Ron Swanson Loves Capitalism and Libertarianism | Parks and Recreation

[@aidenfurry471]

"The entire government will be shut down until further notice" Ron: *smiles happily*

[@MarshallWolfMiller]

I would too ngl

[@sz5876]

Our economy would take off

[@ycnexu]

A libertarian bureaucrat is comedy gold. As the first principle to a bureaucrat is allocate more money and people.

[@metalbrainmextrememetalent6810]

@@sz5876 then why didn’t the economy ever improve during government shutdowns? The economy was effected only in negative ways. Seeing that government public services would stop. You know Ron Swanson is a mockery of libertarian ideology right?

[@stephenhomseydgi3693]

LOL, Sure every time the Republicans run up 10's of Trillion in debt and then Democrats take over they say that.

[@avb19d6]

Why government matters? “It doesn’t” Pure gold

[@MegaSheen15]

If I was her teacher, I’d give her an A+

[@samiam7]

That is my favorite exchange in the whole show, and Ron's explanation of what the u.n. is 🤣

[@swarmX]

that kids goin places.

[@thecaptain3773]

And true.

[@jackal9701]

And truth.

[@Gr8VKS]

"Luck is a concept invented by the weak to explain their failures" - Ron Swanson

[@reasonerenlightened2456]

What is "good luck" then?

[@SeraphsWitness]

He's not wrong.lol

[@clxwncrxwn]

Said no winner of the lottery ever.

[@Cavaleislove]

@@SeraphsWitness he is

[@SeraphsWitness]

@@Cavaleislove luck isn't real. Don't be so absurd.

[@Itsme-wp8yc]

“Gods way of determining who is smart and who is poor” is golden.

[@asherrice5289]

And true

[@TheStrangerSpeaks10]

Reminds me of Biden’s, “poor kids can be just as smart and just as talented as white kids.”

[@brown-eyedcheese5440]

Although funny there’s definitely some rich dumb people

[@DaveSmith-cp5kj]

​@@brown-eyedcheese5440 Usually the rich dumb people are ones who lucked on their money, either because someone sold them an asset that exploded in value or inheritance. For example I don't like Elon Musk (I think he is a scam artist with his stuff like driverless cars that keep crashing), but you can't deny he's way smarter than Jack Dorsey even though they had similar backgrounds and worked on similar projects in their rise to fame. Dorsey got lucky on Twitter and that was it. Musk on the other hand went in a lot of things was was able to consistently find success repeatedly.

[@MrMann-dw5uh]

​@Speaker Roach​I'm a Musk fanboy but I also understand the overhype. What separates him from Jack Dorsey, Bill Gates, and Jeff Bezos was his impetus for starting all his companies. They weren't created just to turn a profit (without giving back to society). He profits from his ventures as humanity is better off which is the definition of an intelligent person--benefitting society whilst benefiting oneself. Now, execution of bettering society can be debated (and possibly improved) and I would like to hear y'alls' thoughts on what Elon Musk could've done and still can do better with his companies if you're unsatisfied with what he is currently doing.

[@dillzilla4454]

"if someone is interested in buying you out it means you're doing something right, i say you continue to grow accumulate power find this investor and buy his business out to teach him a lesson" my god i love this guy

[@Robert-hz9bj]

I love how Ron considers someone trying to buy out another person's business an insult that requires retaliation ^_^

[@reasonerenlightened2456]

THE FREE MARKET INEVITABLY LEADS TO EXTREME CONCENTRATION OF WEALTH BECAUSE IT ALWAYS BECOMES TRAGEDY OF THE COMMONS PROBLEM DUE TO THE RELENTNESS PURSUIT OF PROFIT IN A FREE ACCESS ENVIRONMENT.

[@simmerke1111]

@@Tom-dd3vl Certain sectors are impossible to compete in though. Let's say supermarkets, how would I upfront the massive costs while having to compete with 3% profit margins if not lower? I'd piles of money to start it and have a lot left to pay for downswings. At some point, you're not going to undercut prices anymore. Especially in the secondary sector.

[@matthew8153]

@@simmerke1111 So you’re saying that the free market allowed prices to reach their absolute minimum?

[@simmerke1111]

@@matthew8153 Not at all. The prices we pay are not the minimum. They are 3% profit margins, doesn't specify bloated costs by massive overhead. Theoretically, smaller businesses could compete. In practice, big corporations will sell at a loss until the small business goes bankrupt.

[@davidnissim589]

At 6:20, shortly after Ron lights his cigar, a waiter comes over and tells him no cigars indoors. Ron doesn't object to this, he just puts the cigar away. He respects property rights.

[@iw_legendary_sayain2215]

Waiter- “That’s a party platter, it serves 12 people.” Ron- “I know what I’m about son.”

[@TheCDplayerr]

“Alright, party time.”

[@jorn_hub9364]

I want all the eggs and bacon you have

[@_Darth-Revan_1]

@@jorn_hub9364 wait wait. I worry what you just heard was, give me A LOT of bacon and eggs. What I said was, Give me all the bacon and eggs you have, do you understand?

[@Nutsaur]

@MOS3 He didn't say it in the video.

[@greatkentuckian9032]

@@jorn_hub9364 I've made that my slogan every time I go to Frischs during the Breakfast Bar times.

[@RockSmithStudio]

“Even though I’m a firm believer in the free market, and your failure as a business man is ultimately to blame. It’s still a travesty your diner is closing.” I love Ron so much. So direct

[@bigz5262]

To be fair, government makes owning a restaurant much harder than it needs to be

[@bigz5262]

@Solitaire um no, you’re either lazy or stupid. You are not entitled to another person’s property, including your employer’s. If someone gives you a job, you should be grateful. If you don’t like that job, find another job or figure out something people want and start your own business. If that’s not possible in your town then you should move or learn to live with less

[@komali2]

@@bigz5262 if you're not entitled to another person's property, what entitles a business to skim profit from your labor?

