libertarianism & left/right

Joe R. Golowka joeg at ieee.org
Thu Aug 15 21:32:56 PDT 2002



> I think that left/right convergence around libertarianism is inevitable. I posted something on this a
> week or two ago in relation to "individualist anarchism" and I have raised dangers relating to the term
> "libertarianism" on other lists too. The fact is that if your point of departure is anti-statism, and
not
> class, capital, history, etc., you are going to find yourself at some stage or another in strange
> company.

I don't see anti-statism, per se, as being the point of departure for anarchism - or at least not for my own brand of anarcho-communism. Anti-authoritarianism and egalitarianism are. Among the logical implications of such a view is anti-statism along with anti-capitalism, feminism, anti-racism, etc. The state is just one form of oppression among many others and not necessarily the most important one (though I would argue the abolition of class requires the abolition of the state). And I don't see why one can't have multiple points of departure, either. Right-wing appropriation of terms like "libertarian" is really no different then their attempted appropriation of terms like socialism ("national socialism", etc.) or appropriation of the term "communism" by stalin/mao/etc. worshipers.

-- Joe R. Golowka Anarchist FAQ -- http://www.anarchyfaq.org

"The beauty of the democratic systems of thought control, as contrasted with their clumsy totalitarian counterparts, is that they operate by subtly establishing on a voluntary basis--aided by the force of nationalism and media control by substantial interests--presuppositions that set the limits of debate, rather than by imposing beliefs with a bludgeon. Then let the debate rage; the more lively and vigorous it is, the better the propaganda system is served, since the presuppositions (U.S. benevolence, lack of rational imperial goals, defensive posture, etc.) are more firmly established. Those who do not accept the fundamental principles of state propaganda are simply excluded from the debate (or if noticed, dismissed as "emotional," "irresponsible," etc.)." - Noam Chomsky



More information about the lbo-talk mailing list