[extropy-chat] Why I am No Longer a Libertarian Either...

[Robert Lindauer]

The Avantguardian wrote:

(sermon clipped)

>He is surely a
>breed above the likes of the Dick Cheneys of the world
>in that Gates never killed anyone to make his fortune,
>whereas the only way Cheney et. al.  make their money
>is from the violent deaths of or, in the case of
>Enron, the wholesale robbery of others. Hell George
>Bush has probably killed more Texans than Santa Ana.
>  
>

Amen!

>     The problem is that I don't know how you can
>discourage the Gateses and the Cheneys of the world
>without absolutely devastating the little guys that
>dream big and the small business owners. 
>  
>
I can think of a start.

1)  Put an end to government-run or government subsidized business 
practices (you know, credit card companies, banks, the stock exchange, 
etc.) including the taxation that supports them.  Without cookies in the 
cookie jar, less people are going to be interested in getting into the 
cookie jar.

2)  Strong independant Labor Unions for whatever remains of the federal 
government with a decidedly antagonistic relationship between federal 
employees and the elected officials who's bidding they are required to 
do.  (Less action!)

3)  A fast-track impeachment process for those government employees and 
elected representatives (including the president, senators, judges, 
EVERYONE) even suspected of doing something wrong.  (Those in power 
-should- be constantly defending their honor, keep 'em guessing!) and 
SEVERE penalties for those caught - e.g. banishment or something.  This 
would require establishing a permanent and independent counsel alongisde 
the judiciary, legislation and executive branches.  The founding fathers 
just made a crucial mistake when writing our constitution - who will 
prosecute and appoint attorneys if the executive, judicial and/or 
legislative branches are the ones under investigation?  It certainly 
shouldn't be left to the president.

And finally a maybe (I haven't thought this through)...

4)  An annual federal referendum (along the lines of the state referendums).

Without the leverage of the state and federal governments, the 
super-rich would not be able to maintain their wealth nor would new 
super-rich people be created. 

(Once again), I recommend a nice read of Meszaros' book "The Power of 
Ideology" especially the chapter "Ideology and Autonomy" which gives a 
pretty convincing critique and model for understanding the power 
relationships between capital and government.  (PS - I don't sell books 
nor am I likely to make any money from you unless you just feel like 
sending me a check or something.)

Best wishes,

Robbie