Paternalistic libertarianism.
Isn't that a bit of an oxymoron?
So is the concept the Third Way. Didn't stop Cinton and Blair winning elections.
Anyway, I suppose it sounds a bit of an oxymoron, as I wouldn't describe it as a pure libertarian ideology, just taking the good aspects. My view is that government needs to create a flat income tax rate and abolish business and inheritance taxes, as well as ending redistributionist social programs that cost far too much money, and tend to engender poverty. However, I also believe that government must ensure that proper standards are maintained, of decency and law. I believe it needs to make prostitution and pornography illegal (or as difficult as possible to get), as well as taking a tough line on crime, with the death penalty being used for murder and rape.
If murder is indecent, why should the state response to the taking of a life be to take that of another? Particularly if the justice system rests on human judgement which can be erroneous. Why impose a penalty (death) that can never be appealed if it is determined in a court of law that there has been a miscarriage of justice?
