Maybe they were breast-fed until 5.
If this extremely simplistic viewpoint is how Libertarians see the world, then that explains some of the answers given in this thread. I guess Libertarians see their side as the “Good Guys”, and those with differing opinions as the “Bad Guys”. Coupled with this comment:
, I am beginning to believe that intelligent discourse just isn’t possible.
No, but we know history better than you apparently do. Insult manhoods all you like, but any history book will show you the difference between pre- and post-regulatory society.
AHEM:
I’m giving both of you formal warnings here. You cannot say other debaters are babies in this forum. If the two of you want to say non-libertarians are crybabies or fraidycats, post it in The BBQ Pit.
Yes. There are more people who are willing to respect other people’s rights than there are those who want to violate them. Thus, your scenario is untenable.
My guys have helicopter gunships, body armor and RPG’s. Your guys have pistols and pointy sticks. I’ll stick with my guys, even though they are few.
Your statement is based upon the belief that everyone knows what rights you are referring to, agrees with your particular definition of those rights, and agrees that those rights are sacrosanct.
Cite, please.
Basically, you see my argument as naive in the extreme. I see your argument as evidence of persecutory delusions.
I don’t think we’re going to resolve anything here.
Because you say so.
Surprise!
Hey, watch out for that slippery slope!
(“…there could be eventually…” arguments are so very persuasive.)
Are you too young to remember Kennedy’s speech opening the “space race” in which he cast it as a matter of national pride and identity for which no defined economic returns were expected? And do you not recognize that the failure to show significant economic benefits that are clearly tied directly to the space program is one of the reasons for its diminishing support by the public? (No, I am not negating all the very real benefits; just stating that most people fail to recognize the origin.)
ETA - Sorry this is late and now slightly out of sequence. I had to step outside to catch a rattlesnake. Yes, really.
So now nationalism is admirable?
Who is to say a market wouldn’t have emerged by now? You can’t rightfully say that it wouldn’t have.
I wasn’t speaking for or against nationalism, I was simply discounting your argument that space exploration wasn’t begun and, until we start seeing more than an X version private space program, still is, “developed by the government”.
As for an emerged market, no, I can’t speak authoritatively to a host of parallel universes. This isn’t a fantasy story. But in this universe there are no government regulations preventing the development of private space travel technologies. And yet no such market has yet developed. It is falacious to blame that lack on some kind of governmental interference or prohibition.
I’m not talking as if actual science is science fiction, like you are.
We have developed very dangerous technologies where no matter how burley a beefcake you think you are, a 90 lb. nerd with asthma can take out thousands with the right weapon or materials.
Why this kind of terrorism or even individual sociopathy is very unlikely now, is because these things are under strict regulations and highly guarded, whereas a citizen, group or organization will find it extremely difficult to obtain.
With these regulations, restrictions and security removed, it would be much easier to smuggle enough U238 out of, say, a nuclear power plant.
The rest is just clever academics and engineering. Why would you assume it’d take billions of dollars to do so?
This isn’t to mention dirty bombs. And I’m just talking about the imminent threat of real technology. There are many factors besides hazardous materials where such regulations and security need to be employed.
Why? Because we’ve gotten to the point where you can take out a city in an instant with just a few people. It’s not about how many muscles you have anymore. There’s much more at stake.
Yes, I do say so. I got together the biggest bunch of guys I could and armed them with the best and most modern weapons. Because this is my right in this future libertarian land. I am exercising my right to hire whom I want to protect my property.
My security firm is freakin awesome! Every time some upstart new company forms in the security field, my guys are so competitive, that company does not last long, I can tell you!
I guess you missed my post before. Let me repeat:
In a libertarian society, where would they get the “proper, scavenged materials”? Someone would have to produce those materials, spending billions to do it. So - why would someone do that, and if they did for some weird reason, why would they be so lax with their $billions investment that they would let someone else steal it?
Talk to Dan Wheldon about how the government is controlling every aspect of our lives and telling people they can’t engage in dangerous activities.
And the thousands of people around you, in order not to be intimidated by you, will get together and oppose you. And there are more of them than there are of you. Your fantasies notwithstanding.
Faith. Magical Thinking. No reason anyone should just accept this is true.
Maybe I’m really good friends with the owner of the power plant, and since the government has no qualms, he’s actively involved with me and my friends in using these materials to gain economic or political advantage.