The Libertarian MYTH of the “self made” “rugged individualist” is their own little ego-boosting fantasy.
No billionaire could have achieved their wealth without enjoying the fruits of the public policy we have that protects them and provides opportunity. No one does it by themselves.
Aside from the reality that most of them inherit their big head start from Daddy, they use public roads, bridges and other infrastructure, are protected by police and military and courts, are educated in public schools (as are their employees and suppliers) and, in many cases, got rich off corporate welfare and military “defense contractors” that profiteer off the deaths and suffering of our brave military heroes.
To be a true Libertarian “self made” “rugged individuals” means you have never hired someone who was educated in any public school.
You operate your business, and maintain your home, in an area that is not kept safe from enemies domestic or foreign by law enforcement or military protection and, if someone harms you or violates contractual agreements, you eschew all access to judicial remedies.
It means you have never driven upon public roads, or used any public infrastructure in amassing this personal fortune that is yours, all yours, with no help from anyone else.
And you have never sold to any customer or consumer who has developed strong consumer confidence because of consumer protection services by, you guessed it, public agencies.
The Libertarian MYTH of the “self made” “rugged individualist” is their own little ego-boosting fantasy.
No billionaire could have achieved their wealth without enjoying the fruits of the public policy we have that protects them and provides opportunity. No one does it by themselves.
Aside from the reality that most of them inherit their big head start from Daddy, they use public roads, bridges and other infrastructure, are protected by police and military and courts, are educated in public schools (as are their employees and suppliers) and, in many cases, got rich off corporate welfare and military “defense contractors” that profiteer off the deaths and suffering of our brave military heroes.
To be a true Libertarian “self made” “rugged individuals” means you have never hired someone who was educated in any public school.
You operate your business, and maintain your home, in an area that is not kept safe from enemies domestic or foreign by law enforcement or military protection and, if someone harms you or violates contractual agreements, you eschew all access to judicial remedies.
It means you have never driven upon public roads, or used any public infrastructure in amassing this personal fortune that is yours, all yours, with no help from anyone else.
And you have never sold to any customer or consumer who has developed strong consumer confidence because of consumer protection services by, you guessed it, public agencies.