[@bigz5262]

@@komali2 the fact that you signed a mutually beneficial agreement to work for a certain amount of money. This is where government schools (intentionally) fail people. You shouldn’t want to settle as a worker bee. Be grateful that someone is willing to give you money in exchange for your labor, but at some point you should want to work for yourself. Of course as I already said government puts added barriers to starting a business to protect big businesses.

[@good-tn9sr]

@@komali2 you’re using the businesses property to generate revenue, which is why they get more of the profit

[@BrandonBrown-wl3xy]

" I have a joke for you... The government of this town is excellent and uses your tax dollars efficiently" -Ron Swanson 2024

[@Tikkaonlintu]

So he cannot support himself in the market - so he works at that "joke". Is that funny?

[@gabrielanaya677]

@@Tikkaonlintuhe actually is very wealthy he has invested in gold almost all his adult life. Plus he works at the joke to bring it all down.

[@gregorymoore2877]

@@Tikkaonlintu He has walked deeper into the belly of the beast to reduce reckless government spending. He has so many ideas like, remove all traffic lights and abolish the post office. The bigger ones will take a little longer like: bring all this crumbling to the ground.

[@gregorymoore2877]

@@gabrielanaya677 He has gold buried in several places around Pawnee... or does he? 😉

[@spicynoodles2742]

Reading this now actually hurts, especially when you have a corrupt government. 🥲

[@EchoBoomer1987]

Leslie being an outgoing pro government liberal and Ron being an introverted Libertarian makes their dynamic hilarious.

[@mr.doctorcaptain1124]

Eh I always thought it was stupid because Ron just holds republican ideologies but because he's a cool fun character they made him libertarian instead, despite that none of his beliefs actually match with the libertarian party. My best friend is extremely far left and we've both come to the conclusion (independent of one another ironically) that parks and rec is to blame for our generation having such a horrible misunderstanding of the libertarian party.

[@thewildcardperson]

@@mr.doctorcaptain1124 libertarianism is an idealology not a party Republicans are only like that because it's popular

[@Josh-fj9hi]

@@mr.doctorcaptain1124 you should prbly inform yourself on the beliefs of the libertarian ideology.

[@mr.doctorcaptain1124]

@@Josh-fj9hi I was a libertarian for years. The libertarian party votes with the DNC on 100% of all bills that go before congress. That God awful defense budget that was supported by dems and Republicans? Every libertarian in congress voted for it. The forced vaccinations? Every libertarian voted for it. Etc. The libertarian party may represent itself as "we believe in your personal liberties" but every time a congressional vote comes up, they vote against it. I don't care about a politicians soapbox platform. I only care about voting records. You'd do better to start basing your judgements off that.

[@4ksrub]

@@mr.doctorcaptain1124 looks like you're confusing the ideology with the party

[@McCullyClassic]

"If all men were Ron Swanson there would be no need for government" -George Washington probably

[@Robert-hz9bj]

If he'd lived in the same time as Ron Swanson, he would have said that. Then Ron would have told him that his ownership of slaves was a theft of men's labor and autonomy before punching him in the face. Because that's how Swanson rolls...

[@suzukisixk7]

thats why libertarianism is such a failure. everybody is not you.

[@jackmiehoff7530]

So you think people shouldn’t be able to make their own decisions?

[@suzukisixk7]

@@jackmiehoff7530 what you are really asking is "should people be able to do whatever they want?". No...no I don't think they should. Your choices should be made while restrained to what is good for the nation.

[@andrewbartczak5941]

@@suzukisixk7 you don't like freedom to make your own decisions?

[@monjur1016]

"Fourth-grader aren't supposed to have their heads crammed full of weird ideas, they're supposed to do cute reports and get gold stars." the understatement of this decade.

[@krisjones4051]

Let’s call it the “Iron Law of Woke Projection”

[@aidenfurry471]

some would say that's the point of the "parental rights in education bill" which bans sexual concepts from being taught to kindergarteners

[@monjur1016]

@@aidenfurry471 some would

[@mistym.8480]

This scene was so far ahead of its time.

[@godessnerd]

@@aidenfurry471 bro it’s literally just a gay to dehumanize lgbtq people. Like seriously

[@joaogarcia6170]

"first off, income tax is ILLEGAL" idk why but this is so funny to me.

[@sebastienholmes548]

Because it's true.

[@renevil2105]

It is an emergency power act from ww1 that is temporary for 5 years to tax only the rich for 5 years at a 5% tax. They have abused the national debt by over spending so they can keep taxing the people.

[@krisjones4051]

It’s true. Look up Irwin Schiff

[@donellebullock7404]

"It's funny because it's true" - Bug's Life

[@ryanwallace983]

@@sebastienholmes548 not according the US Constitution, we amended it to make it legal If you wanna make it illegal again you’ll have to do away with that amendment

[@sreeharivenat8002]

Always love the interactions of Ron and Leslie. Her upbeat behaviour + his grumpyness is what makes it hilarious

[@ronmartin1375]

🎵🎵Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord🇺🇸🇺🇸🗽🗽 One free man defending his home is worth more than ten hired antifa. First thing taliban/antifa (anti-freedom) does is force women to wear masks, force people to stay inside, ban guns, burn US flags, chant death to America. Alt-left were the ones building the camps and lighting the gas. Hitler, Mao, Stalin, Castro. Lots of sad idols in leftist history. Now the taliban. Ideology is not an alt-left strong point. Famine is distinct alt-left trait. Alt-left fascism has brought famine 100% every time. Good thing Americans had the morality, duty and strength to stop such wickedness.

[@dillzilla4454]

i hear no real grumpiness actually

[@exitoemprendedor3094]

Wait he's grumpy? I thought it was the other way around 😂😂 still hilarious

[@crinkly.love-stick]

This is my parents marriage in a nutshell.

