From: John K Clark (jonkc@att.net)
Date: Tue Nov 12 2002 - 01:15:50 MST
"Alexander Sheppard" <alexandersheppard@hotmail.com> Wrote:
> many socialists and communists are libertarians, especially in Europe.
If the word is to have any meaning then libertarian communists (the mind
boggles) want to give individuals a choice, become a capitalist if you want
to or join a socialistic commune; but I have a hunch that's not what you had
in mind. It's interesting that capitalists have no fear of competing head to
head with socialists because they know they have a better economic system
and will always win in a fair fight. There is an asymmetry, communists would
never allow capitalists to operate freely because they know the only hope
for socialism is to use force to stop capitalism. But I'm a capitalist, so
if you want to be a socialist be my guest.
>the state is necessary to defend private property against being
>redistributed in ways which reflect the needs of the group
Other things than the state could and I think should defend private
property, things like private protection agencies. On the other hand the
state is essential if you want socialism because nobody is going to pay
taxes voluntarily.
John K Clark jonkc@att.net
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.1.5 : Wed Jan 15 2003 - 17:58:03 MST