[extropy-chat] Extropy and libertarianism

[nvitamore at austin.rr.com]

Mike wrote:


"The real 'watering down' is the degree to which policies endorsed by
ExI or advocated by other transhumanist groups (such as supporting
corporate welfare subsidies for stem cell research) which do not hold
to the extropian principles (such as WTA) and hold anti-libertarian
leadership (such as a certain well known socialist) or policies (such
as pro-borg agendas), and hold their annual conferences in nations
controlled by fasco-socialist thugs (Venezuela)."

It is true that WTA intentionally tries to discredit ExI by positioning it
politically in order to make itself appear to be more worthy of membership
and support by making extropians to be libertarian and appear to not care
about people and the world.  And it is true that the anti-libertarian
leadership of WTA has been public about discrediting ExI and extropians.

But it is not true that all extropians are libertarian.  To claim this,
Mike, would be a disservice to other extropians and members of ExI who are
not libertarian.  This is the main reason why I think it is important not
to push any one political viewpoint on extropians and ExI.

I recognize your passion, and the passions of others.  And I must be
fair-minded.

"You only gain respect by standing strongly for what you believe,
stating what you believe, and sticking to it, not let the marxists,
socialists, and other infiltrators dilute or divert your intent with
their entryist tactics."

Yes, but I would not put so much emphasis on WTA.  In fact, I think that
WTA does not really matter.  I’m not interested in what the Smiths gossip
about.  I care about what I am doing and the future.  What does matter is
thinking strategically and passionately about what we want to achieve, not
what others are doing.  

I believe that too much reliance on a 21st Century political viewpoint is
insufficient. And in this regard I will not wavier.  My view about the
future is not bogged down by political viewpoints which are intended to
attack and discredit others who are working toward developing a future that
is beneficial for humanity.  I also value individuality and the right to
freedom of choice too much.

Just as the socialists try their best to make fools out of those who do not
agree with them, libertarians often do the same.  Your name calling is
unacceptable and you have been asked in the past not to do this. I trust
you can carry on a conversation and a debate on this topic without blaming
and name calling.

So, where do we stand?  We need to develop a political mindset that is
inclusive of critical thinking and progress.   AND is intelligent enough to
recognize the benefits diversity when diverse thinking adds to the
substantiality of a mindset.

There are many strategic models that ExI can use to develop the type of
future we foresee as being of the highest potential for resolving conflicts
of society in reaching our vision and goals.

I hasten to add that unless and until we find this, transhumanity cannot
succeed.

Natasha



Natasha Vita-More
President, Extropy Institute


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