Are Libertarians A Bunch of "Do Nothing" Complainers?

By, Chris Rossini
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Bob Wenzel's post yesterday on Justin Amash's gradual stroll away from liberty brought out the following from an Anonymous commenter:

...can't libertarians like Wenzel and other commenters come up with better strategies and tactics than sitting all day theorizing about ideal society. By the time we are done debating we'll all be dead. So instead of complaining, think about doing something positive and turn it into action. Do it. Do it now. Tired of complainers and haters and theorists.

This isn't an uncommon view. So I'd like to assist the above commenter (and anyone else that holds that view).

But first, a necessary look at what we're up against here.

The State, and its employed politicians, are parasites…plain and simple:

They're a special kind of parasite though, because the entire time that they drain the life out of us, they're constantly making sure that we believe in their necessity; that we cannot live without them latched on.

The State pulls this off with plenty of help.

First, for the highbrow, it has very dignified Nobel Prize winning experts, like Paul Krugman; as well as $40,000 per speech geniuses like Robert Reich. You're gonna need a nice suit and tie to be graced by their intelligence. Their entire careers rest upon keeping the belief alive....that without The State, you're toast. Any type of freedom can only get you into trouble.

But it doesn't stop with the black tie crowd. The State has a line of defense tailored for everyone.

For the more visual people, there's Ezra Klein, who will crunch any numbers necessary, and will show you any pie chart necessary, to once again keep you believing.

For those who don't have a mind for charts and statistics, you can turn on Bill O'Reilly and Rush Limbaugh to tickle your base instincts. Anyone who thinks that life without the parasites is desirable must be some kind of wacko or idiot.

The State's lines of defense go beyond the talking heads. The belief is creatively woven into all parts of our lives, even down to the children. In schools across the land, kids are taught to "pledge allegiance"; and every sporting event starts with a "national anthem". If it's a professional sporting event, there are flyovers by fighter jets, and a member of the military to sing during the 7th inning stretch.

The whole thing is to reassure your belief.

And it works.

Millions upon millions, all over the world, genuflect at the altar of The State. In democracies, the idea was sold that you even have the privilege of praying to it. You can "make your voice heard" by casting ballots with the hope that your prayers will be answered. If you're lucky enough, the false god will bless you, favor you (and punish your neighbor instead).

Now, let's get back to the commenter who accuses sites, like EPJ, of being a bunch of "do nothing" complainers.

Nothing can be further from the truth.

By reading EPJ, you'll find a whole different set of beliefs. The belief in freedom, private property, contracts, the non-aggression principle...To sum it up, that we'd be much better off in a society that lives by the simple statement "Live and Let Live," so long as you're not harming anyone else.

The commenter needs to realize that this is a battle of ideas.

When Krugman perpetuates the illusion that Obama has the power to levitate, EPJ will point out the wires hanging from the ceiling. When Robert Reich exclaims that government really does have 50 rabbits in the top hat, EPJ will point out the trap door.

Now, if someone is coming to EPJ to find out which politician needs to get elected, or whether or not a politician needs to vote for H.R. 12345, than yes, he/she is going to be disappointed. If that's the idea of "doing something" then there are plenty of Beltway libertarian sites and organizations that can keep you entertained.

Here you will find a steady stream of work defending the ideas of freedom, and that contrary to what Leviathan's pawns say, we'd be just fine without them.

Leviathan lives because the citizens that it leeches off of are operating on a confused set of beliefs that allows the leeches to operate. Only when the understanding of the importance and value of freedom advances will a free society be able to hold its ground---and EPJ is about advancing that understanding of freedom.