The burden of proof is on you, Mr. Boaz.
Written: Apr 10 '05
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Pretty well written and libertarianism is one of the most interesting ideas in politics.
Cons: Gapping holes in logic, childish at times, and self-serving.
The Bottom Line: A basic libertarian book lining out the beliefs.
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| harley_w's Full Review: David Boaz - Libertarianism: A Primer |
First of all I'll tell you I'm mordern liberal. I believe that the government when it is needed should provide for those who cannot support themselves. What government should supply and how much depends on the country, the circumstances, and is open to debate anyways. That being said I will start my review.
Libertarianism is a political philosophy which believes that the best way to make people happy is to keep the government as small as possible, staying out of social and
economic affairs of the citizens. Libertarians support the privatization of health care systems, schools, all transportion, and some even think the air should be privatized.
David Boaz (the author) is vice-president of the Cato Institute. For those of you who my not know the Cato Institute is a libertarian think-tank that purposes many schemes such as welfare reform and social security privatization.
Boaz starts off telling us about how a Gallup poll conducted in 1995 said that 52% of Americans believe, "that the federal government has grown so big that it presents a threat to freedoms and liberties". The author takes this as a sign of a libertarian revolution of sorts that it my only take a matter of years before America becomes a libertarian utopia. Which considering this book was written in 1997, has not happend yet.
Boaz tells us that libertarianism is not a 'Utopian Scheme', that is based entirely on hard evidence (which he does not provide) and that utopian schemes often are carried out at the expense of the invididual. The author says quite frankly, "Libertarianism does not promise you a bed of roses". Boaz has a point, I have an automatic distrust of any theory that his not been tested and is only backed up by the claims of a wonderful civilization that with created after it is put into action. Boaz repeated rails against utopian schemes throughout the book, but backs up claims about a perfect economy and society with pure rhetoric. How can he honestly say (or write) a utopian arguement after panning the concept?
To Mr. Boaz taxes are theft the same way walking up to someone and putting gun to someone's head and taking his money. How could any governement exist without taxes? He later states in the book that a tax rate of about 5% is acceptable. I guess a little bit of theft is alright. David Boaz uses a quote from P.J. O'Rourke stating that, "Government takes a bunch of your money, keeps most of it, and gives the rest to other people who don't like to work". Where do Boaz (and O'Rourke) think the roads, most of the railroads, the military, courts, police, and fire departments come from?
Boaz also critizes liberals and conservatives with the fellowing quote, "Conservatives want to be your daddy. Telling you want to do and what not to watch. Liberals want to be your mommy. Tucking you in and wiping your nose. Libertarianism are the only philosophy treats you like an adult." In my humble opinion when Boaz goes on whining about the government in such a manner he comes off as a over-grown teenager.
The author being a libertarian wants everying privatized. Boaz often rants against the welfare state by saying that there is nothing in the United States constitution stating, "the words 'general welfare' in the preamble refer to building an enviroment in which general liberty can flourish". This is historical revisionism, Thomas Jefferson (who is quoted many times in the book) is often mentioned for his anti-government spending beliefs as well as his views on freedom, but it was Jefferson who established the first public schools (with tax-payers money), conducted the Louisiana Purchase which was technically illegal under the constitution, put the young nation in millions of dollars (today it would easily be billions) in debt, and let us not forget that he owned slaves. Boaz also oddly enough rants several times about it being illegal to open up a mail deliverly company, which is a service reserved only by the government in the constitution (funny how he never mentions that).
Boaz never takes into account on how private enterprise will be able to pay for large projects. The most expensive private project ever attemped was the Alaskan oil pipeline ($8 billion dollars) and that took a very large chunk out of the oil companies. How does he expect corparations to build highways systems, major hydroelectric dams, international airports, man-made harbors, nuclear power plants (although some are privatly owned), and other major infastructure? It would cost these companies billions of dollars and would take in some cases more than 50 years to get any sort of return.
Boaz also forgets that there was a period in American history in which there were very low taxes, little regulations on labor and saftey standards, no anti-trust laws, and a large supply of cheap labor. It was called the 1850's-1930's and you know what happend? Monopolies, massive pollution, strike-breakers, unsafe products, unsafe work standards, low life expectancy, and other wonders of a completely free-market system.
It is mentioned that private charity would take the place of governement welfare. I have to admit I do think it is a good idea with some programs. Habitat for Humanity would be great for replacing public housing because the people actually take part in building their own house, not just given to them. Churches and soup kitchens do a better job of feeding the homeless then the government does. That aside, how can we believe that the ultra-rich who don't give much to charity (with some exceptions) would become so generous after taxes are almost abolished?
Boaz uses words and terms such as "statist", "buerucrat", "arbitrary authority", and defining taxes as "force". I don't like taxes. Nobody in their right mind enjoys having to pay takes, but we got to do it. I see taxes like having a bowel movement, you don't like it, but if you don't do it bad things can happen. I don't like bureucrats, ethier. We deal with them all the time usually acne-scarred, smirking, and having a smug attiude towards everyone who approches them knowing full well that they can turn your life into hell with a form. Like taxes we need them, too. Anyone who says that the private sector will be more respectful has'nt ever dealt with a 'customer service' rep.
I do have to agree with Boaz on several things. I think he has a point when he says that life is risky and the government has to accept that. True. I'm a smoker and I find the government is too busy trying to make life hell for smokers rather than doing something a little more constructive. The state government in Queensland has banned smoking in all bars, the reason for this is that people who send hours on end drinking could get cancer (many studies show the second-hand smoke is largely overblown). So, the government is worried about the health people who day after day spend their time gambling and drinking enough liquor to melt their liver. I see. Government does spend too much time and money on products that can kill you and the customers know that (I believe it depends on the customers' knowledge of the hazards, if the product is used in a reasonable manner, and the item's comparitive danger, eg. toys and pillows should'nt kill a lot of people).
I find libertarianism a philosophy for yuppies who don't want to pay their taxes, while not wanting the government disturbing their coke parties. Boaz gives off the feel of some rich kid who does'nt like having to give up money, while rewriting history to claim government did all the evil in the world and the businessman is nothing but a noble creature.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
harley_w
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Member: Harley
Location: Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Reviews written: 16
Trusted by: 0 members
About Me:
Canadian-Australian. Interested in politics.
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