Being practical
Libertarians (aka classical liberals) who want to wind back excessive governmental interference and bring back more of the freedoms once enjoyed during the 19th century are sometimes derided for being caught up in their own theories to the extent that they conveniently overlook the practicalities of real life. “Freedom sounds good on paper,” it is said, “but it shouldn’t be the ultimate value we prize above others because often it doesn’t work in practice.”
People point out there are other important objectives – social justice, the collective interest, and so on. Others say it’s too simplistic (despite many empirical studies lending support to the concept!) to suggest one single variable – that is, the level of freedom – largely determines the health, wealth and happiness of the human race.
However, there is one point libertarians argue that is undeniably within the confines of the real world. And that is the simple observation that as human beings we operate within rational bounds. Those who influence policy – whether they are economists, scientists or others who know more maths than I do – cannot possibly be aware of all the unintended consequences of a particular course of action.
This insight can be applied to any controversial area. No individual or government possesses all the knowledge and foresight required to take the optimal decision in any area of life. Sometimes, the best thing for government to do is… nothing. Nothing but ignore sensational media coverage and permit the natural state of affairs to develop.
Your tax dollars at work
Apparently, the Aussie notion of a “fair go for all” means stealing my money to pay this clown to poison the minds of children:
I am a teacher. I teach at a secondary school in Sydney’s western suburbs
In fact, Mr. Bob Treasure is the head teacher of a faculty at the Erskine Park High School in Sydney. He’s also an enthusiastic supporter of totalitarianism:
What’s more, the considerably greater proportion of GDP expenditure on education in Cuba is spread evenly. It is designed to make opportunity the same for all. There is no palpable nor obscene inequality of private schools with abundant resources and public schools with few. The Cuban education system is one built upon social justice, and for that we say:
‘VIVA FIDEL!’
Sounds wonderful.
Blessed with Fidel’s munificent education system, the young Cuban Eloi can use their reading skills on books they’ll get jailed for reading, research things on the internet which they’re not permitted to access, learn about other countries they’re not allowed to travel to, learn about their government which they’re not allowed to oppose.
Well, at least if they get sick, they’ll be taken care of in Cuba’s glorious “free” healthcare system.
This is something of which the Cuban people are rightly proud, and it is something for which we say:
‘VIVA FIDEL!’
Well, I loved the cockroaches and blood on the floor. Very colourful. Viva Fidel!
Just the kinda guy we need teaching the young’ns.
I hope the bastard ends up under Val Prieto’s floorboards.
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