Customer Reviews

The Libertarian Illusion: Ideology, Public Policy and the Assault on the Common Good

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
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2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The whole book seems much less a critique of libertarianism and much more an endorsement of communitarian-ism, which in the author's mind is the best alternative and far superior to the aggressive protection of individual rights. He discusses the case for a shift in American political thought away from a focus on individual rights and toward protection of "society's rights" and "society's best interest."

The review box is not the place for a point-by-point rebuttal of the book's theses, so I'll just list some of Hudson's suggestions for the implementation of a communitarian society as a favorable alternative to what Hudson correctly identifies as a shift in Constitutional interpretation towards more individual liberty at the expense of society.

- Mandatory, universal, single-payer health care
- Mandatory education in which all schools are modeled the exact same way
- Governmental permission required for abortion
- Banning of dangerous behaviors like smoking, overeating, riding without a helmet, and possession of pornography
- Government regulation of markets and industry
- Vast increases in government spending with vast increases in taxation to support it

Yeah, I didn't understand the pornography one either, and Hudson never actually makes a case for its risk - he just assumes everyone knows it's bad. The book ends with a truly bizarre comparison of people enjoying Central Park to the realization of communitarian ideals.

So that's what to expect. Simultaneously pedantic and friendly, clumsily written, cites opinions more than facts, and printed on cheap paper. Smug, supercilious, and overwhelmingly socialist. Two stars.

I am not an economist by training, but I have been spending time reading various titles in the past 5-6 years to try to understand my own opinions better. So part of my review is based on a comparison of other titles I have read. I am also liberal minded person, progressive and now, communitarian. So there is my bias al you who will try to negate my review. If you are a libertarian, try to experience reading a book with an open mind. Because you will no doubt disagree with Hudson, even though he relies on actual history to make his case...unlike libertarian/free-marketist theory and models which turn out to be largely just assumptions and wishful thinking.

And regardless of your preferred economic models, Hudson is a really good writer. He makes this topic easy to get through, a real gift for an economic writer. Anyone can access this information and gain many insights from this book.