A Discussion on Libertarianism

[Lord J Esq]

What about all the European countries that are basically socialist now?

A lot of those countries are fast pedaling back to the right. Socialism has not done any favors for most of their economies. I think Switzerland's the only one who's been able to make a net gain by instituting socialism, and that's because it didn't go off the deep end with it like most of the other countries did.

It's true that Western Europe is moving to the right currently, and it's true that Europe's far-right is even worse than our own. What is not true, however, which you nevertheless implied, is that Europe's mainstream right is equivalent to America's. It is not. Europe's mainstream right wing is to the left of our own Democrats here at home. You can verify this for yourself by looking at the issue and policy statements of the Western European countries of your choice. Some are within striking distance, like Italy, but others are just worlds to left of America, like the Netherlands.

Completely false is your declaration that "socialism has not done any favors" for Europe's economies. Demonstrably wrong, and you could find that out for yourself if you were interested, which I leave to your discretion. I always get a kick out of American conservatives who proudly proclaim that Europe is some kind of socialist hellhole. Right. 

Try and stay on topic; this is a libertarianism thread and not a Europe-bashing one.

[Truthordeal]

J, quit reading into things that aren't there. I never implied anything about European conservatism.

And no, socialism hasn't done very much good to several countries there, because many countries took it way too far. You'll see smaller countries like the Netherlands and Holland doing ok with their economies, and as I've mentioned, Switzerland actually has a very good balance. But with larger countries, France and Germany to be specific, you'll see a lot of internal meltdowns due to the fact that their populations are much larger.

But, as you said, this isn't about Europe. So, Libertarian stereotypical thought of the day: Balance the budget.

[Lord J Esq]

(Fact-averse anti-Europe rant)

But, as you said, this isn't about Europe.

Well done. I can't touch your fact-averse anti-Europe rant without going against my own advice. You're beginning to show some small cunning. Props.

[ZaichikArky]

I understand that some things that Truth says are inaccurate, but can we please behave? It is a little irritating that everyone always has to be so inflammatory in these arguments >_>.  I don't think I've seen one debate here that has not been catty in some way or another. I guess I've grown up a bit because stupid drama used to amuse the hell out of me, but then again, this isn't the amusing kind of bitching. hehe.

[Lord J Esq]

I'll play nice...