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Bush is actually the person Democrats think Trump is. During his presidency, the U.S. witnessed:

• 9/11
• Patriot Act
• The 2001-02 Recession
• Not signing Kyoto Protocol
• Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act
• The Afghanistan War
• The Iraq War
• He fought to introduce an amendment to the U.S. Constitution banning gay marriage in 2004 and using gay hatred to get re-elected.
• Hurricane Katrina
• The 2008 Economic Crash (the biggest economic crisis since the Great Depression)

Although Bush is, in my opinion, one of the worst presidents in U.S. history and caused great harm to the U.S. and the world, I don’t remember the media and celebrities giving him much heat. He is hated only a fraction as much as Trump. Why is he so underhated? Was it politically incorrect to criticize him after 9/11?

I think I have a lot of good bones here but need some of the meat to be more accurate Title: The Overlap Between Greek Mythology and Libertarian Socioeconomic Power Structures

Introduction

The parallels between Greek mythology and libertarian socioeconomics provide a compelling framework for understanding the concentration of power and its pervasive influence on societal structures. Both systems elevate titanic figures—whether deities or economic elites—to the apex of hierarchical frameworks, ultimately shaping the lives and opportunities of those situated beneath them. By analyzing these overlaps, we gain deeper insights into the manner in which libertarian ideals might inadvertently replicate the power dynamics embedded in ancient mythological paradigms.

The Role of Socioeconomic Titans

In Greek mythology, those at the top occupy the highest echelon of power, exercising absolute dominion over both the natural world and human society. These entities are capricious, demanding, and largely beyond the influence of mortals. This divine hierarchy finds a compelling parallel in the libertarian socioeconomic order, where powerful corporations and wealthy elites operate with significant autonomy, often insulated from external checks or balances.

The figures at the top, through their direct control over the fate of mortals, reflect contemporary economic titans—multinational corporations such as Amazon, Tesla, and BlackRock—that exert disproportionate influence over markets, labor conditions, and socio-political opportunities. Much like those whose power was both revered and feared, these corporate giants often determine the scope of individual possibilities within the social and economic order. In both frameworks, power is highly concentrated, compelling those at the bottom to navigate an environment dominated by forces well beyond their control.

Influence and Hierarchical Power Without Traditional State Mechanisms

One of the inherent tensions within the libertarian ambition to minimize state intervention lies in the unintended emergence of structures resembling neo-feudalism, wherein economic power assumes a dominant societal role traditionally held by political authority. In Greek mythology, those at the top frequently utilized city-states, kings, and heroes as intermediaries to fulfill their desires, rendering these mortal agents instruments of divine will. This dynamic closely mirrors the mechanisms by which wealthy elites and corporations, in a libertarian context, leverage economic influence to shape policies, direct labor markets, and solidify their dominance.

The absence of a centralized state apparatus allows these economic elites to assume roles akin to those of mythological deities—dictating the conditions under which individuals operate, with minimal opportunities for resistance. This phenomenon bears resemblance to historical feudal arrangements, where substantial control over economic and social systems rested in the hands of a few, resulting in limited agency for the broader population. While libertarian philosophy often emphasizes the value of a decentralized state, the resulting vacuum may facilitate the rise of non-state powers that govern in a manner reminiscent of traditional feudal lords.

The Misunderstanding of Power Dynamics

A significant challenge within libertarian discourse is a misunderstanding of how power manifests beyond the scope of the state. Many libertarian proponents, especially those at an early stage of engagement, focus primarily on dismantling state power while neglecting the broader implications of unregulated economic authority. Greek mythology serves as an instructive narrative, demonstrating how power can be cultural, social, or divine—extending far beyond formal governance structures and highlighting the complexities inherent in any hierarchical order.

This oversight can often be traced back to reductive interpretations of critical theory, such as those found in the Frankfurt School, which tend to emphasize the dismantling of state mechanisms without accounting for the analogous power structures that may emerge within an economic framework. Just as mythology depicts powerful figures exercising influence over mortals, libertarian socioeconomics, in the absence of regulatory safeguards, risks fostering a similar concentration of power that can become as arbitrary and hierarchical as the divine authority depicted in mythological narratives.

Moreover, just as those at the top functioned beyond the reach of mortal justice, large corporations today often operate in a sphere largely shielded from traditional forms of accountability. Corporate lobbying, wealth accumulation, and control over critical infrastructure enable a select group of economic actors to exercise control over societal outcomes in a manner reminiscent of mythological sway over human destinies.

Mythology as Modern Power Narratives

Mythology functioned as a cultural narrative that sought to rationalize existing social hierarchies and legitimize the concentration of power among a select few. The omnipotent role of those at the top provided an explanation for both natural and social phenomena, thereby justifying established hierarchies. In a libertarian context, the myth of the self-made individual and the glorification of unrestrained market dynamics serve a similar purpose—providing ideological legitimacy to the dominance of economic elites.

