The Libertarian case for Bernie Sanders

[BWV 1080]

Actually not much of one. The Scandinavian countries are actually much more business-friendly than the US is currently and way more so than Sanders would have it.

The lesson Bernie Sanders needs to learn is that you cannot finance a Danish-style welfare state without free markets and large tax increases on the middle class. If you want Danish levels of social spending, you need Danish middle-class tax rates and a relatively unfettered capitalist economy. The fact that he’s unwilling to come out in favor of either half of the Danish formula for a viable social-democratic welfare state is the best evidence that Bernie Sanders is not actually very interested in what it takes to make social democracy work. The great irony of post-1989 political economy is that capitalism has proven itself the most reliable means to socialist ends. Bernie seems not to have gotten the memo.

https://niskanencenter.org/blog/is-ther ... e-sanders/

[jbuck919]

What are you thinking of by equating Libertarianism with a desirable combination of capitalism and social benefits of government? If Libertarians have any significant political presence in any other country than the US, then please inform us. Even in the US, talk to five Libertarians and you'll get five different explanations of the concept, or at least of its consequences if carried into political action, something that cannot be said of "ordinary" progressive liberals.

[lennygoran]

something that cannot be said of "ordinary" progressive liberals.

The case for Bernie has been well made in this forum-get rid of Citizens United, don't let the rich continue to buy elections with their super pacs, fix the infrastructure and also create loads of jobs while doing it and a host of other really progressive measures--the libertarian has left the race-Ron Paul. Regards, Len

[John F]

Right. Bernie Sanders is the opposite of a Libertarian. He wants to increase the role of government, such as by taking over health care - "Medicare for all." Libertarians want to reduce the role of government.