Written by Marty Beckerman | 09 January 2008

Is public nudity an inalienable right?
Marty Beckerman

Libertarians base their politics on the maxim of “do whatever you want as long as you don’t hurt anyone else.” But what if the sight of your jiggling, rippling, corpulent, Burger King-packed posterior does hurt others? Should you have the right to flash your derrière on the streets, or should authorities keep the junk inside your trunk?

Written by Marty Beckerman | 06 January 2008

Get Real

Why today's libertarians get no respect -- and how to help them get some
Marty Beckerman

Like many others who abhor the politics of Jesus Freaks and Stupid Hippies with equal vigor, I was drawn to libertarianism because it pissed off everyone:

- Are you a religious fundamentalist? Under libertarianism you can’t impose your theology on anyone other than your poor, not-yet-suicidal children.
- Are you an ethnic, religious or sexual minority? Under libertarianism you can’t silence other people’s senses of humor simply because you don’t have one of your own.
- Are you overweight or addicted to nicotine? Under libertarianism you have no one to blame—and no one to sue—but yourself, you slovenly reckless bastard.

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Written by Chris Lenz | 06 January 2008

In Defense of Hazing

Meritocracy isn't easy, folks

By Christopher R. Lenz

We’ve all heard the aphorism you can’t get something for nothing, or as Economics 101 grads tend to prefer, there’s no such thing as a free lunch. The idea seems rather simple; you work hard for something, and then you reap the benefits. In practice, however, this kind of thinking is more difficult for some to grasp than you might think. (Take my youthful French counterpart, for instance.) A perfect way to illustrate this truly American work ethic is to consider the young man seeking acceptance in a college fraternity.

Written by Justin Hartfield | 05 January 2008

Fear and Loathing in Mumbai

A savage journey into the heart of India's most celebrated city

By Justin Hartfield

As I look out the window of my ultra luxurious King Suite at the Hyatt Regency Mumbai, I see a smattering of shanty towns and open sewers. Life as a Westerner traveling to India"s historic capital city can be confusing and paradoxical. On this, the last day of my two-week stint in Mumbai (formerly Bombay), I reflect on the great many lessons I have learned while staying in this distinctive city.