I have a great deal of sympathy with the idea(l)s of libertarianism, though I’d make a grossly hypocritical one because of my belief in the absolute necessity of the safety net. If you’d like a look at (or rather, a listen to) the views of a true libertarian try grabbing the podcast of Penn Jillette’s radio show. Jillette is a pretty consistent libertarian – many who claim to be libertarians are merely fiscal libertarians, but still look to impose their ideals on others through government. To illustrate what this means, in one broadcast I listened to this week he said that he had no problem with the Klan meeting on government property (because they have a right to free expression), so long as they allow admission to anyone (because government property is funded by ‘the people’, so ‘the people’ should be allowed to join). Clearly that’s a test that the Klan couldn’t pass, and as Jillette pointed out that’s a good thing because they’re scum. But scum with rights.

If that isn’t enough for you, he also tells funny stories about comedy and magic, and holds a patent for a device that provides pleasurable stimulation to women in hot tubs.