[net.politics] the Socialist -------Capitalist

mwm@ea.UUCP (12/26/84)

> /***** ea:net.politics / whuxl!orb /  8:43 pm  Dec 21, 1984 */
> I think libertarians confuse many concepts when they fanatisize about the
> horrors of any form of government and the wonders of the free market.

As opposed to what others see when they fanatisize.

> The free market itself also assumes a certain amount of government- like
> somebody to back up a universal rate of exchange (ie MONEY),

Why do you need a government for that? Goods themselves could be used, but
are to bulky for most trade. True banks (where you store goods, say gold)
could issue checks for the gold, as opposed to checks for federal reserve
notes. They could even issue scrip, which would be closer to money than
federal reserve notes.

> somebody to enforce contracts, etc.  

Can't argue. That's what keeps me from being an anarchist.

> Libertarians also tend to assume that ANY government intervention or aid
> destroys a free market and its theoretical efficiency.

True. But not for the reasons you think it's true.

>  tim sevener  whuxl!orb

	<mike