It isn't all about property...

[inibo]

(Well, actually it is, but we won't go there.)

On a previous thread I was said to be an exemplar of the libertarian obsession with property rights, my property rights in particular. Maybe, maybe not, but let's pretend it's not all about property for a bit. I'd like to quote one of my favorite bloggers, Will Grigg. This particular piece is about

Comments

[redsparkle]

I think there are a lot of progressives that are appalled by such a thing. Dare I say, the majority of them. I have very little faith that any kind of restriction on reproduction like that would ever happen.

It's not really "is parenthood a right or a privilege" as much as it is "is your body yours and yours alone, or can the government take control over it?"

[inibo]

I think there are a lot of progressives that are appalled by such a thing

Well, the same way progressives only hear libertarians talk about property and guns, I only hear progressives talk about hate speech and gay marriage as though a government license to marry were something to be coveted rather than detested.

[squidb0i]

And who, praytell, would enforce the rights of the social contract that is marriage if not government?

[gunslnger]

If it's a social contract then it's not in the government's purview, otherwise it would be a legal contract.

[lucian_maxwell]

What does this have to do with property rights? It seems to me that you are confusing human rights, civil rights, and specifically property rights.

[inibo]

What does this have to do with property rights?

Only insofar as it touches on self-ownership.

The point is it's not the only thing I think about.

BTW, property rights are not civil rights, they are human rights.

[lucian_maxwell]

property rights are not civil rights, they are human rights.

That's the eternal debate between the ideologies. One side claims they are human rights, the other claims they are civil rights (that should be eliminated).

Typical Libertarian short sighted worldview.

[squidb0i]

If it ever became a valid threat to the greater good to breed excessively, it should be regulated because the act in question is then an infringement on the rights of others - the rights of all versus the right of the individual to procreate as s/he sees fit.

And what of those who have proven themselves to be unfit parents?

Do as you like, so long as you harm no other.

In the absence of such factors though, yes, such a thing would be an infringement of the individuals right to self ownership at the very least.

Re: Typical Libertarian short sighted worldview.

[star_white]

Oh no! you used the term "the greater good".

We all know how libertarians feel about that concept.

Re: Typical Libertarian short sighted worldview.

[pseudofire]

I think it's extremely problematic to say that the mere existence of another person/people is in itself an infringement upon the rights of others.

Re: Typical Libertarian short sighted worldview.

[squidb0i]

That's one of the dumbest strawmen I've seen since they banned me from Conservatism: I didn't say 'the mere existence'. Read it again. Look for the part that's bolded.

[robert_johnson]

"On no other grounds than a kind of visceral horror that people could not just conceive the idea, but promote it as good public policy, I would think anyone who wasn't completely dead inside would be thinking torches and pitchforks."

It's nice to see a thoughtful post on the subject that makes absolute sense.

"The deeper question is, why would you want any entity to have the power to be able to implement such a policy whether or not it is on the agenda today or not?"

I wouldn't. I suspect progressives in this case think they can "fix" things. There's a certain amount of hubris involved.

[telemann]

Malasadas was correct the first time when he spanked you.

[inibo]

And you're a stupid poopy head. What does that have to do with what I said? Or are you OK with compulsory population control?

[geezer_also]

"And you're a stupid poopy head"

"telemann" is apparently some kind of music genius, so he has an excuse (or at least a reason, perhaps excuse is too benign) for his being rude and dismissive. While I don't always agree with you, you are always well reasoned, so I was curious as to what kind of genius you are to stoop to his level ;)...just wondering? (obviously, I hope, this is TIC, as this is the second time I've done it :D))

[abomvubuso]

you are always well reasoned, so I was curious as to what kind of genius you are to stoop to his level

Thats what i wondered too.