Herein is a debate that took place between two Jewish libertarians. I am an ardent Zionist. My intellectual opponent who started off this conversation, is in my view a staunch and gifted libertarian, but his views on this one subject I find totally incompatible with this political economic philosophy that we share.

Before I introduce this recent interaction, let me mention two issues. First, what is libertarianism? It is predicated upon two foundations. One, the non-aggression axiom: it should be illegal to initiate violence against innocent people. So, only laws against murder, rape, theft, arson, kidnapping, fraud, etc., are justified. Two, private property rights are based on initial homesteading and then any and all voluntary acts, such as buying, selling, investing. Libertarianism is neither of the right nor of the left. This legal philosophy is more in synchronization with conservatives in terms of free enterprise, low taxes, very limited business regulation. It overlaps to a greater degree with liberals in terms of the legalization of consenting adult behavior concerning sex, drugs, gambling, etc.

Second, why should non-libertarians have much if any interest in an internal squabble amongst two advocates of this perspective? This is because advocates of this view vote, and can determine close elections. How many libertarians are there in the country? If you go by the ballots for the Libertarian Party, the overall average is slightly less than one percent, (0.8%) and a bit more when someone like Ron Paul heads the LP ticket. However, surveys show that some 18% of the population support both economic and personal liberties, and thus are neither of the right nor of the left, but, rather, libertarian.

I am giving my debating partner a pseudonym. I have slightly edited this dispute. Abbreviations have been spelled out. Material in brackets ([]) has been added.

Do you support USG military aid to Israel?

No, I do not support US government foreign aid of any type, military or otherwise, to any other country. I’ve read my Peter Bauer.

However, I do support US government transfers of funds, military equipment, to allies, and payments for services rendered to other nations. Israel is a US ally. Israel renders important services to the US........

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