"Guns don't kill people. People kill people."

[appal_jack]

22. Regarding liberalism, & libertarianism.

I of course agree that "being pro-environment... pro-safety-net, and pro-(public)infrastructure are not libertarian views," which is one of many reasons why I would never describe myself as a (capital-L) "Libertarian." The American experiment is one of constant tension & dynamism between personal freedom and social responsibility. I find that my own ideal balance between the two requires drawing from the rich traditions of liberalism & libertarianism both. My libertarian side comes out front when it comes to the surveillance state, the war on (some) drugs, attempts to deny due process, restrictions on speech, etc. On the environment, the safety net, public schools, roads, research, etc., I am solidly & proudly liberal.

I would say that workers organizing among themselves to broker a fair value for their labor (i.e.- unionism) should be very compatible with libertarianism, even if "Libertarians" are in denial about this. Of course, denial about corporate power and the social privilege that comes with wealth are the huge blind spots of "Libertarianism."

-app