tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12429580.post116257473246889089..comments2024-03-26T06:28:09.125-04:00Comments on GavinThink: The Lunatic FringeGavin Andresenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10105284501947275111noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12429580.post-1162687211510391402006-11-04T19:40:00.000-05:002006-11-04T19:40:00.000-05:00There's a bit of a slippery slope there-- "He woul...There's a bit of a slippery slope there-- "He wouldn't have died if he was wearing a helmet" to "He wouldn't have died if he was driving a car."<BR/><BR/>But that IS the hardest thing to swallow about libertarian philosophy-- with personal freedom comes personal responsibility. We'd all be free to do dumb things, but we'd all be more responsible for the consequences of our actions.Gavin Andresenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10105284501947275111noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12429580.post-1162670729377711242006-11-04T15:05:00.000-05:002006-11-04T15:05:00.000-05:00I have a lot of Libertarian leanings myself, but n...I have a lot of Libertarian leanings myself, but not in the area of gun control.<BR/><BR/>Here’s a conundrum I’ve often pondered: motorcycle helmet laws. I think not wearing a helmet is idiotic, but if someone doesn’t want to, I’m inclined to think that’s fine – it’s your head, pal. That choice doesn’t affect me. Or does it? Suppose I am driving a car, and I lean over to grab my coffee, and I hit the motorcyclist. It is clearly my fault. If he is wearing a helmet, he might just break some bones. If he isn’t wearing a helmet, he might be dead. Does that mean I am now liable for vehicular manslaughter rather than plain old reckless endangerment or whatever another lesser charge might be? If so, is that fair? The outcome and my liability are completely different based on his “right” or choice. Seems weird. So in effect, the helmet law is protecting me, even though I’m not the one wearing the helmet.<BR/><BR/>Just a little food for thought.Stephanie O'Keeffehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13139345960579356043noreply@blogger.com