From: "Joao Pedro de Magalhaes" <joao.magalhaes@fundp.ac.be>
> What is the libertarian viewpoint on the anti-terrorist war in the US?
As you may know, Libertarians support freedom, and the Libertarians I've
talked to recommend strong support of the US and its effort to hunt down and
punish the religious fanatics who perpetrated the September 11, 2001 act of
war.
> For
> example, do you think the invasion of privacy ought to be allowed if it
> brings benefits in the fight against terrorism?
Invasion of privacy does not bring benefits in the fight against terrorism,
because terrorism operates openly, not privately. The purpose of terrorism is
to openly proclaim violence, with the intent to instill fear and brting about
submission. Terrorism only works when some group or organization claims
responsibility for it. Otherwise, how would the victims know who to submit to?
We know who the terrorists are. The question is how to appropriately punish
them.
> how do you feel about the right to buy
> explosives? For example, I read that in the US you must ask the FBI for
> authorization before you can buy certain nitrates for agriculture because
> they can also be used to make bombs. Do you agree with this procedure or do
> you think the government should not interfere?
I wouldn't characterize this as interference so much as a sensible procedure
which has been inappropriately usurped by a wayward agency which would be
better put to use eliminating the Mafia, religious fanatics, and other threats
to freedom (which would require real courage) instead of pushing pencils and
shuffling paper.
--- --- --- --- ---
Useless hypotheses, etc.:
consciousness, phlogiston, philosophy, vitalism, mind, free will, qualia,
analog computing, cultural relativism, GAC, Cyc, Eliza, cryonics, individual
uniqueness, ego, human values, scientific relinquishment
We won't move into a better future until we debunk religiosity, the most
regressive force now operating in society.
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