Linux Online - Why Libertarians Should Celebrate Free Software

Why Libertarians Should Celebrate Free Software


Publication:	Canada.com	Date:	Jul 18 2007
Reporter:	Timothy B. Lee

In college I dated a left–of–center girl who liked to shop at the local grocery co–op rather than a commercial grocery store. We argued about it a lot. I'd point out the relative efficiencies of commercial grocery store organization. She'd stress fuzzier, more community–focused advantages: the sense of belonging, the superior treatment of workers, the closer connection between customers, employees, and management, and so on.

I still shop at a commercial grocery store. But I also think my criticism of the co–op was a little bit off base. There's no reason that libertarians should object to shopping at a co–op. Some people simply believe that the intangible benefits of a less commercialized shopping experience are worth the costs. It's a peaceful, voluntary form of social organization, and as long as no one is forced to shop there, there's no reason libertarians should object.

Comments

Subject	Posted by	Date
Crock of poop.	Bob Robertson	18 Jul, 18:35
Political ideology	asacan	18 Jul, 22:26
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