The effectiveness of Libertarianism at different levels of government by Lou Poumakis
(libertarian)
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Ron Paul's libertarian program is exactly right for the Federal level of government but, in today's cultural milieu, it is completely unfeasible and unworkable when it comes to the lower levels of government. Why is this so? Because freedom without individual responsibility always degenerates into license which in turn leads to despotism. Because man is what he is, a criminal element will always be present and today especially we have a sizeable number of individuals that would attempt to use their freedom to exploit, to the extent they can, their neighbors. The chaos produced thereby is intolerable to law-abiding, peace-loving citizens who will trade their freedom for whatever level of government control is required to restore peace and safety for their families. History has demonstrated this over and over again; a striking example is Nazi Germany where Hitler was voted into office only because the German people knew that he, as the prime instigator of the street riots, was the only one who could restore order. They opted to trade their freedom for peace and security; the Third Reich, with all its consequent atrocities, was the result.
The contrasting experience in this country, where freedom prevailed for over two hundred years, was unique in all of history. This was possible only because the character of the American people prior to the 20th century was very different from what it is today. The overwhelming majority of those people were self-governed and law-abiding. The tiny criminal element was easily controlled and managed. Today's high crime rates and overflowing prisons testify to the fact that this is no longer the case.
We are correct in attempting to reduce the Federal government to the level authorized by the Constitution but let's not deceive ourselves into thinking we can do the same for local and county government. There's a lot more groundwork needed at the moral and character development levels before we would be able to handle the freedoms enjoyed by our recent ancestors. George Washington, in his farewell address pointed us in the right direction:
"Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness -- these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connections with private and public felicity. Let it simply be asked, Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths which are the instruments of investigation in courts of justice? And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle."
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You had an interesting premise, but didn't back it up with examples or any insight. I work with my neighbors who are in city government. There are functions that are handled best at the local level. Trying to comply with mandates from Washington actually impedes efforts to operate an effective government. Washington meddling can raise local property taxes with unfunded mandates. The No Child Left Behind caused our local school systems to spend days and dollars preparing students for standardized tests that were out of the curriculum flow. Local school boards need to set the agenda to prepare our students for the challenges that will face them in our community. Within this county, some school districts emphasize college bound students, others farm technology, others industrial arts. The country-wide programs support special needs children by more efficiently providing programs that individiual school districts are unable to provide themselves.
Rather than rant about something that occurred 60 years ago in another country, we have plenty of examples of "good" government here. The Constitutional separation of powers and responsibilities is the only way to maximum assure freedom and safety for our people. The county road commission, chaired by my neighbors, is the best way to figure where a road should be put and paid for, not a bureaucracy a thousand miles away. I prefer this local minarchism when it can bring jobs to the area and benefit everyone at the lowest possible cost.
I went much of my adult life voting largely Republican in Federal races and largely Dem in state races because local government IS different - in part because it is easier to impact by individuals as opposed to lobbyists. You can be more flexible, knowing you have more control, and can better tailor what you do to precise needs.
At this point I'm voting more Republican across the board (except President, unless RP gets the nomination) simply for gridlock. It is sad, but a fact, that gridlock looks like the best option available for the upcoming election.
I think your main question is one that needs to be discussed. Where and how do we draw lines between what is the proper role of government federally vs. locally.
I disagree with your statement that \"There\'s a lot more groundwork needed at the moral and character development levels before we would be able to handle the freedoms enjoyed by our recent ancestors.\"
Before we can handle the freedoms?!?! Freedom does not mean lawlessness. It includes rule of law. To say that man shoulnt\'t be able to choose how he wants to live and what he does, is totally anti-freedom.
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