Two Different Worldviews

The difference between radical and moderate libertarians may originate in their worldviews. A worldview is a broad overview of where the individual stands in the world. Does the libertarian believe that the predicament of the individual in the U.S. is similar to that of:
1. French citizens fighting against Nazi occupation during World War II, or
2. The village eccentric asking other village residents for understanding and toleration.
If you choose the first worldview, then you are more likely to take a radical libertarian position. If you favor the second worldview, then you are more likely to take a moderate libertarian position.

Private Property Initiates Force

The cornerstone of radical libertarian thinking is the idea that private property does not initiate force. Consequently, the radical libertarian believes that he or she can simultaneously believe in private property while opposing the initiation of force. But since private property does in fact initiate force, radical libertarianism must either be rejected or at least be grounded on some other principle.

The Miracle of Re-Labeling

Regarding the high cost of employer-provided health insurance, it has been reported that the annual health insurance premium for single coverage is $4,024, with the employer paying $3,414 and the individual paying $610. This represents an unacceptable burden on the employer and puts U.S. companies at a disadvantage when competing against foreign companies. I have an idea: the government should charge every employer $4,024 per employee for health insurance, but instead of calling it a "premium", it will be called a "tax". Voila! U.S. employers will thereby be relieved of the burden of paying health insurance "premiums" for their employees.

The Ideal Wife

Suppose a 16-year-old boy claims that he plans to marry a woman who looks like a Playboy centerfold, a woman who will never age, never gain weight, will always agree with him, and will always put his interests above hers. If I were the boy’s counselor, I would advise him to set his sights lower. Such a conception of marriage is simply too ideal. Where is he going to find a woman who will agree to enter into such a marriage? I know that to accept anything less than the ideal is a violation of “principle”, but a person who adheres to such purity of principle will probably never marry.