[@Cenot4ph]

faulty analysis, they're on opposite sides. Pro government versus anti government

[@the_final_cut6880]

I love how he says he's gonna take 40% of her lunch and then proceeds to eat the whole thing

[@yiannispapagiannopoulos9549]

Capital Gains Tax

[@the_final_cut6880]

@@yiannispapagiannopoulos9549 Facts

[@mcash232]

*cough*Life imitating art*cough*

[@mahoganydoughnut6082]

Sounds like the government to me.

[@the_final_cut6880]

@@mahoganydoughnut6082 Exactly like the government. And Ron Swanson taking a dump is equivilant to the government wasting all the money it took from us

[@iminumst7827]

I do appreciate how the show has a diversity of political views without being preachy and it isn't trying to force the audience to think a certain way.

[@sammerendino2870]

Seriously. Probably one of my favorite parts of the show is that it's so non-partisan and is capable of poking fun at both sides

[@iminumst7827]

@B Babbich I'm not saying the show has no political leaning. Just that the show isn't afraid to show the left's flaws too. Even though it has a neoliberal classical liberal left leaning, that doesn't mean it spends the whole time glorifying the left and clowning on the right. The show still respects opposing opinions, which is surprisingly rare. The only type of people the show truly clowns on are the corrupt politicians who do not believe in what they say (Like Jamm and Bobby Newport), and the annoying citizens that just complain about everything.

[@williamroberts2878]

@@iminumst7827 How DARE you undervalue these political points I'm scoring!

[@k-kraft2055]

@@iminumst7827 I like Bobby Newport

[@jamessloven2204]

@@k-kraft2055 BOBBY NEWPORT never had a real job... in his life.

[@Kiriuu]

I like how Leslie and Ron have very different views but they are able to still have a conversation and be friends.

[@reinforcer9000]

Because character matters more than politics. Sadly a lot of people judge based on political views

[@komali2]

People think their views are more different than they are. The actor himself has come out to distance Swanson from the modern American "libertarian." Swanson's beliefs tend far more leftist than the conservatives that worship him want to acknowledge. Swanson tossed a computer in the garbage while American conservatives feed the lie that companies like Google Amazon apple etc are somehow inherently superior and deserve their inflated wealth and political capital. Ron Swanson denies the lies that there's such a thing as a free market by burying gold and refusing to keep his money in a bank, while American libertarians smirk and say "trust me, the banks have to compete fairly in this free market, or their customers would simply take their money elsewhere," ignoring the fact that for example people don't get to choose who manages their 401k.

[@Josh-fj9hi]

@@komali2 get over yourself. He came out to distance himself because so many people were viewing him as his portrayal of the character. Also stop using meth cause you ahve to be to suggest he's a liberal

[@ErdTirdMans]

@@Josh-fj9hi Boomed him

[@TheRealGigachad1848]

"You support child murder? Oh, it's okay. I respect different political views. We can still be friends."

[@robertowakerell-cruz7751]

"Income tax is illegal" is such a great line

[@Quincy_Morris]

I love that they intended this as a parody of libertarians but they did such a good job that he’s a libertarian mascot now and we all love him.

[@ollikoskiniemi6221]

Free men are strong men and as such, they can take a joke. Just like the british mocked america with their song "yankee doodle", but americans embraced it and proudly consider themselves yankees.

[@Robert-hz9bj]

I'm not sure he was ever intended as a "parody." I think the only thing we are supposed to find funny about his personal philosophy is the occasionally hyperbolic lengths he takes it to, in much the same way that Leslie is not meant to be a parody of a government employee. The humor is mined more from their specific character traits, but neither Ron or Leslie are ever portrayed as stupid or bad because of their political philosophies. The only thing about Ron being a libertarian that is ever really portrayed as a joke is the fact that he is opposed to the very existence of government, yet works in a government job.

[@maxbraddy8003]

It’s weird that so many libertarians think he was made as a parody to make fun of libertarians. He wasn’t, he was always made as a decent character and the antithesis of Leslie. The only comedic aspect of his beliefs is the fact that he is a manager in the public service who hates the Government

[@gregorymoore2877]

@@Robert-hz9bj The reason Ron works in government is that he was "willing to walk into the belly of the beast to help it all come crashing down."

[@TheReck12]

I think that says more about how stupid your idea of a libertarian is more than the shows writing.

[@sospoonee5479]

I still can’t believe that a character this based came from an NBC show.

[@NOWABO]

It was supposed to be a parody that nobody takes seriously. But they ended up just writing the best character of the show.

[@SeraphsWitness]

Yes they tried to make him outrageous like Dwight but he just comes across as reasonable while Leslie is a big government bleeding heart.

[@DaveSmith-cp5kj]

@@NOWABO That's basically how all the left wing media is because they are so out of touch with people outside their circles. Like in Few Good Men, "you can handle the truth" is supposed to mock the military and yet more people resonated with his speech than the main character's "did you order the code red". Similarly in Family Ties the most loved character was Alex, who was supposed to be a mockery of Republicans, and his liberal PBS producer dad was supposed to be the voice of reason.

[@icecreamjunkie6790]

For real

[@PhoenixT70]

It’s called “The Yankee Doodle Effect” and we are very good at applying it.

[@O4C209]

I relate too much to this Swanson fellow. Particularly the burying my gold in several locations...or have I.

[@Bennevisie]

DELETE ALL PICTURES OF RON!

[@joebrowser0]

We need a spinoff series about the awesomeness of Ron Swanson

[@jayrezvani3821]

Ron Swanson couldn't be a character nowadays; he has too many redeeming qualities. Employees at NBC, etc would write petitions and stage walk-outs if a show wrote in a character that painted a right/libertarian character in a remotely positive light. But yes, I agree, I would def watch that.

[@kmir224]

i started watching P&R, but didn't find it funny, w/ the lone exception being Ron Swanson. He was the show. all you need to do is watch a compilation of his best moments, which are great

[@timothyjacksondrake4454]

You could make that work but it is so much better to have characters play off each other, and counterbalance.

