Regarding the coercive tactics of the environmentalist left meant to
silence debate on global warming, we on the more libertarian side of
things are at a distinct disadvantage. In fact this disadvantage
applies to much of the left-right debate in general. This quote from
Ayn Rand points to the problem. Rand argues that libertarian morality
dictates that:
[People] can deal with one another only in terms of and by means of
reason, i.e., by means of discussion, persuasion, and contractual
agreement, by voluntary choice to mutual benefit. The right to agree
with others is not a problem in any society; it is the right to
disagree that is crucial.
In other words, our morality prevents us from using coercion to shut
down our opponents. The willingness to use intimidation tactics and the
threat of violence, which is inherent in the legal goings-on in
California, opens up a wide range of possible tactics for the enviro
fascists. These are tactics that those of us on the skeptical side, at
least those of us who are libertarians (which includes several on the
eco-gestapo target list mentioned in the law suit), morally do not have.
