What are some of the essential credos of this new political paradigm? As Reason magazine has it, left-libertarianism
While I can appreciate the idea that every individual is entitled to an equal share of natural resources, it would be highly impractical. All land is not created equal, and has a different value to each person and for each purpose. As for charging a tax for private appropriation, how is that different from the current system? The land is owned by the government, for which it will sell to a developer on the open market. The proceeds then go toward the benefit of the people. No one is excluded. If an individual wants to own a natural resource, he can enter the market and buy it.
As for the ten points...
Again, I don't see how any of this isn't possible in current society. Every man is fully entitled to pursue any entrepreneurial desires he may have. If he can develop a new product; or a more efficient/safer/better product, he can take down the largest industrialist...or at least be compensated for his innovation.
By the way, this 3-D printer is cool. I remember reading about it when I was in grammar school (like 15 years ago). Does it only manufacture prototypes, or do they foresee it manufacturing marketable goods?
Agree. Though I remaine concerned with how environmental standards can affect American products in the global marketplace. But I suppose consumers could eventually find their self-interest leading them to buy more environmentally-sound products, which would allay my worries.
Disagree. You and I have argued this before, but I'll reiterate that I believe a standing military is one of the (few) purposes of a government. It's up to the government, for the sake of efficiency, to buy and build military equipment in an open, competetive market. If the government fails to do this, the people can voice their opinions at the polls.
I agree with you regarding torture.
Agreed. I'd even consider taking it a step further and legalize all drugs. There are laws in place to punish/deter crimes committed while under the influence of drugs -- I don't agree with the current policy behind outlawing their use or possession.
I'm not sure what you mean by "anti-immigrant rhetoric" being used behind the criminalization of marijuana.
Disagree. I don't know enough about intellectual property to form an in-depth opinion, but I think the RIAA serves a purpose. On the other hand, I don't agree with the RIAA suing individuals who download files for private consumption, as (according to the wikipedia article) the amount in damages incurred per download is nominal.
I also don't know much about "net neutrality". Instead of researching it, I'm just going to say that I'm in favor of deregulating the internet, so long as IP rights remain protected.
As for unions...I don't have a problem with their existence. I just don't want them getting any preferential treatment from the government.
Agree.
Agree. Protected lands should be privately-owned. If the purchaser finds a use for the land other than recreation, then so be it. I love wildlife and want animals to be protected, but I don't think it should be the government's responsibility.
Disagree. As I've stated before, one of the government's primary responsibilities is to protect the people from foreign invaders. Controlling our borders is a part of that.
Leaving it up to the states is a punt, but okay. I suppose there's no more efficient way to handle such a divided issue.
Agree.