[@RonDeSantis-bi7yv]

@@kmir224 I feel 100% the same way as you!

[@Cenot4ph]

this show is only worth watching because Ron is in it, most characters are just not that interesting

[@francescakyanda9182]

My favorite thing is that he got that little girl to rewrite her report and told her to work hard in school and listen to her teachers but still kept her original report

[@ihavekalashnikovyoudomath9275]

I hope she rewrites the report, only this time going in depth about why it doesn't matter. Just to spite her teachers

[@breakingbenjamin555]

I teach U.S. Government and most of my students are a bunch of Ron Swansons. They even have his sense of humor which makes the class very enjoyable 😂

[@kimstringfellow6493]

Thank God for your students!

[@WarpSonic]

NO WAY I WISH I WAS IN THAT CLASS

[@Volkaer]

"Well she is a 4th grade and 4th graders aren't supposed to have their heads crammed with weird ideas etc. etc." Ok then, I agree, so why the hell is a 4th grader then told to do a report on "why government matters"? Ron Swanson is the voice of reason in the darkness that engulfs the modern world!

[@bigz5262]

Because public school’s only purpose is making more government drones

[@MeanBeanComedy]

@@bigz5262 So true. Always has been.

[@joaogarcia6170]

Because the school are funded by the government, ask Bismarck why he made public school a thing lol.

[@theWebWizrd]

Surprisingly relevant right now, what with the Parental Rights bill in Florida and the push against percieved political indoctrination in schools in the US.

[@rakashaagain]

somebody is starting to open up a can of worm!!

[@globbyakaweirdjellyguy954]

I love Ron standing up to the car rental guy about holding up his part of the deal. (I especially love what he calls that guy later).😉😂

[@barbarapanfilly84]

Well it's pretty funny to have him believe that "honor" is what's necessary to honor a contract when no state is here to enforce it

[@AmericanImperium1776]

@@barbarapanfilly84 I mean many libertarians (mostly Minarchists) would agree that some kind of state is necessary to ensure 3 things: 1. Private Property rights. 2. The Judiciary branch, Law Enforcement, and other emergency services 3. The Military.

[@barbarapanfilly84]

@@AmericanImperium1776 Well I like it better when libertarianism is coherent. Saying "we don't need the state for anything except security, law enforcement, and military" aka everything the state uses to opress people means that the only thing libertarian stand against is not state opression but public healthcare, public education and social security. Thus they are not so much anti-state (since a state is mostly a military financed by taxes) than they are anti-poor.

[@barbarapanfilly84]

@@AmericanImperium1776 Also Ron doesn't seem to be this kind of libertarian. When he says "the entire government will be shut down" for instance that means he is anti-state he just doesn't realize that without a state there is nothing to enforce private property rights.

[@AmericanImperium1776]

@@barbarapanfilly84 Well. That’s why I find Libertarianism and Anarchism is incoherent, that’s why I’m not one.

[@JJ-xw8sv]

5:52 Truer words never spoken

[@connormccallum4981]

"Child labor laws are ruining this country" a true libertarian

[@fromthebackseat4865]

Nah, he didn’t mention how the age of consent is authoritarianism.

[@mikehoot3978]

Before capitalism, all children worked. Today, thanks to capitalism, they can afford to study for 25 years. THE END

[@fromthebackseat4865]

@@mikehoot3978 if it were up to capitalism children would still be working, lol. Capitalism didn’t end child work, organized labor did.

[@mikehoot3978]

@@fromthebackseat4865 hahaha Where organized labor do that? Children started going to school towards the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century. No strike or anything like that took children out of work, it was capitalism with rising wages that made parents decide it was no longer necessary. In the countryside it went on much longer. Deal with it, commie.

[@fromthebackseat4865]

@@mikehoot3978 dude you obviously have no clue about labor history in countries like the US if you are genuinely asking that question. How are you this ignorant yet still so confident?

[@keaganbrooks6641]

A good friend of mine has literally always been a libertarian. There are, like, three pictures of him between ages 9-12 because he wouldn’t let his parents violate his privacy. He consented to the few photos they did take; just hilarious!

[@gibememoni]

Why are they like that?

[@keaganbrooks6641]

@@gibememoni because he is an OG

[@sid2112]

@@gibememoni Because we don't need our lives displayed all over the internet to feel nice about ourselves.

[@Muffmiester79]

@@sid2112 it's to bad this has now become a MEME world and now everyone willingly posts their pictures and videos on social media allowing themselves to be exploited for the almighty dollar and don't even get the crust of that pie..... SMH

[@sid2112]

@@Muffmiester79 That's why I use a picture of a random I saw at a Chinese Buffet.

[@Obozo_Gaming]

Always love hearing Ron giggle. It's so contagious.

[@amirrg859]

Tbh i am not a big parks and rec fan..the series never grow into me like other great sitcoms..but i freaking love ron swanson all the way.he is by far the funniest and most iconic character in the show

[@michaelsorensen7567]

Tried watching it, and all the characters were just annoying except Ron, but he wasn't on enough

[@amirrg859]

@Michael Sorensen i watched the whole thing in quarantine but sometimes it was hard man, Like there are only two characters that i find funny consistently, ron and andy The rest are either average like april, chris, and ben Or just Simoly awfull and unfunny like tom, donna, ann perkins, and sometimes even the main character lesly And some the of the skits like picking on jerry or april on ann are horrible And you compare it with some other sitcoms like modern family brooklyn 99 where almost every episode is comedy gold you get the feeling why am i even watching this

[@DCFashionGirl27]

Jean Ralphio is a close second imho.

[@Cenot4ph]

@@michaelsorensen7567 yea same feeling, the show doesn't bring a whole lot with the exception of some scenes and Ron

[@MrDDiRusso]

It's one thing to let a business fail naturally, it's totally different when the government kills business due to interference. Or worse, props up a failed business with tax payer money.

