5 Reasons the Pro-freedom Movement Is in Trouble

[Matthew Gaylor]

At 1:09 PM -0400 10/15/01, Gail Lightfoot <GkLtft at aol.com> wrote:
>Dear Matt,
>
>   No matter how reasonable an individuals philosophy of living
>  may be, they will still succumb to emotionalism from time to time.

And succumb they do.

We now have these examples of alleged freedom advocates making the 
following non-freedom remarks.

1.) Reason Magazine Contributing Editor Cathy Young advocating 
banning encryption stating that: "Do I like the idea of people being 
able to encrypt electronic communications so that they are beyond 
surveillance? Frankly, I found it scary even before Sept. 11 - 
precisely because of the threat of terrorism. It is said that there 
are no atheists in foxholes; perhaps there are no true libertarians 
in times of terrorist attacks.  Even in the Declaration of 
Independence, the right to liberty is preceded by the right to life." 
<http://www.reason.com/cy/cy092401.html>

2.) Ivan Eland <ieland at cato.org>, Director of Defense Policy Studies, 
Cato Institute writes in favor of victim disarmament "The ban against 
sharp metal objects (i.e., knives) aboard aircraft is a good one." 
See: <http://www.cato.org/current/terrorism/pubs/eland-010920.html>

3.) The Objectivist Center's James Robbins's support of a national 
ID-  Robbins' writes: "...however, the recent assault on America has 
had a significant clarifying effect. Since last Tuesday, some of my 
"go to the wall" libertarian views, such as opposing a national ID 
card, have seemed trivial. The potential for government abuse is 
present, but the need for providing security is actual. So long as 
there are adequate checks and balances, so long as the enabling 
legislation is circumscribed and directed, the measures currently 
being touted seem a reasonable cost." See: 
<http://www.objectivistcenter.org/pubs/jr_what_will_happen_now.asp>

4.) Various Libertarian Party spokespersons notably in Ohio and 
Florida making statements such as:  " "We're normally very wary about 
anything that could mean more authority to the federal government and 
limited individual liberties," said Ralph Swanson, an administrator 
for the Florida Libertarian Party. "But I think you'll find, after 
all this, something has to be done to keep people safe." 
<http://www.Jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/091201/met_7262452.html 
 >.  And Ohio's LP director stating that: "I personally have no 
problem with airlines preventing passengers to carry weapons..." And 
she went on to say "Airport searches aren't 4th amendment 
violations." <see archives at libertarian discussion list 
<LDL at LISTSERV.KENT.EDU> >.

5.)  The Libertarian Party of Virginia candidate for Governor William 
Redpath is publicly calling for the elimination of private gun sales 
as he wants all private gun sales routed via a government licensed 
dealer so a FBI background check can be done.  Currently in Virginia 
if you wanted to give or sell your neighbor a gun you can do so 
without governmental involvement. See 
<http://www.redpath2001.com/gun_control.html>.

I'd like to view the liberty goblet as half full rather than half 
empty but with freedom advocates like these who needs enemies?

Regards,  Matt-











At 1:09 PM -0400 10/15/01, GkLtft at aol.com wrote:
>From: GkLtft at aol.com
>Date: Mon, 15 Oct 2001 13:09:20 EDT
>Subject: Re: What's Wrong With Objectivism?
>To: freematt at coil.com
>
>Dear Matt,
>
>   No matter how reasonable an individuals philosophy of living
>  may be, they will still succumb to emotionalism from time to time.
>
>   For instance, Libertarians (many of whom - like me - consider
>  themselves to be Objectivists) oppose the use of force for
>  political ends, yet we may recognize the need to use force to
>  append individuals who advocate the use of such force. In fact,
>  a Libertarian government has the sole responsibility to use force
>  against those who would use force for their own gain.
>
>   In the face of the horrific events of Sept 11, 2001, it is not really
>  very surprising to hear normally rational people speak out with
>  emotion instead of reason. The key is will they give up their reason
>  for emotion over time. Check back with the individual as time passes
>  and see what they say then.
>
>   I am somewhat encouraged to note it was not David Kelley who wrote
>  words of encouragement to those who think an ID card is an effective
>  way to stem any illegal activity. If such a card could, the wisest move
>  would be to give them to criminals not the rest of us. Maybe a tattoo
>  on the forehead. :)
>
>   Perhaps some satire and silly ideas on the subject of ID cards will
>  bring Robbins to his senses.
>
>Liberty,
>gail lightfoot
>California Libertarian


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