Libertarianism essentially means freedom for the rich. If everyone can do whatever they want with minimal limits and obligations to consider the good of the collective, this ties personal freedoms to personal resources. Rich people can afford to do whatever they want — so they are more free.
It’s a bit like the inequality inherent to fines, but as an entire economic system. For a poor person, a fine is a deterrent. For a rich person, it’s a fee for breaking the law. Libertarianism seeks to present rights as unilaterally granted, rather than a constant negotiation of give and take that moderates society. It’s about what you’re entitled to, not what is good for the whole. Hence the extreme emphasis on property rights.
Rights are for the rich, when you’re a libertarian. Oh sure, the poor HAVE rights — after all, it’s about equal rights!!
But those rights turn out to be MUCH less equal if you don’t have the resources to enforce and utilise them.
It's the same ploy with "free speech" - another executive order Donald J Trump signed on his first day in Office again.
The premise of free speech is "equality!" but the absolute free speech argument is a cover for them to openly broadcast e.g. anti-transgender and anti-climate views without inteference, in my opinion.
Absolute free speech is also a way to suppress academic freedom, a right that balances a difficult seesaw with freedom of expression. Expect to hear a lot more about that….
Funny that I thought of Peter Thiel and his Queenstown bolt hole when I was doing my RSB submission, he’d be in before lunch. Always remember it was Jonkey who fast tracked his purchase of NZ citizenship, a bit like Seymour’s foreign investment moves… In their world everything is for sale. Love having Leunig in my life after many years, Larson next?
We should also remember it was Peter Thiel who reportedly placed JD Vance as Trump's VP - and although he's been overshadowed now, it's a powerful position - especially if Trump dies.
If these clouds do have a silver lining it is that the hyper-egos of the tech oligarchs will eventually lead to conflict with each other and the orange one, even if they want the same thing.
Their biggest concern is when society collapses, their wealth will not buy them privilege. Cued to a section from the 2022 BBC podcast, The Coming Storm Epilogue episode, about Thiel and the NZ connection.
Jesus. I just listened to that. Thank you for sharing. I cannot shake the feeling of these tech bros as spoiled adolescent boys breaking toys. Im not a religious person but Lord save us from these emotionally and intellectualy immature little shites.
It is hard work, believe it or not - bringing out in words what is obvious to me in my gut is sometimes quite difficult for me, but I'm grateful for the kind words and support. Thanks B Insull and hope you're well :-)
I believe it cos I am the same. To articulate what I know in my gut is almost impossible on most days. The frustration that what is so obvious to me but not to others. Thank you for your work MT.
One of my early drum beating topics was the Independent Electoral Review recommendations which recommended a structure that would inhibit that. Of course, Paul Goldsmith buried that, but I hold out hope that one day there will be significant electoral donor reform - and I don't care what it's called - only that it's done.
Soooo… Trump is wanting to close the borders and hike tariffs because Canada and Mexico are letting drugs into USA, but meanwhile he pardons the creator of Silk Road, which is a platform for, among other bad things, illegal drugs. Right…
Yes I believe that platform's main thrust is trading (buying and selling) illegal drugs - and the builder of it is knee deep in crypto and has untold wealth waiting for him.
So true KSJ. Plus we are exposed to the increasing conflict between Chinese and US expansionism. NZ could save billions by working as a Pacific Islands leader including remedying the damage to Samoa by HMNZS Manawanui as a priority
Revealing that Peters has dialed back on the sale of kiwi heritage assets to the US under the OIO Regs. The latest infamous decision is the sale of your personal information and mine by the sale of Vector's electricity meter-reading service. A guaranteed 3% of the household bill
👍Thanks for doing the hard mahi... am limiting exposure to the orange menace while keeping informed, but don't have that luxury with matters Aotearoa as vigilance & pushback is essential for both our futures & my mental health, that is not feeling complicit in silence & helpless by non-action. The Bishop in the US who fronted Drumpf with some gentle reminders about what being "Christian" is 🔥 is my Shero of the day 🫂
Yes, and I plan to step away soon too but only monitoring in keeping with the parallels here. He is your hero, I have mine - thanks for your presence and kindness.
I do know a lot of good Americans and they fight hard, but the system is really geared towards the mega elite - while they unironically and successfully label others, such as non-co-operative academics, as the elite.
Libertarianism essentially means freedom for the rich. If everyone can do whatever they want with minimal limits and obligations to consider the good of the collective, this ties personal freedoms to personal resources. Rich people can afford to do whatever they want — so they are more free.
It’s a bit like the inequality inherent to fines, but as an entire economic system. For a poor person, a fine is a deterrent. For a rich person, it’s a fee for breaking the law. Libertarianism seeks to present rights as unilaterally granted, rather than a constant negotiation of give and take that moderates society. It’s about what you’re entitled to, not what is good for the whole. Hence the extreme emphasis on property rights.