[@godfather7339]

Boom and bust is the natural part of the free market, when the crash happens, the big businesses are going to survive while most small businesses are going to die. This way a free market will always tend towards a monopoly. Capitalism and free markets are mathematically flawed, as proved by Karl Marx and many other philosophers and economists. One more example, big businesses are more likely to stay up than a small businesses, because the bigger a buisness, the bigger it's economy of scale(more effecient because of volume), so funnily in a free market, bigger companies get an advantage over smaller ones, and again, this leads to a monopoly. Free market is just anarchy for billionaires. One more thing, lots of people cry about how the government stops small businesses, because of regulations, the real reason why there are very little small Businesses, is because of how expensive it is to open one, it can cost millions of dollars, just to purchase equipment for a small factory, the problem is not government, the problem is that the system, capitalism doesn't allow on purpose, small Businesses to succeed, poor people are meant to be only employees, while 1% rich people in thier mega mansions. What is very hilarious is that libertarians are so dumb, they accuse the government of stealing corporations money by taxes (even though these people use s services like roads, water, electricity, army provided by the government). The reality is that taxes are necessary to take back money from corporations and rich people which they stole in the first place. Taxes are necessary to keep a check on the free market, so that someone who doesn't get too rich, yet libertarians will sell thier daughters for food money before they critisize corporations

[@bjchit]

That’s an awful lot of words to just say “I’m a short bus riding socialist.”

[@Nanofuture87]

@@godfather7339 Karl Marx was debunked over a century ago.

[@urmomsbestfriend]

​@@godfather7339 too long didn't read

[@MrDDiRusso]

@@godfather7339 what I was getting at was the fact that many government regulations create barriers for business to start, they limit how many businesses can operate, and create extra costs so that only big businesses can afford to operate. Not to mention the forced COVID-19 closures and other restrictions that have destroyed small businesses in the last 2 years. And then how about the government bailouts of the major banks and other companies that made bad investments and caused massive economic damage but were declared too big to fail. Good regulations keep people honest and responsible for their bad choices and at the same time allow the most number of people to participate. Of course MONOPOLY is the name of the game, but that is what anti trust laws are for and why all major mergers and acquisitions require governmental approval. Unfortunately, big businesses exert a lot of control over governments to craft laws and regulations to suit themselves and edge out smaller businesses that don't have any political influence. The problem with the system is corruption, cronyism and bribery, which is NOT unique to capitalism. All governmental and economic systems are subject to inequality because those in power seek to maintain their power at the expense of those not in power. It is the human condition.

[@TheCanon66]

There will probably never be another TV show like this. One that pokes fun at the left and the right, and though the characters have different points of view and opinions, they are ultimately good and likable people.

[@icecreamjunkie6790]

“Here I come, the government. And I get to take 40% of your lunch. And that is how taxes work.” That’s spot on.

[@kurtis.blender]

They've saved you quite a lot of money over the years too... Didn't have to pay for school or upkeep of your roads

[@qqww2905]

Since without government no economy would work it makes sense

[@cheezeebutter452]

@@kurtis.blender you should see where your social security taxes go

[@brown-eyedcheese5440]

CheezeeButter exactly but that’s not a problem with taxes, that’s a problem with how our government uses taxes. Regardless, having “less government” would mean that there are even less rules by which our taxes have to abide by and therefore it is even less likely our taxes will go to useful things.

[@samanwaysanket12345]

That's why monopoly corporates pay less in taxes than you??? And few of them pay zero taxes in two years straight. And top of it got multiple bailouts, loan written off and tax rebates, with the congress proposing billions in bailouts. That's not "government has no business in business"???

[@ninjaartist1235]

Honestly, we need a Ron Swanson right now.

[@Terranallias18]

They would be a moral improvement over the existing GOP at least

[@SeraphsWitness]

@@Terranallias18 Have you forgotten who controls the government right now? lol

[@Terranallias18]

@@SeraphsWitness Ron Swanson would at the very least allow things like abortion and gay marriage

[@SeraphsWitness]

@@Terranallias18 He would be a supporter of the freedom for states to decide, because that's what the constitution dictates.

[@Terranallias18]

@@SeraphsWitness what are states if not local governments? He would not want the state to intrude on people's freedoms either.

[@mrepzu1]

"She's a 4th grader; and 4th graders arn't supposed to have their heads crammed full of weird ideas." The times we live in.

[@spacebound1969]

"You shouldn't be okay with the government taking 40% of your income." "Why would you put such wierd thoughts into my child's head!"

[@EthanParmetItsDaBunny]

@@spacebound1969 Lol this is why I want to become an accountant. My dream is to legally pay $0.00 in income tax to the day I die.

[@EthanParmetItsDaBunny]

@VaderxG Don't care. I've seen at the municipal level taxes be used for the most useless things, yet the bathrooms at schools in our district look straight out of a drug haven in detroit. I have no intention of not helping others, as charity is just as important as buying things for yourself. I will not, however, give any money to a government who has done nothing but let the homeless problem in my city get nothing but worse, the murder rates surge, yet the politicians are all millionaires with second homes and luxury cars.

[@zedudedaniel]

@@spacebound1969 The main problem is that Ron specifically excluded what taxes do, to make it seem like taxes are just stealing for nothing. Like he did in order to steal a 4th grader’s food. Least greedy libertarian.

[@randymagnum143]

@@zedudedaniel yea. Your taxes were used to give billions of $$$ of war material to the taliban. Seems responsible.

[@hinklefamily1831]

I'm just gonna say it. I know there are flaws in Ron's logic and how it pertains to the modern world sometimes, but I actually really enjoy and find wisdom in his words.

[@dudesayingthings]

I agree.

[@aarodful]

Some of what he says is flawed when the show is presenting exaggerated libertarian views. But the core beliefs Ron often presents imo are very logical. This comes from another libertarian though.

[@good-tn9sr]

@@aarodful yea they make sure to really exaggerate his views for the comedic effect but it gives off a negative perception of libertarianism to an uneducated viewer.

