Question for Libertarians

Many Libertarians seem to be okay with the idea of government-funded police forces or firefighters or even military (although Ik there is often talk in Libertarian circles surrounding the idea of switching to a for-profit military force, not a government force).
Why might these people believe in government-funded (which just means taxpayer-funded) services for the police force and for fighting fires?
If their reasoning is that a government ought to look out for the physical well being of it's citizens, then shouldnt Healthcare be included? Why not?

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BlueMetalChick · 26-30, F

Personally I've always thought the the reason why the police force and fire department and public roads and the sewer system were seen as exceptions to the idea that capitalistic free market creates the best product through competition for a customer base is because those things create a perverse incentive when they're done for a profit. Consumer goods create a direct incentive.

So, you're right. Healthcare would by that logic be included in programs that would function better if funded publicly and not privately.

adorbz · 26-30, F

in what universe would a for-profit military ever be anything other than a disaster

godonlyknows · 31-35, M

@adorbz I never said I supported the idea. I merely said it's an idea I've heard a number of Libertarians passionately support. But then again, many (especially conservative Libertarians) are more Anarcho-Capitalist anyway. And in their view, the free market reigns supreme and is an ultimate good in the universe. So... Hey, w/e. That's like their opinion.

BlueMetalChick · 26-30, F

@adorbz It would be a disaster but she's saying that a lot of people think it's a good idea.

QuixoticSoul · 41-45, M

Libertarians are utopian goofballs, like communists - thankfully nobody wants to live in the inevitable libertarian shithole.

BlueMetalChick · 26-30, F

@QuixoticSoul *Catalonia has joined the chat*
Alright so technically that was [i]anarchist[/i] communism...but still.

godonlyknows · 31-35, M

@QuixoticSoul The real problem with right libertarianism (or what could usually be more accurately described as anarcho-capitalism) is the idea that somehow complete noninterventionism on the part of the government will result in society becoming a meritocracy. It will not. In fact, I heavily suspect a true meritocracy is utterly impossible for humanity to achieve. Yet somehow the belief that, if you could just get the big bad government off of your back, everyone would get exactly what they deserve all the time, is prevalent throughout many libertarian ideologies. Mostly on the right.

basilfawlty89 · 31-35, M

Just an addendum, right libertarians. Historical libertarianism is far left and was coined as a term by an Anarcho-communist.

godonlyknows · 31-35, M

@basilfawlty89 Yeah, you're obviously correct. But I wasnt wrong either. I said "many" I technically didnt stipulate what kind of Libertarians :P

BlueRain · F

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