Crime, especially violent crime has more to do with poverty than who has a firearm.
Now can we get back on topic?

I guess the real question is what do YOU think should be done about those that cannot defend themselves? The other great thing about being a Libertarian is that all ideas are held equally. I'm for tax credits for donations to increase private donation. I'm also strongly in favor of vounteerism. I run a youth wrestling team. Every year my team goes to the Children's Hospital to give out gifts. I even get my biggest team father to get into my stinky old Santa suit. That's just one of many of the things I've gotten involved in to try to practice what I preach. If more people did that, actually did what their heart told them to do, then we wouldn't need the government dictating to us what to do.

I'm not sure which is more depressing to me: the fact that there is so much government welfare, or the hypothesis that maybe humans are so stupid, selfish, greedy, lazy and brutish that they actually need to be forced to help others. I hope the latter never becomes the case.

Kevin Ferrizzi wrote:

QUOTE:
...The other great thing about being a Libertarian is that all ideas are held equally. ...If more people did that (volunteered), actually did what their heart told them to do, then we wouldn't need the government dictating to us what to do.

I'm not sure which is more depressing to me: the fact that there is so much government welfare, or the hypothesis that maybe humans are so stupid, selfish, greedy, lazy and brutish that they actually need to be forced to help others. I hope the latter never becomes the case.

That is what I find most fascinating about the libertarians, they are open to discussion.
I agree that it is depressing that there is so much government welfare out there especially corporate. As for humans being stupid, selfish, greedy, lazy and brutish, well they are DEFINATELY stupid. Not everyone is the rest of that stuff though, at least not to such a large extent.

I don't know what should be done to protect those that can't protect themselves. I think to some extent the government needs to stick their hand in, if only to make sure they are protected- I guess that's where I am not a minarchist. Beyond that, well education helps, lower taxes so people have time and money to give to the non-profit organizations they so choose. I absolutely agree that if we had more money in our pockets instead of the government's people would give more. Personally I would like to believe that when push comes to shove that people would rise to the occasion, but they need incentives.
Where do we get the incentives?

If only the US government, or any government for that matter, ran like Walt Disney World.
Disney gets it. Even people who hate big businesses love Disney. There is a reason for that. While the number one goal is of course to make money, they emphasize customer service. They are incredibly accommodating to those with special needs without any fanfare or taking away from the enjoyment of others. Without charging more- sometimes they even charge less- and without complaint. Sometimes they even let you know whats available instead of keeping it a secret. Thats how a business, and government, should be run.