Libel Laws, Libertarian Ruling Class Theory

—–Original Message—–
From: JW
Sent: Thu 11/17/2016 11:29 PM
To: Walter Block
Subject: Trump, Block, and libel

I have read your arguments justifying the use of libel laws from a libertarian perspective in regard to your abundantly justified suit against the NY Times. Do you think those points could also be used to defend Trump’s policy of strengthening libel laws as a tool against media dishonesty? I refer specifically to this piece: https://walterblock.liberty.me/a-libertarian-analysis-of-suing-for-libel/

Dear JW: The core of this article of mine is that members of the ruling class (based on libertarian theory, not the socialist view that all the rich are in the ruling class) are fair game for libel suits, even though libel would be legal in the libertarian society. So, who is more of a ruling class member according to this theory? Trump or the media. This is an empirical question. It depends upon what Trump actually does. If he rules as Ron Paul would have done, had he become president (for which I hope and pray), then, yes, in my view, “Trump’s policy of strengthening libel laws as a tool against media dishonesty” would be justified, as justified, that is, as my libel suit against the NYTimes. By the way, the latter just promised to shape up and fly right, regarding their bias against freedom and liberty. I wonder if that means they will offer to settle my lawsuit against them. I’m not holding my breath. On the other hand, if Trump actually rules in a conservative manner (pro war, anti personal liberties) then all bets are off. He would be roughly as bad as the leftish mainstream media. For, I regard the political economic “map” as an equilateral triangle. We libertarians are equi-distant from both “progressives” on the left and conservatives on the right.

Share

12:37 pm on November 18, 2016