Invalidating Libertarianism

The past few decades have witnessed a great level of mistrust in government. In recent years especially, the idea of libertarianism has reached a vogue status in much of American politics.

Libertarianism ideals are espoused from elderly Tea Party supporters to the young Ron Paul crowd, and it is easy to understand why. The war in Iraq and the 2008 financial crisis have eroded an already low faith in government and by contrast, libertarian rhetoric sounds like a pleasant affirmation of the American ideal that says one must pull himself up by his bootstrap without the help of anyone.

Libertarianism does, however, ignore another equally-important American ideal of being a nation in which anyone can succeed. This requires a level of government involvement with which libertarianism is incompatible. As a political philosophy, its principles run contrary to much of this essential American ideal.

The "V for Vendetta" sound byte: "People should not be afraid of their governments; government should be afraid of their people," and Henry David Thoreau's belief that the "government governs best, which governs least" define the philosophy of libertarianism. But after simple examination, it is doubtful that the realization of either idea, along with the libertarian philosophy as a whole, would be desirable for anyone.

Of course, no one wants the people to be afraid of the government and the rule of the Communist Party in China is an obvious reminder of this, but when a government fears its people, the result is drastic political instability akin to what is currently happening in the Middle East. Wouldn't a positive relationship between the two be a better alternative to a constant state of fear or chaos?

And by definition, Thoreau's statement favors a disintegration of the social contract in which people would become free to do as they please with a great reduction of the benefits of living in a civil society.

As easy as it is to complain about taxes or the government's role in the citizen's life, as libertarians are prone to do, roads and a police force are essential for the most basic functions of society. In fact, libertarians and those who espouse their ideology are often those with the most to gain from increased public spending.

For the United States to enjoy its place as the world's preeminent superpower, the role of government needs to extend well beyond such basic functions and involve investment in the public good.

The most basic example is the American idea of a universal public education – a contribution to the world that is essential toward our economic success and is now standard in developed countries.

One of the most triumphant moments of the past century was landing a man on the moon. Not only did it revolutionize our understanding of science, but it also inspired the world of what humankind is capable of accomplishing. Government works like NASA, the Hoover Dam and the Human Genome Project have added enormous knowledge and economic value to public life. Similar undertakings desperately need to be implemented if the United States wants to maintain its place in the world and continue to be a land of economic opportunity and social mobility.

And for a favorite libertarian talking point that "the government has never created a job," all one needs to do to disprove this nonsensical idea is look at the Serviceman's Readjustment Act of 1944, better known as the G.I. Bill, in which millions of young Americans were able to receive a college or technical education.

Libertarians are also quick to point out that World War II was what caused the end of the Great Depression rather than the New Deal programs, but either way, it did require government spending.

The biggest economic and educational expansion in American history occurred when – you guessed it – the government played a positive role for both individuals and the public as a whole.

One must not look at the role of government in binary terms in which it has either no influence or unlimited power.

The post office and DMV prove on an hourly basis that in some areas, the private sector is much more efficient than the government.

There are also familiar excesses of government that range from seemingly constant military intervention in other countries to the tax code or laws like New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg's ban on large, sugary drinks. But there are areas of public life in which the government has an advantage over the private sector.

John Donne said that no man is an island, and this idea applies to politics and public life as much as the American ideals of doing big, bold things that have never been done before, expanding the possibilities of humanity and securing opportunity for all. All of which are more enduring than the fleeting trend of libertarianism.

Online Editor Ross Fogg is a College senior from Fayetteville, Ga.