Inconsistent Libertarian Ideals
Posted: Tuesday, June 15, 2010
by Terry Mitchell
http://commenterry.blogs.com
I recently read a column in my local newspaper in which the writer tried to make a case for ending the U.S. military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy against admitting people that are openly homosexual. He referred to this policy and similar ones as "codified prejudice."
However, the trouble with most of the people who take his position on this issue is that they want to have it both ways when it comes to their libertarian ideals. This gentleman obviously prides himself on his libertarian view of homosexuality, i.e., that the government should stay out of people's bedrooms and therefore not make a distinction between heterosexuals and homosexuals.
If we're going to claim that homosexuals should be treated no differently than heterosexuals, how then do we justify laws that make consensual adult polygamy or incest illegal? Don't get me wrong, I disagree with those who would unfairly compare homosexuals to rapists and child molesters. But keep in mind that "codified prejudice" against those who practice polygamy and incest, even if they are consenting adults, is much more severe than that which exists against homosexuals.
Two adult siblings who get caught having a sex with each other are thrown into the slammer, regardless of whether their act was consensual. Any man found to be married to more than one woman at a time would fall victim to the same fate. Being denied the ability to serve in the armed forces would be the least of their worries. Why is it that most of the folks who constantly shed crocodile tears for homosexuals never come to the defense of these people?
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Top-level comments on this article: (2 total)Agreed. Adult polygamy and adult incest, though rare and inconsequential compered to millions and millions of gays, should be legal. We'll work on that next!I'm glad to see that you have a consistent view of things.I agree, too. Especially the way this writer puts it, I guess I don't see how two adult siblings having consensual sex is a jailable offense. Thanks for bringing the question out into an objective position. As for polygamy, I don't see the social trauma there, either. If multiple women or men are ok with marrying the same man or woman, let them. It doesn't hurt my life one iota, and is an ancient practice.Hi Bland, thanks for seeing things my way here. :-)
First, you assume people who decry homophobia do not have a problem with polygamy and incest laws. Adult incest and polygamy do not generate the same kind of attention gays in the military and gay marriage does. In my opinion, if ADULTS want to have sex and they are related that is their business. If ADULTS consent to marrying more than one partner that is also their business. I am a libertarian and have no problem with what consenting adults do. It is not my responsibility or right to police other people's morality. However, children should never be involved sexually with adults because as children they lack the experience and knowledge to make what will be decisions that will more than likely impact them for the rest of their lives. Why do you assume libertarians are in favor of incest and polygamy prohibitions where consenting adults are concerned?This writer has a tendency to make unfounded assumptions in order to make his point sound like it has merit. Usually he is just axe grinding, but at least it's funny when you see through the absurdity of his unfounded characterizations.To answer your question, I do make this assumption about most people who are always whining about "injustice" to gays. That's because most of them never mention incest or polygamy. You would think that they would mention it at least once in while, especially when the penalties for those things are far more severe than the "penalities" for being gay.However, I do not make this assumption about liberarians in general. Why do you assume that all libertarians are advocates of gay marriage and gay military service? I consider myself a libertarian and I do not advocate either.
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