- Capitalism and Alternatives -

incompatibility of the terms "anarchism" and "socialism"

Posted by: Tracy ( USA ) on September 21, 1997 at 18:25:00:

In Reply to: The inconsistency of propaganda logic. posted by Siamak on September 19, 1997 at 14:57:49:


You are very right about the incompatibility of the terms "anarchism" and "socialism", and you are right, too, in saying that anarchy is closer to libertarianism than socialism; however, I wonder why you use the term "anarchy" as if it were something vulgar to begin with.
To be clear, I am NOT an anarchist; I am a libertarian. I believe in govt. It is just that I believe that the ROLE of govt is pretty much as (sorry, I forget the name) the first guy outlined it.
You bring up a few issues: the environment, workers' "rights", "capitalist encroachment" on communities, and the police.
As to the first issue, why do you think that libertarianism is incompatible with environmentalism? In no way does the idea of LIMITED government necessarily lead to unfettered actions on the part of individuals OR corporations. Though libertarianism is CLOSER to anarchism, govt. in this system has a few clearly defined roles, among which is the protection of individuals' rights. I am sure a case could be made that if I poison your water I would be guilty of some sort of assault.
As to workers' rights and the expansionist trends of big, albeit GREEDY corprations, the answer is not govt; the answer is US. BOYCOTT. SPEAK. DO NOT PATRONIZE. PROTEST. But, by hell, LEAVE BIG BROTHER OUT OF IT!
As to the police, aside from the FBI and such, they are state, county, city and township entities. How policing is handled would be left to the states and their citizens.
You don't like the idea of power being in the hands of big corporate, assholes who are constantly thinking, "More! More! Bigger! More!"? Then why the hell would you want to invest that power in POLITICIANS who make LAW? Under a libertarian system, WE have the ultimate power over the Gucci'd exec's because WE, collectively, have the MONEY. WE can choose not to buy their stuff, work for them, play golf with them... You give that money and power to the politicians, and it is over. You give them your money in more taxes to take care of our problems for us (less efficiently and at greater cost, I might add!), give them federal policing agencies, give them the power to make law with no legitimate moral foundation with regard to the proper role of govt. and see what happens. Look about you NOW and see!
You wanna stop McDonalds? Don't go there. I am with you! Keep this website going but get rid of the anti-freedom rhetoric or you will defeat your own purposes. Get Ronald where he damned well feels it: his big, baggy pockets.
Freedom WORKS, folks. Think about that word! Freedom! Don't tread on mine!

Read about Libertarianism.

Count me sovereign,
Tracy


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