Liberty and Lunacy

I agree with about half of the platform of the Libertarian Party. The other half is just an amazing farrago of crap. Why should a bunch of intelligent people mix good sense with nonsense in such a lumpy souffle? Because they’re guided by a rigid, unyielding set of doctrines, that’s why.

I love their support for freedom of speech. I love their support for an end to prosecution of victimless “crimes.” Their support for abortion rights is a little mealy-mouthed, but they manage not to choke on it. They oppose the use of the United States Armed Forces to invade other countries, which is stellar. Too bad we’ll never see a major political party take that stance!

Here, on the other hand, is an example of Libertarian lunacy — their party position on health care: “We favor restoring and reviving a free market health care system. We recognize the freedom of individuals to determine the level of health insurance they want, the level of health care they want, the care providers they want, the medicines and treatments they will use and all other aspects of their medical care….”

The problem is, freedom isn’t guaranteed to be cheap. “The freedom of individuals to determine the level of health insurance they want” is meaningless when so many people can’t afford the insurance, or can’t qualify for insurance at all. The Libertarians have no opinion on how the individual is supposed to pay for health insurance, other than, I suppose, “That’s up to each individual.” If you’re too sick to work, you’re free to be thrown out of your home by your landlord and dig for food in the nearest dumpster

Reticence

Sometimes I find it hard to tell the difference between depression, apathy, and simple relaxation. If I’m sitting in my easy chair, staring at the far wall and feeling nothing at all, am I depressed? Am I just bored because (with reference to anything that seems even remotely appealing) I’ve already been there and done that? Or am I recharging my batteries in preparation for diving back into the fray?

A related question: When I’m feeling overwhelmed, as sometimes happens, is that depression, or is it a realistic assessment of the complexity of the activity that I’m contemplating?

When I’m feeling unmotivated, is it because I’m getting old and lack energy, or is it because I’m getting old and have no longer have anything to prove?

The only answer I have at the moment is that when I can manage to get up out of the easy chair and go do something, I usually feel better afterward.

Discretion

Regular readers of this blob (of whom there are about three) will notice that the most controversial of the content streams has suddenly vanished. What’s up with that?

No, I haven’t altered my views. Perish the thought! But as the discussion heated up, it occurred to me that I might be getting myself into a tricky situation.

One of the things I do for money is teach private music lessons to kids.

I know for a fact that some of the parents of my students have very conservative views on social and philosophical issues. If any of them should stumble onto a blog where (a) I’m identified by name and (b) my own views, which don’t accord well with theirs, are set forth, it would very likely cost me money. And I’m not wealthy enough to take the hit.

So I’ve started a new blog (no details here, but you can email me) to handle those topics. If you’ve been replying to my posts in that area, rest assured, your views have not been censored; they’ve just been moved to a more appropriate location.

Personally and philosophically, I’d prefer to just let it all hang out. I’m not shy, and I believe in speaking the truth. But sometimes ya gotta pay attention to which side of the bread that has the jelly on it, know what I mean?