Where the Libertarians Go Wrong

Following is a letter the OC Register declined to publish. Although I agree with the Register editorial staff on most issues, and I get quite a few letters published, I am disappointed they declined my letter while running in the next few days two letters with glorious praise of libertarian ideas in the most general of terms.

With Congressional Republicans outspending any previous Democratic Congress by wide margins on non-security matters, the Libertarians are missing an opportunity to win over fiscal conservatives.

I would like to get response from readers on the next blog.

Allan Pilger
Mission Viejo

Letter to the Orange County Register

A Register editorial (“Sign of the times bad news for liberty in Arizona,” Dec. 28) demonstrates why more fiscal conservatives like myself don’t become libertarians. The Register condemns Mesa, a Phoenix suburb, for enforcing a sign ordinance that says only 30 percent of a business window can be covered. The owner went to court and lost, so in the Register’s view, the entire business-friendly state of Arizona has become Los Angeles East.

The editorial contends an owner can promote his business as he pleases, provided it does not compromise public safety or health. A perception I usually hear is that painting your house with yellow polka dots or green and purple stripes is just dandy with libertarians, regardless of neighborhood impact. There are no lines drawn.

Maybe that’s the wrong impression, but the Register reinforces it with the editorial. Shoppers insist on pleasing aesthetics. Just compare Wal-Mart to the old, dead Kmart stores. Hugh, garish signs drive shoppers away from all businesses in a center.

In Mission Viejo, businesses accept a proposed 30-percent maximum for window coverage as part of a well-publicized update of the sign ordinance. Sign code aside, putting up reasonable business signs, like painting your house in a reasonable color, is being a considerate neighbor.

I’ll stick with the Republican Party while the Libertarian Party remains on the outside looking into American politics.

Editor's note: for another take on this topic, see the article, “Property rights are not absolute,” in this issue of the Mission Viejo Newsblog.