-Caveat Lector- from: http://www.zolatimes.com/V3.1/pageone.html <A HREF="http://www.zolatimes.com/V3.1/pageone.html">Laissez Faire City Times - Volume 3 Issue 1</A> The Laissez Faire City Times January 4, 1999 - Volume 3, Issue 1 Editor & Chief: Emile Zola ----- What It Means To Be a Libertarian a book review by Sunni Maravillosa I read Charles Murray's latest book, What it Means to be a Libertarian: A Personal Interpretation, expecting an academic treatment of libertarianism. He is, after all, co- author (with Richard Herrnstein) of The Bell Curve, a controversial examination of intelligence and its role in shaping American society. I expected an analysis and history of differing views of the freedom philosophy, with some personal observations thrown in, and all presented in dry, formal tones. I sure didn't get what I expected! What it Means to be a Libertarian: A Personal Interpretation focuses squarely on Murray's views of libertarianism, and his vision of a workable libertarian society. Murray's primary target is federal government--he advocates eliminating or reducing government intervention in agriculture, energy, housing, transportation, commerce, and communications, along with more general suggestions for getting the government out of people's private lives. However, Murray doesn't call for total elimination of the federal government--as some libertarians do--and seems to think that state and local governments are somehow necessarily less intrusive than the bureaucrats in Washington, DC. The book is very light on analysis, and very heavy on Charles Murray's opinions, ideas, and conclusions. The tone of What it Means to be a Libertarian: A Personal Interpretation was also a pleasant deviation from the expected. It's a very readable book, with very little jargon. It does not present a specific, detailed plan of implementation; Murray blends ideas and suggestions for action nicely into a concise package. In the introduction, Murray states that his purpose is to explain how libertarians "can believe that the less government, the better", along with other "how" and "why" questions that arise. He does so quite well, and in a manner that will be palatable to most individuals unfamiliar with the movement. Murray guides, gently and deftly, through the major arguments libertarians have been presenting for many years. His smooth, conversational style can make it easy for a reader to overlook the flaws in the book. The major shortcoming is an idea that many libertarians seem to hold--that the federal government is "worst" when it comes to limiting freedom. It is true that the federal government is of necessity larger than state and other, more localized levels of government, and therefore impacts more individuals. In terms of limiting freedoms, however, it doesn't matter to an innocent person whose property was seized under asset forfeiture whether the law allowing it is federal, state, or local in origin. To focus on federal government might be acceptable as a first tactic in creating a freer society, but to do so in a presentation of principles creates a target for skeptics and opponents. Murray, in his gentle handling of issues, also avoids many areas that are divisive among libertarians. Whether this is a flaw or not will depend upon the reader's perspective. If one is unfamiliar with libertarianism and wants an introduction to the freedom philosophy, What it Means to be a Libertarian: A Personal Interpretation will provide much to think about. If one is expecting a more thorough, probing work for a libertarian audience, the book will disappoint. If the former is Murray's intended audience, he's scored a near bull's-eye. His personal approach and accessible style make the topic easily digestible to someone interested in learning the fundamental ideas of the freedom philosophy. Murray also leaves room for people to see interpretations other than his. The book is well-suited as an introduction to libertarianism; a libertarian can share this book with someone interested in these ideas, and then follow up with discussion. The reaction of libertarians to his approach will, predictably, vary, depending upon how closely their interpretation of libertarianism lines up with Murray's. Some of his suggestions--such as school vouchers and taxes to support other, "vital" functions of government--are sure to raise the ire of libertarians who apply the Non-Aggression Principle very broadly. Even so, Murray's book offers value irrespective of one's position within the libertarian continuum. For those who accept "limited government" and "work within the electoral system for change" arguments, it is a well-written presentation of ideology and general action. For those who think tactical compromise is a betrayal of principles, it represents a challenge to think about that position more precisely, as well as how to present it honestly, yet non-threateningly, to individuals who are receptive to the freedom philosophy. Although light on content at times and rather superficial in its treatment of some issues, What it Means to be a Libertarian: A Personal Interpretation delivers what the title suggests--one person's view of the possibilities in a more free society. What it Means to be a Libertarian: A Personal Interpretation, paperback, published by Broadway Books, 1998, ISBN 0-767-90039-1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Sunni Maravillosa is a psychology professor, a writer, and the web mistress for the Liberty Round Table. -30- from The Laissez Faire City Times, Vol 3, No 1, Jan. 4, 1998 ----- The Laissez Faire City Times is a private newspaper. Although it is published by a corporation domiciled within the sovereign domain of Laissez Faire City, it is not an "official organ" of the city or its founding trust. Just as the New York Times is unaffiliated with the city of New York, the City Times is only one of what may be several news publications located in, or domiciled at, Laissez Faire City proper. For information about LFC, please contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Published by Laissez Faire City Netcasting Group, Inc. 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