[quote=CONCHO]In the United States from about 1777 until either 1890 (Sherman Anti-trust Act) or 1913 (Federal Reserve Act), depending on your point of view. For white men only, of course.

That last qualification renders your point moot. No system based on slavery and racism can be called libertarian. The very word is based on “liberty” and slaves didn’t get to enjoy any of it. Neither did the native peoples that we kicked off the land and exterminated. Anyway, not to say the US is all bad (it isn’t) or that everything we’ve done is wrong (it hasn’t been) but our country has never been libertarian.[/quote]

The concept of true libertarianism (a government strong enough to protect all liberty and safety but totally invisible in matters of economy or personal wealth—because that’s not part of safety or liberty???!!!!) is as retarded and naively utopian as the concept of true Marxism (government so strong in wealth distribution that they establish and inculcate a set of best practices that make the government unnecessary and the government melts away—seriously????!!!).

Its like decided between a turd sandwich and a giant douche.

Neither has ever been tried.
Neither ever should.
They are both the very epitome of systemic contradiction founded upon blind idealism and lack of practical experience.

These conversations remind me of the pot-choked discussions I used to have at the Che Cafe when I was 20. The irony that they were able to have these anti-wealth idealist conversations based upon their parents substantial incomes. Similarly, I recently commented to my libertarian friend that the only reason his wife can stay at home is that the US government overpays engineers. The only difference is the subtype of anarchism being subscribed to.

So put on your wool caps and bust out the hacky-sack and lets read some Ayn Rand. I’ll bring the chronic and an ORB cd.