Libertarian Ethics

That title might be an oxymoron.

Surely "liberty for all" is a honorable principle. It can even be called "ethical".

But what of other behavior?

As I wrote the last post regarding the Ron Paul Institute's idiotic response to Netanyahu's speech to Congress, I realized that Libertarianism, which I have been generally wont to support, turns out, much to my dismay, to lack an essential component: Ethics.

The singular focus on liberty alone by Libertarianism, while a noble cause, is fraught with danger because it allows for so much that, in the end, will destroy that which it seeks to establish and maintain: the best happiness for the most people.

Libertarianism insists that Liberty alone is sufficient for a fulfilling, happy, successful life, community, and nation.

But as always, things are just not that simple.

Liberty without ethics invariably becomes Libertinism. And that NEVER leads to a fulfilling, happy, successful life...for anybody.

Having been brought up in an ethical society, one based on Judeo-Christian morals, we too often take it for granted that "that's just how people are"...and all they need is to be free and they'll be good and do wonderful things.

But...that's NOT just how people are. They are only like that when raised in an ethics based culture, that inculcates those virtues and ethics from childhood...to the point that everyone takes them for granted.

Being able to take them for granted, because they are so universal in your culture is a wonderful thing. But mistaking them for "human nature" is a foolish and dangerous error.

And that is the problem with Libertarianism. It's only proscription is that you leave everyone else alone to follow their own bliss...as long as it doesn't materially impact you.

But...it is inevitable that much human "bliss" , left to its own devices, will result in lust, gluttonly, greed, sloth, wrath, envy and pride.

And  I submit, those are not a good basis for a healthy society.

So..I guess I have to retreat back to Conservatism from Libertarianism. Because it turns out, its "ethical" underpinnings are a requirement for a good and decent life...and a good and decent nation.

/gun