The narrative of individualism often overshadows the ways in which structural power operates. The glorification of self-reliance, much like the myths of heroes who attempted to challenge or gain favor from the powerful, creates an illusion that power is within reach of every individual, regardless of systemic inequities. However, the reality often reveals a deeply entrenched hierarchy, where those with pre-existing power—be it mythological or economic in the modern context—dictate the terms of success and survival.

If mythology were transposed to a contemporary setting, those at the top could easily be envisioned as corporate titans—figures whose expansive influence molds the economic and social landscape with a reach that is often beyond reproach. These modern analogues wield power in a fashion reminiscent of mythological figures manipulating mortal affairs, underscoring the limitations of libertarian frameworks that prioritize individual freedom while failing to address the unchecked accumulation of economic power. The resulting power dynamics create a framework in which the ideals of freedom and autonomy become unattainable for many, existing only as myths that obscure the enduring reality of stratification and subordination.

Conclusion

The intersections between Greek mythology and libertarian socioeconomics reveal significant insights into the nature of power and its impact on societal structures. Both paradigms are defined by the centralization of authority—whether mythological or economic—that individuals must navigate in their quest for autonomy. By juxtaposing the hierarchical structures inherent in mythology with the potential ramifications of libertarian socioeconomics, we can observe how unchecked power may lead to a contemporary reimagining of subjugation under capricious, yet influential "titans." This understanding is crucial for critically evaluating libertarian promises of freedom, ensuring that the pursuit of individual autonomy does not inadvertently give rise to new forms of systemic dominance and stratification that closely resemble historical feudal hierarchies.

The recognition of these parallels compels us to question whether a libertarian order, in seeking to liberate individuals from state authority, may inadvertently empower economic actors to assume similarly domineering roles. As with the powerful figures of mythology, unchecked power in the hands of a few can lead to a social landscape characterized by subordination, limited agency, and the reemergence of structures that closely resemble those of historical feudalism—where freedom is often an illusion available only to those who already hold power.

I think we should Reduce the number of years of compulsory education and move money to created more stong/effective workshop system and make price of education tool like telescope,microscope and enigneering tool cheeper by free market !are you support Reduce the number of years of compulsory education or not?

Due to a confluence of recent events, the ability of a president to self-pardon could be the most pressing constitutional question of the twenty-first century. Here's my controversial paper laying out the argument for its constitutionality and an empirical analysis of scholarly opinion on the matter. I'd be interested to hear your thoughts!

https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3587921

https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4834739

I was recently disillusioned from the MAGA movement, and voted Libertarian for the first time this election. I've still been getting most of my news from conservative sources, though, mostly the Daily Wire, and have just been tolerating the "lesser of two evils" stance they have on Trump. I've gotten pretty good at separating facts from bias, and the DW is open about most of their conservative biases, which makes it a little easier. But since the election, they have been celebrating and gloating about their "lesser evil" winning and openly endorsing Project 2025 and war with Iran, so I'm looking for an alternative. Are there any good libertarian equivalents that acknowledge their inevitable biases and actually discuss news instead of just being performative libertarians?

Looking for advice on how some of you talk with your liberal family members.

Bracing to visit my hometown for Thanksgiving and I’m low key dreading it because everyone in the immediate family is liberal (Bernie is a God to them) and I’m libertarian. It always get testy if I even suggest that capitalism is good, national healthcare is bad, government is inefficient, etc. I’m not even the one who brings up politics at the dinner table as my family cannot stop talking about it.

As a politically uneducated voter, i found my younger self swaying back and forth between both parties never really having one that resonated with me. Two years ago i decided to truly buckle down after hearing the past few elections just preaching ideals I totally didnt agree with.

I fell down the wormhole of third party options and Libertarian ideals were everything i had been agreeing with that candidates weren’t offering. Ron Paul was a candidate I really rooted for when he was running and I had no idea he was categorized as a Libertarian at the time.

I do get confused when it comes to listening to Chase Oliver versus Dave Smith or even reading certain views online as to where certain people fall within the party. Abortion seems to be a dividing line for the party and hearing Chase Oliver wanting to bring in more immigrants versus Dave Smith’s hesitation. I wish i knew exactly what i was asking here but I guess hearing perspectives may clarify some of my confusion.

Hi! I’m looking for a video that explains how taxes work in a funny way that included uses of dots as people. Pretty sure it came from this sub but I’m not sure, thanks!

With candidates so bad the last few elections. How how have the Libertarians failed to present a better alternative to the Republicrats?

(I campaigned for Harry Browne, just so you know where I'm coming from)