Why More Libertarians Aren't Liberals: The Sirens Call of Libertarianism

Is it selfish to be a libertarian? Is there a lack of empathy in this ideology? I believe there is a good reason why more libertarians aren't liberals, and it goes beyond mere selfishness. Evidently, the ideological gap between these two political ideologies is profound, often rooted in differing views on empathy, personal responsibility, and the role of government.

Empathy and Selflessness

Addressing the sentiment that libertarians are just as selfish as portrayed by some liberals, it’s important to consider the scope of empathy and personal responsibility. For those who declare themselves libertarians, the argument against such self-declared individuals is clear: their lack of empathy is monstrous.

According to a study Half of Working-Age Americans Struggle to Afford Medical Care, a significant portion of the population finds it challenging to afford medical care. This is a reality that many libertarians, with their emphasis on minimal state intervention, might overlook.

Misalignment of Ideals and Reality

Simplistically reducing all libertarians to being inherently selfish is an oversimplification. In a world where individuals have varying levels of expertise and time, the argument from a libertarian perspective is equally compelling.

Personal Finances and Expertise: Is it reasonable for someone to expect to be proficient in microbiology to ensure the safety of the meat they buy? Or to be an expert in mechanical and metallurgical engineering to ensure the safety of their car?

Time Constraints: Considering the demands of work and personal life, individuals often lack the necessary time and resources to become experts in multiple fields. Relying on government and industry standards allows them to retain their expertise in their primary fields while ensuring that other critical areas are still managed by those with sufficient knowledge.

Government as a Guardian

The argument against the “big government” mindset held by many libertarians is compelling. People trust government agencies in ensuring the safety of food, transportation, and medicine because of the specialized knowledge and resources these institutions possess.

Medical Safety: Why should individuals spend time and resources testing pharmaceutical compounds and conducting lab animal trials when the FDA and similar agencies are equipped to handle such tasks?

Transportation Safety: Should every individual inspect the internal workings of a commercial aircraft before boarding? Or is it more efficient to rely on the FAA and NTSB, which are dedicated to ensuring safety and compliance?

Conclusion

It’s not that libertarians cannot empathize or are inherently selfish; it’s that their ideals of personal responsibility and limited government intervention are structured around practical realities. Many individuals are not in a position to assume the burdensome responsibility that comes with being a thorough expert in multiple fields.

The actions taken by government agencies, such as the FDA and USDA, the NTSB, and the FAA, reflect a recognition of these realities. Instead of criticizing the government, these actions often highlight the benefits of specialized governmental bodies and the trust one should place in them.

In conclusion, it is not so much a matter of being selfish but a recognition of the limits of individual capacity and the benefits of collective expertise and organization. Libertarians and liberals share the goal of a just society, but they differ in their strategies on how to achieve it.