[extropy-chat] Extropy and libertarianism - a search for meaning...

[The Avantguardian]

--- Jack Parkinson <isthatyoujack at icqmail.com> wrote:

> Hi, I'm Jack.
> 
> I have been reading the posts to this forum for some
> time with somewhat
> mixed emotions regarding the political
> point-scoring. As I see it, the
> extropian viewpoint has no precise congruence with
> any political system -
> rather it subsumes them all (or should do so) with a
> philosophical view
> point which is flexible enough to allow for any kind
> of government - but
> should enshrine some core human values to dictate
> (or at least privede 
> guidance benchmarks on) the way any government
> conducts its affairs.

Yes, Jack, this is precisely the point that Max,
Natasha, and Spike have been trying so hard to make
clear on the list and that is that Extropy, like
Taoism or any other philosophy is larger than any
single political system or movement. 

> Some OED political definition should be enough to
> demonstrate that political
> words per se carry no stigma (I'm not denying the
> cultural/semantic
> baggage that sticks to buzzwords over time - I'm
> just trying to drill down
> to core meanings):
> 1. Socialism: a society in which things are held or
> used in common
> 2. Liberal: Free in bestowing; bountiful, generous,
> open-hearted. 
> Originally,
> the distinctive epithet of those arts or sciences
> that were considered
> worthy of a free man; opposed to servile or
> mechanical. In later use, of
> condition, pursuits, occupations: Pertaining to or
> suitable to persons of
> superior social station; becoming a gentleman...
> 3. Libertarian: One who holds the doctrine of the
> freedom of the will, as
> opposed to that of necessity.
> 
> These are ALL wonderful ideas - each born of the
> very best of motives - each
> idealistically promoted as a (often 'THE!")
> universal panacea. But ideology
> and actual practice are two wildly different things:
> Socialism often breeds
> apathy, wishy-washy liberalism inspires contempt,
> libertarian free markets
> are - at least potentially - just a playground for
> amoral rich kids...

Agreed. Most idealists fall short in practice of their
ideals. 


> A benign dictatorship is probably the most effective
> political system -
> and the cheapest and most efficient as well...
> Problem is - the power
> ultimately devolves to the dictator's inbred
> off-spring - who have none of
> the original ideals, but all the egocentric rapacity
> of indulged
> privilege...

Yes. A benevolent dictatorship is the most extropic
(lowest entropy) government. Decisions are swift,
rational, and efficient. The heriditary power thing,
however, IS a problem. But it is a problem that
applies to laissez-faire capitalist system as well.
That is why I am proponent of meritocracy. There
should be at the very least exams and other methods of
testing that politicians should have to pass before
being allowed to take high office. Much like there was
in ancient China.  

I agree there are problems with an unrestrained free
market that puts all considerations of humanity behind
that of making a profit. It is precisely such a
plutocratic ideal that the Ferenghi on Star Trek were
supposed to parody. It is certainly not the best of
all possible systems. It is just better than anything
else that is currently understood and available. 

I for one am a poster child for Socialism. My father
died when I was 8 and my mother when I was 12. If it
wasn't for the social security checks that I was
getting until I turned 18, I would probably be dead or
in jail by now as there is no legal way for a 12 year
old child to make a living in the U.S. Instead
however, because of Roosevelt's liberal gesture, I
have managed to go to college and have prospects for a
respectable productive career ahead of me.

Any ways, Jack, great first post. I look forward to
reading more of them.

The Avantguardian 
is 
Stuart LaForge
alt email: stuart"AT"ucla.edu

"The surest sign of intelligent life in the universe is that they haven't attempted to contact us." 
-Bill Watterson


	
		
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