(2007-02-02) Kling Libertarian Rfc

Arnold Kling issues a Libertarian RFC. He frames it as "Conservative Libertarian", but it doesn't sound that way to me - though maybe he's distinguishing himself from the so-called Libertarian Socialist fringe.

Update: he explains why he has more hope for Conservative-s to become more Libertarian than for Liberal-s to do the same (including recognizing the voting base of the Democratic Party). The typical libertarian shorthand is that we are with the Democrats on social issues and with the Republicans on economic issues. In recent years, the Republican Party betrayed us on economic issues. However, my sense is that many in the conservative movement are anxious to repent. Meanwhile, the Democrats seem to be completely dug in to hard-left positions on economics. David Brin might not agree - 2002-10-15-BrinLibertarian.

Feb22: he's re-FramIng his position. Call me a Civil Societarian. I strongly support the institutions of Civil Society. These include families, corporations, religious groups, private schools, charities, trade associations, and the other peaceful, voluntary collective organizations that promote our individual and collective well-being. The stereotypical Libertarian might cite Ayn Rand and exalt the independent individual. Instead, a civil societarian would cite Alexis De Tocqueville, and his observation that "Americans of all ages, all conditions, and all dispositions constantly form associations." These Voluntary Association-s are what a civil societarian sees as the key to Civilization.