How would police, fire, and emergency services be funded and operated in a libertarian society?

Published May 31, 2011 in Short Answers by Mary Ruwart

Question

I've really enjoyed reading your answers; it has given me a lot to think about. I do have a lingering question. In a libertarian society, how would the police, fire and emergency services be funded and operated? Would I have to haggle with the various fire companies to find out who charges the least -- all while my house is burning down?

Of course not! Most insurance companies would probably require you to have a contract with a private fire station in order to get good rates. Most lenders would require insurance just as they do today.  (Read More)

Is Big Government a greater danger than Big Business?

Published May 09, 2011 in Short Answers by Mary Ruwart

Question

 In a libertarian society, how would we control corporations? They often exploit the environment and their employees, and seek to purchase the control of government. Is big government a greater danger than bigger business?

Big government is indeed a greater danger than big business, since it makes exploitation by big business possible.

In the early 1900s, individuals could sue corporations for environmental damage to their property, including pollution of the waterways. Britain still allows individuals to sue upstream polluters  (Read More)

Why do libertarians oppose the current tax system?

Published April 18, 2011 in Short Answers by Mary Ruwart

Question

Most libertarians oppose the current income tax system. Is this because the system is too complicated and the IRS has a poor history, or because income taxes are inherently bad? What type of taxation system would be best? What type of taxation system would be best at the state and local levels? 

Libertarians do not advocate the initiation of force, fraud, or theft to achieve social or political goals. If you refuse to contribute to my favorite charity, and I took your money at gunpoint anyway, I'd be  (Read More)

Wasn't government action necessary to halt slavery and racial oppression?

Published April 04, 2011 in Short Answers by Mary Ruwart

Question

I recently saw the movie "Amazing Grace," about the end of the slave trade in England. How does libertarianism respond to the American Civil War and the Civil rights movement? In both of them, government action was used to enhance freedom.

Government action made slavery possible, and kept it possible -- and the government only backtracked when the citizenry objected. For example, prior to the Civil War, slavery was legal and enforced by governments of both North and South. Slaves who escaped to the North were returned -- by law  (Read More)