly aspects of it I find appealing. And yet who out there, right now, is really elucidating actual libertarian values these days? It feels like every single one has signed up, in one form or another, for Trumpism — the antithesis of free markets and free people.
I'm not sure if you're actually asking for a list. There are people who really meant (and mean) it! But far fewer are using the libertarian label because, yeah, so many who've claimed it just hated the left more than they loved liberty (as my late friend Steve used to say).
To be a coherent group, libertarians seemed to need state socialism or something like it on the other side. Without that, it seems like it took about a quarter century to crack up. The coalition against fascism just looks completely different.
Oh, obligatory there-are-dozens-of-us-dot-gif
ahah I dream of a day when they can use the label again!
Agreed. Libertarianism has become a cover for a lot of meanness and general craziness. I'm sure you know the podcast Decoding the Gurus, which does an excellent job of espousing these folks for who they really are. And "Libertarian" doesn't come close. Like you, Justin, the hosts also did a great piece on Curtis Yarvin. Honestly, I didn't know whether to laugh or cry at some of his "deep thinking."