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And John Adams also clearly told us that the American system of government would not work for a people that was not religious.

His actual words were as follows:

"We have no government armed in power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Our Constitution was made only for a religious and moral people. It is wholly inadequate for the government of any other."

In the context of this discussion, the upshot of Adams's statement is precisely as I said: the moral foundations come first -- and only then can a libertarian society be formed.

The converse is not true: you cannot achieve the idealized libertarian society simply by getting rid of government and letting people act however they wish, in hopes that paradise would be attained by attrition. If that were possible, Mogadishu and Watts would be garden spots ... but they're not.

Your post clarified your position, and I'd have to say you're right, overall. The only question we have to answer is what we're going to do about it.

That's a good bit of wisdom from Adams, as well. That's why I have it on my FR page for quick reference.