Thursday, May 20, 2010

Libertarianism is problematic.

I guess it's a question of nomenclature. Does Libertarianism indeed amount to a system that provides unfettered freedom of action for the "free market?" That sounds to me like another way of saying British Petroleum is presently "allocating resources" along "free market" principles. Allocating those toxic resources straight to the Louisiana Bayou! As a result - partially - of woefully inadequate government oversight, I might add. Moreover, BP, by money-grubbing Libertarian standards, is doing "right" by focusing more on trying to salvage the gushing oil from the New Horizons blowout, rather than doing the responsible thing - PLUG THE LEAK FOR THE LOVE OF HUMANITY!! Or am I mistaken somehow? I just don't see the precious Private Enterprise System stepping up and acting decently. QUITE THE CONTRARY! It's been a full month now; the Gulf may be dead by the end of the year!

On another topic, I will say this much: I am annoyed by those absurd "Constitutional Literalists," who utter nonsense like "All we need to do is abide by the exact letter of the US Constitution." Such folks are apparently unaware that the document adopted by the states in 1791 allowed for slavery. It allowed, for purposes of White electoral supremacy, that Blacks be considered 3/5 of a person. It denied women the right to vote. Yes, "Strict Constitutionalists" are seemingly unaware of these deficiencies. Either that, or they are comfortable with chattel slavery and the denial of womens' suffrage. As if the Constitution should be frozen in time, straight-jacketed by 18th Century sensibilities!
By contrast, I believe in the evolution of constitutional law; by means of amendment, for example.

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