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This is a comprehensively updated and rewritten edition of Bergland's classic introductory work. With insight and candor, Bergland answers the most common questions about the freedom philosophy: What exactly is libertarianism? Does libertarianism work in the "real world"? The book lays out the central premise of libertarianism -- "you own yourself" -- and reveals how that deceptively simple statement has an enormous impact on the relationship between government and individuals.
Bergland explains where libertarians stand on Social Security, gun rights, the War on Drugs, poverty, the environment, taxes, terrorism, and more. In a fast-paced Q&A chapter, he contrasts the conservative, liberal, and libertarian positions on major issues. Finally, he punctures the muddled thinking that encourages people to turn to government to solve problems.
"The best brief introduction to libertarianism available. Bergland is anxious to provide as persuasive and comprehensive a case as he can, and wastes no time getting to the point... He has even adapted it so it can be readily used in classrooms, and sprinkles the book with short sections differentiating among liberal, conservative, and libertarian positions on current issues."
--Brian Wilson, radio talk show host
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
This is a good application of the philosophy of individual human liberty & limited government to many "hot-button" issues, and presents many ideas that should be in the public discussion. When dissecting each individual issue, Bergland does well at explaining the folly of government intervention, the unintended consequences thereof, and how individual liberty would make the situation better. He is the first to say that Utopia is not an option, so his argument is that the better way is the libertarian way. This book is geared to the layperson and presents an alternative way to look at government in a moral and practical sense.
However, there are a few reasons I will not wholeheartedly recommend the 8th edition (2000) that I read. There are many grammatical and spelling errors throughout. It is hard for me to accept the ideas being presented if they are not presented in a professional and polished manner. For the 8th edition, this sloppiness is unacceptable!
Another problem I encountered with the text may have to do with the nature of the text. Since this book is an introductory look into libertarianism, it shies away from the controversial implications of the theory: if government intervention has such terrible results and unintended consequences in issues a, b, and c, then why do we trust it with the government monopoly on national defense or police? Bergland appears to be a minarchist (minimal statism), in the tradition of Ayn Rand, who believes that government should exist for two purposes: national defense and the protection of individual rights against other individuals. While I don't have any problem with this viewpoint and agree the world would be better off under such a limited government system, I think alternative viewpoints within libertarianism could at least be recognized and perhaps discussed. Murray N. Rothbard, an anarcho-capitalist, for example, believed in privatizing everything for the same reasons Bergland discusses in matters of health care and education. However, to Bergland's credit, his book shines in that he presents practical "interim" solutions, such as various tax credit ideas, that would make the people more free to make their own decisions if not completely free.
Also since each hot-button issue is only treated with 5-6 page chapters, I am unsure of how persuasive Bergland will be to the uninitiated. It's strength is its weakness in this regard, because treating each issue only briefly allows Bergland to demonstrate how a consistent view of liberty would apply to all aspects of society. When he touches on the issues of forced taxation (while presenting practical alternative voluntary funding ideas), and the unintended consequences of government coercion, this book shines. Perhaps that is the best thing to recommend this book: the practical down to earth solutions we can achieve to make the people under our government more free and that really is the whole goal of libertarianism to begin with.
However, there are a few reasons I will not wholeheartedly recommend the 8th edition (2000) that I read. There are many grammatical and spelling errors throughout. It is hard for me to accept the ideas being presented if they are not presented in a professional and polished manner. For the 8th edition, this sloppiness is unacceptable!
Another problem I encountered with the text may have to do with the nature of the text. Since this book is an introductory look into libertarianism, it shies away from the controversial implications of the theory: if government intervention has such terrible results and unintended consequences in issues a, b, and c, then why do we trust it with the government monopoly on national defense or police? Bergland appears to be a minarchist (minimal statism), in the tradition of Ayn Rand, who believes that government should exist for two purposes: national defense and the protection of individual rights against other individuals. While I don't have any problem with this viewpoint and agree the world would be better off under such a limited government system, I think alternative viewpoints within libertarianism could at least be recognized and perhaps discussed. Murray N. Rothbard, an anarcho-capitalist, for example, believed in privatizing everything for the same reasons Bergland discusses in matters of health care and education. However, to Bergland's credit, his book shines in that he presents practical "interim" solutions, such as various tax credit ideas, that would make the people more free to make their own decisions if not completely free.
Also since each hot-button issue is only treated with 5-6 page chapters, I am unsure of how persuasive Bergland will be to the uninitiated. It's strength is its weakness in this regard, because treating each issue only briefly allows Bergland to demonstrate how a consistent view of liberty would apply to all aspects of society. When he touches on the issues of forced taxation (while presenting practical alternative voluntary funding ideas), and the unintended consequences of government coercion, this book shines. Perhaps that is the best thing to recommend this book: the practical down to earth solutions we can achieve to make the people under our government more free and that really is the whole goal of libertarianism to begin with.
4 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Amazon Verified Purchase
I got this book for my father who is a stuffy, dusty, old republican who has lost heart in the political system. This book has breathed new life into his political beliefs. If you find yourself getting frustrated with politics, I highly recommend you give this book a read.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Amazon Verified Purchase
Mr. Bergland is to the point in this outstanding introduction to a great political party and philosophy. Well written and easy to understand. The author explains the parties principles in a manner that will keep you truely intrested. I recommend this work for those who are uncertain of thier political affiliation or ideals regardless of thier knowledge of politics.
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