I am glad this article by Muhammad Cohen was posted at the same time Lee Kuan Yew's new book Lee Kuan Yew: Hard Truths To Keep Singapore Going is "officially released" today. Not surprising, it is the state-controlled lap-dog press and media company which published Lee's book. Although I haven't read it, it is a typical Lee response to why as long as he pulls the strings it is "My way or the highway" and his intolerance of opposing views which he demolishes using his characteristic collectivist-centered arguments. As far as Mr Lee is concerned, only a few people "qualify" to be individuals -- the rest are there to serve, obey and not challenge authority. Ever.
Politically, I describe myself as an Rothbardian/ Chodorov anarcho-capitalist on an 'extreme' day and a minarchist/ Jeffersonian libertarian with Objectivist leanings most of the time -- the needle doesn't swing that far varying from small state to no state. However I never agree with any one individual all of the time. I like and adopt some of their ideas, but at the end of the day I am a Sovereign Individual and for the most part my position is: Fuck Politics.
Politically, I describe myself as an Rothbardian/ Chodorov anarcho-capitalist on an 'extreme' day and a minarchist/ Jeffersonian libertarian with Objectivist leanings most of the time -- the needle doesn't swing that far varying from small state to no state. However I never agree with any one individual all of the time. I like and adopt some of their ideas, but at the end of the day I am a Sovereign Individual and for the most part my position is: Fuck Politics.
I've always had problems with the Heritage Foundation (sometimes CATO Institute) report on the World Economic Freedom Index placing Singapore in #2 spot, as it is the state itself which owns and controls a huge amount of the productive and capital structure. However, Singapore at a glance is an "open economy" -- it is easy to start a business there, corporate and income taxes are low; finance, labour and the flow of physical goods is generally free.
So what gives? Singapore confuses the hell out of many libertarians -- they like the seemingly laissez faire market but are at odds with the death penalty, conscription, censorship, social engineering, and the control of personal and civil liberties.
Would Ayn Rand call "Blank out!" on this? (Objectivist "inside joke". No, it's not a cult, but it sure looks like one :-) )
Would Ayn Rand call "Blank out!" on this? (Objectivist "inside joke". No, it's not a cult, but it sure looks like one :-) )
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