Ari and Libertarianism

January 3, 2012

laliberty:

“I’m fascinated by the idea that someone who identifies as a libertarian might be in favor of limiting someone’s liberty. …”

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Ari Kohen - A Challenge for Libertarians Against Federal Recognition of Same-Sex Marriage

Being against the government’s involvement in marriage isn’t about being “against federal recognition of same-sex marriage”; it’s about recognizing that the solution isn’t to demand the state “approve” or “sanction” a relationship but to affirm that the state is illegitimate in such a role. Demanding such a thing requires implicit acknowledgement of the state’s authority over the relationships of consenting individuals. How individuals wish to peaceably associate and live their lives should not be subject to majority opinion nor permission from “superiors.” In this case, practicing ”pragmatism” only entrenches the state’s dominion over our lives.

I’m fascinated by the practice of someone who identifies as an intellectual and an educator but can so regularly misrepresent others’ positions and employ non-sequiturs (see here, here, here, here, and here).

I consider Ari an on-line friend, so it’s no surprise that I’ll defend his integrity here. Ari isn’t deliberately misrepresenting anything; he’s genuinely perplexed by the libertarian movement. I think that’s because he simply doesn’t understand it; it’s a different language to him. But I do wish take the critical eye he uses to examine libertarians and train it on the Democratic Party a little more. Questioning libertarians on same-sex marriage seems silly to me, since most libertarians I know support same-sex marriage. It might be more productive to challenge President Obama, who has stated that he thinks marriage must be between a man and a woman. Questioning libertarians over the death penalty also seems silly to me, since most libertarians I know are against it. It might be more productive to challenge President Obama, who supports the death penalty because he thinks communities need to get out their anger or something, which is just about as appalling a reason as one could pick.

Looking beyond Ari, it’s been depressing to see so many liberals criticize Paul on issues where President Obama is by every conceivable measure far worse under the liberals’ own standards.

Liberals are should be challenging Paul, not Libertarians- just as you say Liberals should challenge Obama. perhaps its Libertarians who should be saying Paul isn’t like them- just as Liberals should acknowledge that Obama is no Liberal.

1:43pm | URL: http://tmblr.co/ZmCeYyECv3Zj

(Notes: 61)