[@AverageAlien]

There are no flaws as far as I can tell

[@AverageAlien]

matter amatters what views are exaggerated exactly? Everything he said was correct

[@Si_Mondo]

A true Libertarian would never refer to the fiat dollar as "wonderful" anything...

[@The_Ancient_Guardian]

i think he is a libertarian minarquist, so not really a true libertarian.

[@usffan5775]

@@The_Ancient_Guardian how so? Minarchism is Libertarian. I don't think we need to advocate for a rush to anarchy before minarchism. This government has a specific order it needs to be taken down in. We start with 3 letter organizations, removal of government involvement in colleges, and a complete media overhaul. Stop being a purist

[@The_Ancient_Guardian]

@@usffan5775Yes, i am a purist. Minarquism is a ilusion, the USA was the closest country to being a minarchist nation in the world with a constitution limiting government power and many individual rights but the monster grew little by little and look what it is today. The state will always grow and be used as a tool by others to rule over peaceful individuals.

[@eliseofernandez8116]

@@The_Ancient_Guardian you're not a purist you're a clueless fanatic.

[@storminmormin14]

The writers of the show understand the tropes about libertarians and seem to have had quite a few arguments with them but I don’t think actually understand libertarian philosophy.

[@RedPillGrimReaper]

“I believe luck is a concept invented by the weak to explain their failures.“ i’m definitely using that from now on

[@LenTheFrisian]

I believe quotes are a concept invented by the weak to explain their lack of creativity

[@BrutusBellamy]

While there are many real-life icons that I as a libertarian can admire.... Ron tops them all.

[@PH-wc8ll]

What is Libertarianism?

[@BrutusBellamy]

@@PH-wc8ll generally speaking, a philosophy that objects to overreaching government or State interference, espousing liberty and autonomy as the primary values. (There are many more nuances within the overall movement/philosophy, but that's a short overview).

[@stevem7192]

@@PH-wc8ll Libertarians are cats. Convinced of their independence, but totally dependent on a system they can never hope to understand.

[@adam3496]

say nothing while trying to sound smart

[@BrutusBellamy]

@@stevem7192 inaccurate and misunderstood response. We understand the system quite well, and we despise it because of our understanding.

[@MicahB98]

I love how I thought he was some crazy person first watching but now as I see our government and our world fall apart bc incompetent leaders, I’m on Ron’s side now 😂

[@whaguitars]

Amen!

[@makeouthill4822]

Become a libertarian man! Abolish the war on drugs and non taxes! That’s what we believe!

[@andrewjazdzyk1215]

Yeahhhhhhhh Cept conglomerates happen and then we just get ruled by mega corporations instead. Kind like um Now

[@artyumdragstov8823]

That happened because of government help

[@EL1TESHARK]

@@makeouthill4822 hell yeah, freedom for all people

[@deanr.throckmortonjr.133]

All my friends and everyone else I know has told me for years to watch Parks and Recreation. This video has made a stronger argument than anyone else who has told me.

[@trueexposure7487]

Ron Swanson is the greatest American of our time

[@kaladinstormdepressed]

Kinda blows that the greatest American of our time is fictional.

[@trueexposure7487]

@@kaladinstormdepressed He’s real In our hearts

[@snnnaaaaaakeeeee4470]

@Oswald Cobblepot Let me guess, you think Joe Biden is the best LMAO

[@breatheeasily4013]

Real american.

[@protoroc]

Antisocial and bitter about everything. Seems about right.

[@bryanfeliciano4102]

I love how they tried to make him satire and accidentally made him the most based character in TV history.

[@scotch1993]

Same with Alec Baldwin on 30 Rock. NBC was subtly base af

[@S3b0rg]

Its difficult to satirize dumb ideologies, chances are the ones who believe them will just agree. Like running all parks like a chuck e cheese.

[@theakountant907]

@@S3b0rg Come on. Running parks like Chuck e cheese is a fantastic idea! :)

[@S3b0rg]

@@theakountant907 "Put a token in, go in the swingset, put a token in fly a kite, put a token in look at a duck"

[@Nanofuture87]

@@S3b0rg Except of course that the authoritarian ideologies are the dumb ones. People insult libertarianism because they have no actual, rational argument. Either you own yourself or you don't. Either you consented to something or you didn't.

[@MrJeremytpage]

“Fourth graders aren’t supposed to have their head crammed full of weird ideas.” That didn’t age well.

[@SomewhereInIndiana1816]

I love Ron Swanson, a legend!!!

[@kalvin187douglas]

6:48 Ben: Just to keep this town afloat, we probably have to cut the budget by every department by 40% or 50% Ok? Leslie: But Chris said that you just had to you know ‘tinker with things’ Ben: Yeah,he said because that sounds a lot better than ‘𝙒𝙚’𝙧𝙚 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙜𝙪𝙩 𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙖 𝙢𝙖𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙩𝙚’ Ron: [Laughs uncontrollably] This scene always makes me laugh

[@workinprogress8978]

That smirk at the end though, lol. His dream was coming true.

[@unregistereduser1088]

Ron Swanson is why people will remember this show and he's supposed to be the butt of the joke. Every day Ron gets more and more right.......

[@mazymetric8267]

He isn't more and more right lol. Libertarianism is the most foolish idea man has ever come up with.

[@kinggriffinhammer6834]

@@mazymetric8267 slavery, communism, biological warfare, ethnocentrism, etc, etc.

[@mazymetric8267]

@@kinggriffinhammer6834 Slavery was extremely evil but it wasn't foolish. Slave owners made bank. This country was built on the back of slaves. USSR was communist. They went from a peasant war torn country to 2nd world super power that was fighting for global hegemony in a span of 4 decades. China is pretty communist and they have pulled more than 850 million people out of extreme poverty. Biological warfare is evil but it's not foolish. It's one of the most lethal forms of warfare there is. Ethnocentrism simply means judging other cultures through the lens of our own. Libertarianism is foolish because they believe that world would be a better place if there was no government which means no laws and completely unfettered capitalism was the norm. Even a 10 year old can point out the flaws in that ideology.

