The Atlantic - Latest Comments in A selective libertarianism

Re: A selective libertarianism

sv — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 15:27:59 -0000

i suspect that the reason the fast-food ban irks libertarians so very much is that it displays an attitude which they particularly despise, because it's displayed so openly among a certain type of liberal: paternalistic, heavy-handed nanny-statism about personal conduct, like the nutritional choices of adults. it's the judgement that rankles them.

i agree with Cole etc that the vast power and reach of laws and law enforcement, manifested through police brutality, no-knock raids, the drug war, etc, are more important, but the creeping overreach and we-know-best attitude of (for example) city councils is worse than it seems, because it's symptomatic of the same ignorant, judgemental, and fear-based mindset that has led to public acceptance of the war on drugs. as one of cole's commenters noted, the ban screws poor people out of a few jobs, as well.

Re: A selective libertarianism

blacksmythe — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 17:55:00 -0000

Compared to the War on Drugs this IS minor.

But how do you deal with the War on Drugs through zoning?

If you're going to talk about more serious issues, use the framework we're presented with. If they zoned liquor stores out, for example, would you think the policy as stupid?

Re: A selective libertarianism

Phoebe — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 20:43:43 -0000

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Re: A selective libertarianism

Kiril — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 10:12:33 -0000

As I commented at Matt's (http://matthewyglesias.theatlantic.com/archives/2008/07/banning_fast_food.php#comment-2529571) where I live in New Orleans already does this, and has for a long time. So it's a little bizarre to me watching people say it can't be done, or it's bound to fail.

Re: A selective libertarianism

Mike — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 22:27:04 -0000

I think what has people exercised is more the condescending tone of the City Council -- that people, especially poor ones, are too dumb to make good food decisions.

You are right, though. Compared to the War on Drugs, this is minor league stuff.