There is a tendency, strongly associated with libertarianism, that I think it would be good to identify and disavow.
It occurs like this: A terrible thing happens, with suffering, loss of wealth, loss of life, or loss of dignity. And then a "libertarian" arrives.
He looks around; all he can see is the glorious system of incentives, righteously spanking a wrongdoer. And the suffering should continue, he thinks, until this wrongdoer is bleeding, and crying, and dead. Or, who knows, maybe they'll learn. Sure, that's sad. But incentives matter!
Now, incentives really do matter. But can we all agree that something has gone terribly wrong when a child lies dead, and a former U.S. Representative says, in effect, "Let it be a lesson! Don't come here, because sadly the people on my team might take your kids, neglect them, and allow them to die"?
I see stuff like this and all I can think of is Nelson, the bully from the Simpsons. His only contribution in a time of need is a cheap, two-note laugh.
