But that's the beauty of it. Everyone has some skill, or can learn a skill. You perform that skill for others, they pay you, and you can in turn pay others to provide you with things you can't do yourself. Libertarianism isn't that you're completely independent and separate of all others; it's that you're responsible for yourself. You don't expect money from a government entity just for existing. It's not about isolationism (although, many people mistakenly think that). It's about a community that works together, but in the end, everyone in responsible for him or herself. People do care for one another and help each other out, but charity is voluntary, not mandatory (like it is in today's political climate).
And to change your example at the end. I'd prefer to see that vision in a slightly skewed way. If the elderly man didn't have the money or health insurance for car, then he wouldn't be cared for by the government, but a charity organization run by donations and supplemented by a volunteer staff. I've been in Veterans' Hospitals (government run facilities), and they're frightening. I wouldn't wish that coldness on anyone, and I think a voluntary organization would be much warmer and capable with a bend toward the individual.
Basically, I believe that people want to do good. It's just difficult to give your time and money to causes in today's world because the government keeps you in place. They don't want you to move up or out of place. If I was free to do what I want without ridiculous government constraints and insane taxes, then you can bet I'd be more willing to donate money or time to help others.
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Date: 2008-06-20 03:34 pm (UTC)But that's the beauty of it. Everyone has some skill, or can learn a skill. You perform that skill for others, they pay you, and you can in turn pay others to provide you with things you can't do yourself. Libertarianism isn't that you're completely independent and separate of all others; it's that you're responsible for yourself. You don't expect money from a government entity just for existing. It's not about isolationism (although, many people mistakenly think that). It's about a community that works together, but in the end, everyone in responsible for him or herself. People do care for one another and help each other out, but charity is voluntary, not mandatory (like it is in today's political climate).
And to change your example at the end. I'd prefer to see that vision in a slightly skewed way. If the elderly man didn't have the money or health insurance for car, then he wouldn't be cared for by the government, but a charity organization run by donations and supplemented by a volunteer staff. I've been in Veterans' Hospitals (government run facilities), and they're frightening. I wouldn't wish that coldness on anyone, and I think a voluntary organization would be much warmer and capable with a bend toward the individual.
Basically, I believe that people want to do good. It's just difficult to give your time and money to causes in today's world because the government keeps you in place. They don't want you to move up or out of place. If I was free to do what I want without ridiculous government constraints and insane taxes, then you can bet I'd be more willing to donate money or time to help others.