“Ought” should be in quotes…. I like Murray Rothbard, but I think this is as utopian as communism. People might want to read Alexander Rustow. Or, Chris Sciabarra’s Total Freedom for an excellent critical and respectful look at Murray Rothbard.
Another interesting book I’ve found was by Sanford Ikeda…. damn thing cost me a fortune. Some may be able to find it in their public library or get them to order it. He basically shows that the mixed economy is much more stable then most believed. I don’t mean to come down to hard on Rothbard. I still very much appreciate him, especially for showing how hollow the state is economically. But is it hollow politically?
This is a very good read! I don’t see Rothbard as a utopian in his view of anarcho-capitalism. The only place where he could be viewed as such was his long-term optimism that humanity might embrace it. This is the only impression I get of Rothbard as a utopian.
Myself, I am pessimistic. Heck! The overwhelming majority of people are light years away from even embracing limited government libertarianism (or paleoconservatism).
As for anarcho-capitalism: It seems if, and that is a big if, people suddenly embraced it, then it is hard to think it would not work. (For example, listen to the interview of Hans Hoppe. Particularly at the end: http://www.philipdru.com/audio/hoppe.mp3)
“Ought” should be in quotes…. I like Murray Rothbard, but I think this is as utopian as communism. People might want to read Alexander Rustow. Or, Chris Sciabarra’s Total Freedom for an excellent critical and respectful look at Murray Rothbard.
Another interesting book I’ve found was by Sanford Ikeda…. damn thing cost me a fortune. Some may be able to find it in their public library or get them to order it. He basically shows that the mixed economy is much more stable then most believed. I don’t mean to come down to hard on Rothbard. I still very much appreciate him, especially for showing how hollow the state is economically. But is it hollow politically?
This is a very good read! I don’t see Rothbard as a utopian in his view of anarcho-capitalism. The only place where he could be viewed as such was his long-term optimism that humanity might embrace it. This is the only impression I get of Rothbard as a utopian.
Myself, I am pessimistic. Heck! The overwhelming majority of people are light years away from even embracing limited government libertarianism (or paleoconservatism).
As for anarcho-capitalism: It seems if, and that is a big if, people suddenly embraced it, then it is hard to think it would not work. (For example, listen to the interview of Hans Hoppe. Particularly at the end: http://www.philipdru.com/audio/hoppe.mp3)