[@bigz5262]

@@mazymetric8267 the USSR also collapsed because it was unsustainable so not a good example

[@mazymetric8267]

@@bigz5262 USSR was quite sustainable. It collapsed because capitalists of US and the West did everything in their power to destroy it. USSR was competing against a super power that had 2 centuries of uninterupted economic growth. If the US had minded their own business, USSR would've been the most successful country in history.

[@benjaminstiles]

“A swing and a miss.” Is probably the best description of communism I’ve ever herd.

[@kjata77]

Every time I watch Ron clips, they're just as funny & true as they were the first time. Live long and be free.

[@ReadToasts]

Are you telling me that Argentina's 2024 politics is one long episode of Parks and Recreation?

[@hungrytaco6879]

Love how Ron says that everyone is in their right to do whatever they want even if they die as a result one day, but then somehow still only allows like 3 haircuts

[@christopherwilson1305]

1:29 “And communism is no good.” Andy’s so proud of himself for remembering the lesson! And Ron is so smooth and deadpan with his delivery when he says “That’s right. Big swing and a miss” with the spatula, and just goes right back to grilling.

[@ColtonFromTexas]

That's the most wonderful piece of paper in the world, accept it.

[@JoshyHendoMan]

If Ron and Andy had a spin-off together I’d watch it all day every day!

[@lunar33icious]

seriously one of the greatest shows in the 2000's and up! LOVE IT!

[@e_cabrera_0455]

Me before watching the show: “I don’t really care about politics, ideals, etc…” Me after: “I AM 100% LIBERTARIAN!”

[@RockSmithStudio]

“I don’t really care about politics, ideals, etc…” that actually fits within the sphere of a libertarianism

[@e_cabrera_0455]

@@RockSmithStudio lol true. It’s usually just beliefs of statism that they believe against

[@AFanOfCinema]

@@RockSmithStudio Well that and being a gun crazed maniac

[@SeraphsWitness]

@@RockSmithStudio not at all. Libertarians are extremely principled. To their own detriment, really. They adhere to the NAP staunchly. It's not that they don't care, it's that they think people should rarely be coerced by the government to do anything. That's different than not caring about politics.

[@theakountant907]

@@SeraphsWitness Well said.

[@hotdamndan9892]

Ron's idea of how to elect a President should be done during this modern times. Lol

[@realdragon]

I have idea who should run for the president but all intelligent people don't want to be politicians

[@ricardoramos1059]

@@realdragon you wonder why; most inteligent people are A. Smart enough not to want a 1 way ticket to marie antoinette syndrome and B. Are have infalted egos to some degree and have to deal with selfish self interested politicians and corporate parasite not to mention to complaining masses whyining under the excuse of woke culture when in reality theyre just as much part of the priblem rarher than the solution.

[@driftingstatic1274]

Ron's business advice to Tom was pretty good. So good Henry Winkler did it to Tom

[@shawnrigdon7764]

As a life long libertarian myself, 80% of these aren't even jokes. Just facts.

[@mikeyorkav4039]

How does it feel to be 38 years old and only develop 7 years mentally?

[@GrantpaSwag]

@@mikeyorkav4039 How does it feel to be so inept at insults that you use one of the least funny and laziest digs in all of our wonderful language. You are the best example of any sheep that believes the government is helpful: lazy, ininspired, and above all else, just a sad little man looking for vindication from your compatriots. Go sit in a corner until you can come up with a better one, you ignoramus buffoon!

[@kaoko111]

Yup, poor kids that can't mine coal anymore, that pesky goverment. Children should be free to get black lung too!

[@Prat-zi1ou]

Libertarian Untill you get 2 million dollar surgery

[@illitaret8780]

@@mikeyorkav4039 Mr. Yorkav, why don’t you tell us? The suspense is killing me.

[@marcushailey8498]

I love his ideas fot the Emergency Budget Task force especially the 40% even slash!!!!

[@chidieberendukwu]

"Child Labour laws are ruining this country" Don't change Ron. You're a gem.

[@wheelzwheela]

I know his character is supposed to be a joke… but he would be an amazing president.

[@MarlonBitoy]

Though Ron is great, if he was President we’d all be dying from CO2 emissions and the country would be taken over by enemies because “free market”

[@dartheater7348]

He definitely would. He has quite similar ecomical beliefs as Donald Trump did.

[@mattdeluccia153]

He'd pretty much be exactly like Calvin Coolidge who imo is one of the greatest presidents ever. Did everything to make sure the federal government didn't expand, economy boomed liked never before and after 4 years he didn't even run for reelection. Least exciting, but most pragmatic president ever.

[@julianhermanubis6800]

@@MarlonBitoy We didn't all drop dead when Calvin Coolidge was President.

[@2013_Shox]

@@dartheater7348 he really doesn't have the same beliefs as Trump, Trump wasn't the worst president ever but he didn't do anything Ron would do. he was just a big government guy like the rest of them

[@nickhasaproblem375]

2:59 I haven't seen this show but that joke alone makes me want to see it 🤣

[@WOranos]

When I grow up, I want to be Ron Swanson.

[@HermaeusM]

People can’t comprehend the level of pure logic that is Ron Swanson and liberalism.

[@mikehoot3978]

@randombit classic liberalism is very near libertarianism.

[@shin-ishikiri-no]

@@mikehoot3978 Cannot omit the 'classic' bit.

[@MeanBeanComedy]

I love Ronald. He's a hoot. And he's right.

[@ethancobabe2420]

That Grinch-like smile at the end XD

[@generalsirc2615]

Seriously though, imagine life with out income tax! Imagine how easy it would be to pay rent or buy a car or buy food with 30 to 40% more money every month! And business would be able to hire more workers and provide better services.

