Penn Jillette: Why I’m a Libertarian Nut Instead of Just a Nut

Glenn Beck dot com ^ | May 20, 2009 - 11:27 ET | Penn Gillette

[FreeKeys]

This guy speaks in language so plain, and often enough, humorous, that he just might get through to some government-educated youngsters enough to help them think in the principles of LIVE-AND-LET-LIVE.

[rabscuttle385]

People try to argue that government isn’t really force. You believe that? Try not paying your taxes.....When they come to get you for not paying your taxes, try not going to court. Guns will be drawn. Government is force.

ping!

[Drango]

Penn and Teller are the greatest show in Las Vegas. Well worth every penny.

[KoRn]

I believe I’m much more in agreement with Libertarians these days than with big government republicans.

[chuck_the_tv_out]

“I don’t know what would be best for anyone. I don’t even know what’s best for me.”

The maxim ‘Nothing but perfection’ may be spelled ‘p-a-r-a-l-y-s-i-s’: Churchill

[Lucky9teen]

Well said. I wonder if Teller feels the same. ;)

[evets]

Penn Jillette will be on Fox News "Red Eye" tonight
(Also appearing: Newt Gingrich!)

[FreeKeys]

ping

[chuck_the_tv_out]

“the principles of LIVE-AND-LET-LIVE”

Just who is against those principles? Could you please be specific, rather than create a faceless imaginary boogeyman like Meghan McCain does?

If you want societal acceptance of homos, leading to more & more teaching of the joys of sodomy to kids in school, then please say so. If you want legalized drugs, then please, say so.

A conservative inherantly believes in live and let live. What particularly causes you to use the caps lock there?

[BlueStateBlues]

He doesn’t speak for everyone, he claims. Teller doesn’t speak for anyone!

[AlaskaErik]

I believe I’m much more in agreement with Libertarians these days than with big government republicans.

Same here. The only major issue where I disagree with Libertarians is legalization of recreational drugs.

[jessduntno]

“I believe I’m much more in agreement with Libertarians these days than with big government republicans.”

Conservatives like me are, too...wierd, huh?

[CollegeRepublican]

I watched their show around Easter at the Rio. It was meh. I guess I have seen some of their tricks before on television and on the internet so it somewhat ruined my experience. However, Ka at the MGM was freaking amazing. Expensive, but amazing.

[stylecouncilor]

ping

[SoldierDad]

I know barely enough about Max Weber to type his name into Google, but it seems he’s credited with asserting the idea that the state has a monopoly on the legitimate use of physical force. I put those two ideas together (my consent and use of physical force) and figure we all give our government the right to use force. So, the way I figure, it’s not okay for our government to use force in any situation where I personally wouldn’t use force.

For example, if I’m not willing to kill a cute cow, I shouldn’t eat steak.

Yep, he's just a nut. Equating the use of physical force with the killing of an animal as a source of food? Seriously???

[Tribune7]

Good for Penn Jillette. I think I’m about a 98 percent libertarian.

[FreeKeys]

...What particularly causes you to use the caps lock there?

Oh, I don't know. Just thought the concept's been way too ignored lately. Your message appears a bit hostile. Did you mean to be? If so, I'm not in the mood for an argument today. I simply thought some of our friends here would like to see this column, and that's why I posted it. Period.

[boop]

"He doesn’t speak for everyone, he claims. Teller doesn’t speak for anyone!"

Teller is a staunch libertarian too. In fact I think he has influenced Penn more than the other way around.

[jimt]

If you want societal acceptance of homos, leading to more & more teaching of the joys of sodomy to kids in school, then please say so. If you want legalized drugs, then please, say so.

If he's a Libertarian, he doesn't want them discriminated against BY THE GOVERNMENT. Like laws against sodomy.

That does NOT mean private individuals can't discriminate. No Libertarian would force you to rent to a homosexual couple, or employ a homosexual.

Hence, no "societal acceptance".

[cbkaty]

I believe I’m much more in agreement with Libertarians these days than with big government republicans.

The shot across the bow....to the Republicans. Even my 82 year old MIL has become a Libertarian....after a lifetime of straight Republican voting.

What have you done RNC? Are you insane or just stupid...?