*--*  09-26-93  -  12:57:07  *--*

Article #41 (42 is last):
Newsgroups: alt.anarchism
From: ah605@Freenet.carleton.ca (Denise Hudson)
Subject: Libertarianism is not Anarchism
Reply-To: ah605@Freenet.carleton.ca (Denise Hudson)
Date: Sat Sep 25 01:26:21 1993


   Libertarianism has been trying for over a decade to steal the word
'anarchism', but it is a quite different philosphy to Proudhon, Tolstoi etc.

Reasons why Libertarianism is not anarchistic:

1) It is quite uncritical, and in fact an apologist for capitalism and big
business.  I.e. it accepts and doesnot question the major lie of our time.

2) Business is the major arch.  Elected (or non-elected) governments are
not running things, are not making the decisions that will determine how
we live for the next 50 years.  An anarchist questions and rejects
whatever arch is around.

3) While not rejecting the argument that drugs etc should not be subject
to laws, Libertarians that I have encountered do not seem interested in
comtemporary freedom issues, e.g: how to minimize one's data shadow; how
to avoid genetic fingerprinting; clothing compulsion laws (not just women
being allowed to bare their chests, but total nudity should be an option
for those who want it); the internalized oppression of gender conformity.

4) It is said by some that Libertarianism is more motivated by fear of the
poor than concerbn for liberty.  Applying the same laws to rich and poor
is meaningless unless there is a level playing field.  So why, out of all
that is wrong in society, go on about minimum wage laws?  Are you willing
to work for $1 an hour?  People who are forced into minimum wage jobs need
a bit of an assist.  If anarchism should ever come about, such adaptions
to the deficiencies of capitalism would fall away.

	Well that is a few thoughs on the subject.  If you want a
Libertarian BBS call it that, not 'anarchism'. 
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