[@nonyabiz9340]

Not hard to imagine, income tax was introduced around WW2

[@generalsirc2615]

@@nonyabiz9340 yeah withholding tax started in 1943. However income tax officially started in 1913 but not a lot of people paid it. It was not as prevelent in people lives until 1943. And hilariously they named the withholding tax bill, the “victory tax” lol. WW2 ended but they never took it away!

[@ronmartin1375]

Money saved is money earned.

[@reiverdaemon]

Or we could have better labor laws to allow people to afford things and not let the oligarchs hoard wealth and still have a functioning government.

[@ronmartin1375]

@@reiverdaemon How does that work?

[@mariomarques775]

"In my experience with butt faces you are one" xD sometimes simplicity is the best

[@dartheater7348]

Best for a simpleton?

[@jeeplord4067]

that smile at the end is just icing on the cake

[@sarahs.7808]

His grin at the end 😂

[@grant.5345]

at 1:30 Ron said that Communism was "a big swing and a miss". I like this because I feel from this line Ron understands the core reasoning for Socialism and Communism to agree with the ideology as an attempt, but is polar to it as in practice. He is able to maintain an objective opinion on why Socialism was attempted, while also separating it from his libertarian opinions. It shows that despite his belief being radical, he is still a rational person with pretty strongly supported beliefs.

[@waterpanda5697]

I love how Andy looks into the camera smiles and nods like he’s proud of himself that he said that communism was bad in front of Ron.

[@peterholley5802]

His demonstration with the lunch is so accurate.

[@tgo1848]

Except its not, taxes are reinverted into state structure like education, highways, water etc. It was a joke not a real lesson on taxes

[@peterholley5802]

@@tgo1848 sure, you keep telling yourself that. I bet your a fan of HOA’s as well

[@loganatori6117]

@Oswald Cobblepot some do, yeah, but what REALLY happens is most of the taxes end up lining the pockets of politicians and corporations. Maybe actually look at where the money is going bud

[@peterholley5802]

@Oswald Cobblepot I would say you have a low IQ if you believe that

[@DaveSmith-cp5kj]

@@tgo1848 Fun fact, education, highways, and plumbing were better and had less scandals before tons of taxpayer money was pumped into those industries that attracted scam artists.

[@spencergsmith]

“Fourth graders aren’t supposed to have their heads crammed full of weird ideas.” Why is believing that the government is bloated, corrupt, and mostly unnecessary a “weird idea?” I wish more people would teach their kids to not depend on or implicitly trust politicians.

[@LexlutherVII]

But it's okay forcing them on the rainbow 🌈 🌈 stuff??

[@spencergsmith]

@@LexlutherVII when did I say that? Public educators have no business teaching children about sexuality, especially without their parents' consent or knowledge.

[@Angela-gd3cj]

School exists to brainwash, not to educate.

[@javidelvalmusic]

whole 2:22 segment is f*cking hilarious 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 the gunsh*t LMFAO the woman next to him takes it to another level

[@siphillis]

"If all men were Ron Swanson, government wouldn't be necessary."

[@AlexTechie]

7:18 that delivery is perfect 😭

[@TheSoldierChristian]

Ron is definitely peak modern Murray Rothbard

[@vivianaespinoza5281]

3:33 I can imagine if that was Dwight from the office being interviewed by a kid

[@PaladinBlades]

I wasn't quite a Libertarian when I first watched the show, but now when I see Ron talk about it, it's great.

[@Samiamgreeneggsandchicken]

Based Ron Swanson. The best character in the whole show!

[@tylerc4229]

Ron Swanson is my spirit animal

[@ThatGuy-oc4mv]

I just realized he’s grilling inside 😂😂😂😂😂

[@thedukeofchutney468]

Ron makes some legit points at 3:30. While I’m not full on libertarian myself we could certainly use lower taxes and less government spending along with fewer federal programs.

[@jestinbinu8631]

Yeah we do

[@Jay_Johnson]

Tell that to the US military

[@jestinbinu8631]

@@Jay_Johnson reagan overspent

[@Jay_Johnson]

@@jestinbinu8631 and every president after.

[@jestinbinu8631]

@@Jay_Johnson theyre not willing to cut spending

[@soundtracktothefuture226]

Everything he said is absolutely true. This is the classic Archie Bunker character made to be a joke, but turns out to resonate with people.

[@reiverdaemon]

He's a literally a caricature people laugh at.

[@soundtracktothefuture226]

@@reiverdaemon so was Archie Bunker. You’re obviously too young to know that.

[@bluecoin3771]

In many ways, I’d argue he surpassed Archie Bunker in likability.

[@MakotoMajima30]

I am slowly turning into a Ron Swanson and I could not be more happy about that

[@WalnutBun]

2:48 I love this. Chris knows how to speak Ron's language. Saying something like "we need city hall to run the government" wouldn't have made sense to Ron, but "we don't want to lose out on future revenue streams" makes perfect sense to him.

[@justinchavez2489]

1:13 this moment should be the reason why certain subjects (in health education) should not be taught in school

[@S71xx]

I just love that smile at the end.

[@_GandalfTheGrey_]

Ron Swanson is much needed in our White House now.

[@Anthony_Marquis]

Ron Swanson was right about everything!

[@TD-ug4mg]

Those are both wonderful things to love

[@Blood-Lord]

@3:07 , in early stage capitalism this works. However, we are currently in late staged. Some of these large corporations own our government and our tax dollars go to them if they feel threatened to fail.

[@Nanofuture87]

There's nothing "stage" about it, it's just interventionism and corruption which have always been around.

[@gavip24]

The government got too big and lobbying makes it worse

[@Barrobroadcastmaster]

This man is everything right America should strive to be.

[@jonathan_420]

This is one of the reasons I love Ron

[@sten260]

man this guy sounds great, I agree with a lot of it

[@moazfareed1409]

Ron is the epitome of chaotic good.