Smashing the State for Fun and Profit Since 1969
Brock Lorber[Because Ernie asked, "who is Samuel E. Konkin, III?"] A 2002 interview with SEK3 on the history of libertarianism, the LP, the libertarian left, agorism and his own involvement stretching back to the Young Americans for Freedom.
I enjoyed re-living this early period through this interview. Among nits to pick: 1. “Friedmanism was smashed for good in the Libertarian Movement of 1971. Ludwig von Mises and his student Murray Rothbard, and the Austrian School reign unchallenged until this day.” This statement is contradicted time and again throughout the rest of the interview. The LP Mises Caucus is now making a serious challenge to dominate the LP, but is facing strong resistance. 2. Rothbard’s split with Hess was over their differing views of BPP, the “counter culture,” tax resistance, Kropotkin, and taking to the streets. 3. Like so many of Rand’s “original ideas,” her definition of the State did not originate with her. It probably was first put forth by Max Weber.
I enjoyed re-living this early period through this interview. Among nits to pick: 1. “Friedmanism was smashed for good in the Libertarian Movement of 1971. Ludwig von Mises and his student Murray Rothbard, and the Austrian School reign unchallenged until this day.” This statement is contradicted time and again throughout the rest of the interview. The LP Mises Caucus is now making a serious challenge to dominate the LP, but is facing strong resistance. 2. Rothbard’s split with Hess was over their differing views of BPP, the “counter culture,” tax resistance, Kropotkin, and taking to the streets. 3. Like so many of Rand’s “original ideas,” her definition of the State did not originate with her. It probably was first put forth by Max Weber.