Rights are for the rich, when you’re a libertarian. Oh sure, the poor HAVE rights — after all, it’s about equal rights!!
But those rights turn out to be MUCH less equal if you don’t have the resources to enforce and utilise them.
It's the same ploy with "free speech" - another executive order Donald J Trump signed on his first day in Office again.
The premise of free speech is "equality!" but the absolute free speech argument is a cover for them to openly broadcast e.g. anti-transgender and anti-climate views without inteference, in my opinion.
Absolute free speech is also a way to suppress academic freedom, a right that balances a difficult seesaw with freedom of expression. Expect to hear a lot more about that….
100% That's what "Free Speech Union" is really about - and gearing up about.
👍💯 Couldn't explain it better 👏
Your commentaries are superb. They need widespread reading . It’s time New Zealand woke up.in fact it’s overdue.
Well overdue
Funny that I thought of Peter Thiel and his Queenstown bolt hole when I was doing my RSB submission, he’d be in before lunch. Always remember it was Jonkey who fast tracked his purchase of NZ citizenship, a bit like Seymour’s foreign investment moves… In their world everything is for sale. Love having Leunig in my life after many years, Larson next?
We should also remember it was Peter Thiel who reportedly placed JD Vance as Trump's VP - and although he's been overshadowed now, it's a powerful position - especially if Trump dies.
Yes to Leunig and the Larson!
If these clouds do have a silver lining it is that the hyper-egos of the tech oligarchs will eventually lead to conflict with each other and the orange one, even if they want the same thing.
Their biggest concern is when society collapses, their wealth will not buy them privilege. Cued to a section from the 2022 BBC podcast, The Coming Storm Epilogue episode, about Thiel and the NZ connection.
https://pca.st/hraxjz2u?t=28m5s
Jesus. I just listened to that. Thank you for sharing. I cannot shake the feeling of these tech bros as spoiled adolescent boys breaking toys. Im not a religious person but Lord save us from these emotionally and intellectualy immature little shites.
Thank you for your clear powerful journalism. Hard work!!
It is hard work, believe it or not - bringing out in words what is obvious to me in my gut is sometimes quite difficult for me, but I'm grateful for the kind words and support. Thanks B Insull and hope you're well :-)
I believe it cos I am the same. To articulate what I know in my gut is almost impossible on most days. The frustration that what is so obvious to me but not to others. Thank you for your work MT.
Cheers Lorna - glad to have people who understand around. Lessens the workload a little.
The first step to even the democratic playing field (and it maybe too late) is to stop money buying politicians.
One of my early drum beating topics was the Independent Electoral Review recommendations which recommended a structure that would inhibit that. Of course, Paul Goldsmith buried that, but I hold out hope that one day there will be significant electoral donor reform - and I don't care what it's called - only that it's done.
Soooo… Trump is wanting to close the borders and hike tariffs because Canada and Mexico are letting drugs into USA, but meanwhile he pardons the creator of Silk Road, which is a platform for, among other bad things, illegal drugs. Right…
Yes I believe that platform's main thrust is trading (buying and selling) illegal drugs - and the builder of it is knee deep in crypto and has untold wealth waiting for him.
Someone who works for very wealthy Americans recently told me they all call NZ ‘apocalypse island’.
So we are no longer a desirable life boat country for most, just the uber wealthy…
So true KSJ. Plus we are exposed to the increasing conflict between Chinese and US expansionism. NZ could save billions by working as a Pacific Islands leader including remedying the damage to Samoa by HMNZS Manawanui as a priority
Absolutely agree Tui. So sad we are followers of failed policy…. So much talent here we could be world leaders, if the scum didn’t rise to the top.
That was Winston, KSJ :-)
lol
😍
Revealing that Peters has dialed back on the sale of kiwi heritage assets to the US under the OIO Regs. The latest infamous decision is the sale of your personal information and mine by the sale of Vector's electricity meter-reading service. A guaranteed 3% of the household bill
👍Thanks for doing the hard mahi... am limiting exposure to the orange menace while keeping informed, but don't have that luxury with matters Aotearoa as vigilance & pushback is essential for both our futures & my mental health, that is not feeling complicit in silence & helpless by non-action. The Bishop in the US who fronted Drumpf with some gentle reminders about what being "Christian" is 🔥 is my Shero of the day 🫂
Yes, and I plan to step away soon too but only monitoring in keeping with the parallels here. He is your hero, I have mine - thanks for your presence and kindness.
Fuck america! And rich fucking americans!
I do know a lot of good Americans and they fight hard, but the system is really geared towards the mega elite - while they unironically and successfully label others, such as non-co-operative academics, as the elite.