It is NOT a predominantly blue sky picture day today at the coast, to wit:
Lot of clouds today. Here's a second look.
The white tents you see down there are for the graduation this weekend that we expect here at Malibu Community College.
Big day for a lot of people. I wish them well; they paid my salary after all...
Friday's Libertarian Lesson
Since I got such an underwhelming response to my thoughts on being a libertarian last Friday, I've decided to devote space in the election year to lessons on being libertarian framed against the issues that are being asked of the presidential candidates. I don't really expect anyone to respond. But if you've wondered what would a libertarian candidate likely say or think regarding such things, wonder no more since I will give you a knee-jerk response.
Q. Should we build a wall between us and Mexico?
A. If you've got a house or business that sits on the Mexican border, I think it would be a very good idea to put a fence up if you have problems with trespassers, burglars, or unwanted animals or varmints. If you have safety hazards on your property it would be nice courtesy to your neighbors, but we know not to go on your property unless we're invited. The Mexico-facing side, the south side in most cases, would be included of course, so what would be the point otherwise?
Q. I mean should the U.S. government put up a fence?
A. Use taxpayer dollars to put up a fence on your property? No. Go buy your own damn fence. If you don't have enough money, get a job and save up.
Q. But what about illegal immigrants who might walk through?
A. What makes them illegal?
Q. They don't have an official permit, a visa, to enter.
A. I have no problem with letting people come be tourists, students, visit relatives, or offer their services, or just stepping through to look around. That just about covers all the bases. Give them all visas or get rid of visa entirely.
Q. You'd let anybody through?
A. Through my yard? No. There's a perfectly good border crossing station with a paved road and sidewalks. They don't need to be cutting through my place. It's very inconvenient for them. If it's someone I know and they ask nicely, I'll let them through. If I don't know them and they ask and hand me a Jackson, I'd probably escort them personally and give them a Coke.
Q. I'm not talking about your yard. But they won't let them through at the border crossing.
A. And why is that?
Q. They're afraid they'll get a job or be a terrorist or go on Welfare.
A. What's wrong with getting a job?
Q. They take it away from someone else.
A. So the employer checked out both and the superior candidate crossed the border? The other guy needs to up his game. We dig competition here in the U.S., right?
Q. I assume they're equally qualified. It's probably because the immigrant works for less.
A. Then other guy needs to lower his price. But you're sure throwing a bunch of presuppositions in there.
Q. But what if he's a terrorist?
A. Has he hurt anybody yet?
Q. No.
A. We'll arrest him, try him with due process, and punish him when he does.
Q. Pretty short-sighted to not try to cut off dangerous people from doing deadly things before they happen.
A. When you come up with an accurate predictor of human behavior, let's talk. I think you'd wind up restricting the action of a lot of people once you start doing preemptive restrictions. Is violence only committed by immigrants? Or do all immigrants commit violence?
Q. No. What if they go on Welfare?
A. Do they qualify under the rules that the aid-granting agency has set down?
Q. Yes.
A. What's the problem then?
Q. They're a drain on the system.
A. Change the rules then. Or once the budget is drained, that's it. Wait until the next fiscal year starts. I'm not a fan of handing out free taxpayer money, I'd shut that system down personally.
OK, there you have it. "Jo Libertarian" has just articulated his view on a border fence. Trump would build one and try to send Mexico the bill. Clinton would "build a physical barrier when appropriate."
If you've got a question for Jo, just ask and they will answer.
Next Friday: Job Creation
Love,
Pops
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