Libertarian beliefs about Liberal beliefs.
In his book The Revolution, Ron Paul cites an essay by William Graham Sumner titled “The Forgotten Man“. Mr. Sumner began the essay with this:
The type and formula of most schemes of philanthropy or humanitarianism is this: A and B put their heads together to decide what C shall be made to do for D. The radical vice of all these schemes, from a sociological point of view, is that C is not allowed a voice in the matter, and his position, character, and interests, as well as the ultimate effects on society through C’s interests, are entirely overlooked. I call C the Forgotten Man.
We thought it would be interesting to list the assumptions underlying this framework as a way for Libertarians to make their case. From the Libertarian perspective then, Liberals assume that:
A & B know what’s best for D.
A & B are not self-interested
C will not help D unless A & B compel him.
A & B are fine with using force to coerce C into helping D.
A & B are not fine with C using force to resist helping D.
A & B prefer C to be unarmed.
C will not help D unless A & B compel him.
C will not help D unless A & B compel him.
Without the assitance of A & B, D will languish or even perish
D wants the help of A & B, or for that matter C.
D will be grateful for the help.
D will not become dependent on the help.
The help will not discourage D from helping himself.
The use A & B have for C’s resources is superior to what C would do on his own.
A & B have dominion over C and first claim on the fruits of his labor.
C will try to avoid his “responsibility” to help D, so they must confiscate his earnings first by withholding from his paycheck.
There are more D’s than C’s, so A & B will get elected by taking from C and giving to D.
A & B are making the world a better place.
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