How could infrastructure be built without eminent domain?

Published March 21, 2011 in Short Answers by Mary Ruwart

Question

How could infrastructure such as utility lines, water and sewer pipes, highways, and rail lines be built or expanded if government didn't have the power to seize private property through eminent domain?

Builders would pay owners market price for property, instead of asking the government to condemn it, seize it, and hand it off to them as they so often do today. (See how some libertarian lawyers at the Institute for Justice are fighting it pro  (Read More)

Will drug kingpins remain a problem after legalization?

Published March 07, 2011 in Short Answers by Mary Ruwart

Question

It seems to me that if you decriminalize drug usage and do away with the drug war, drug kingpins aren't just going to sit idly by and let their kingdoms go to pot. So how can we keep the peace and protect people from the violence of gang warfare and drug wars after drugs are decriminalized?

When alcohol Prohibition ended, the gang wars ended, too. The Mafia focused on other illegal activities when re-legalization took the profit out of booze. Crime decreased dramatically and so did the need for police.  (Read More)

What do libertarians believe about gay marriage?

Published February 14, 2011 in Short Answers by Mary Ruwart

Question

Regarding gay marriage, I believe marriage is a religious institution and the government should have nothing to do with it. Am I too far out in left (or would that be right) field?

You're not too far out at all! You've simply taken the libertarian position.

Libertarians believe that marriage should be defined by those engaging in it, either by civil contract or their religious tradition, or both. Government shouldn't have anything to do with it.

Today, most people find out that their marriage vows have, through government  (Read More)

Buying Unfair Influence

Published January 31, 2011 in Short Answers by Mary Ruwart

Question

How would a libertarian society prevent rich people and corporations from influencing the decisions of politicians, judges, and police in their favor?

The only sure way to prevent the rich from buying unfair government influence is to stop allowing government to use physical force against peaceful people. Whenever government is allowed to favor one group over another, the rich will always win, since they can "buy" more favors, overtly or covertly, than the poor.

For example, when  (Read More)