[Superman]

I was a bright-eyed college philosophy student roughly three decades ago, and loved to talk about social issues. Some things don't change much, huh? In those discussions I was introduced to libertarianism. My roomate was a very bright libertarian/atheist who used to absolutely kick my ass at chess. He crushed me regularly, and I came back for more. Again, some stuff doesn't change.

Libertarianism sounded good. But today, I am not a libertarian. For reasons I think will come out in a discussion here, if you folks are game. We'll see.

Let's start with police services. A libertarian might prefer a fee-based security system. If you want security then you buy devices, and you engage a company that will provide you with security services. So, cops would be of the "Joe's Excellent Security Services" variety rather than today's cadre of State Patrol, County Sheriffs and City Police. Is this a correct assumption about libertarianism (sure, I'm deliberately goading here)? I'm wondering how this works, and whether security in general would come under better or worse control.

Okay, and if you don't like that example, we can look at roads. Toll-based roads everywhere. What implications would that have for commerce and mobility? Is there any consideration for poor folks, or do they just stay put? Who thinks this would be less expensive? (bear in mind that we currently use a non-profit to administer road construction contracts using private construction contractors) What would be the similarities between this private industry (toll roads to get anywhere and everywhere you have to go) and an industry like cable TV or phone or electric power? I think it would be like those, but with fewer players. Meaning less competition. How much competition can you expect in getting from Los Angeles to San Diego? How many freeways will there be to choose from?

I'm trying to get an idea of what today's libertarians wish for, in terms of an actual platform. what would society be like if you (the libertarian) were Emperor?