Ron Bailey follows up his previous call for taxpayer funding of stem cell research by acknowledging that the lack of federal funds is not hindering stem cell research. Bailey still frets that the Bush ban on federal funding may have thwarted countless research projects. But, putting aside the moral issues surrounding stem cell research, if research cannot attract private funding is it really deserving of funds?

Also at Reason, Kerry Howley argues that recipients of US foreign aide money have a constitutional right to receive taxpayer dollars without any limitations on their activities, such as the promotion of abortion or legalizing prostitution. Like Bailey, Howley ignores the interest of the beleaguered taxpayer in not being forced to subsidize activities the taxpayer finds morally objectionable. Howley also ignores the blatant unconstitutionality (and immorality) of all “foreign aide” programs.

I generally enjoy Reason, and like and respect Nick Gillespie and many of Reason’s other writers. Reason was a large part of my introduction to the libertarian philosophy and the movement, and the Reason site is one of my favorite web sites. It is because I recognize Reason as an important libertarian institution that I criticize material in Reason that would not phase me if it appeared in National Review or The New Republic. When Reason publishes articles such as those linked to above it creates the impression that foreign aid or federal research funding is somehow consistent with libertarianism. This is why I feel it is important for other libertarians to distinguish ourselves from Reason when it deviates from “The Plum Line.”