What they say:
"When I was younger, I believed in libertarianism, but when I got older, I realized that things are more complicated..."
What they mean:
"Now that I'm a grownup, I want to use violence to compel people to do what I want them to do, instead of letting them make their own choices. I now believe that I am superior enough to others that I can force my preferences on them. I am so much more compassionate than others that I have the right to compel unchosen charity from people with the force of the state at my side. I can dictate to others how they can pray, or what they can read, or what jobs they may take, or what they may earn, or buy, or spend, or teach their children. I have learned that the government is a disinterested task master that only wants what's best for us, and can be trusted with authority over us. In spite of the overwhelming evidence that free markets increase wealth, and actually encourage charitable contributions, that free choice has healthy effects on morals, that a heavily regulated society is poorer, dirtier, more violent, and less moral, I've learned to ignore evidence and proven theories. I've learned that other people can't make decisions about their lives as well as I can decide for them. Yes, of course I am a compassionate and capable person who can make my own decisions and aid the underprivileged on my own accord--but that's because I'm better than other people; other people must be forced into charity by the government. It's not so simple as letting people form their own lives, their own relationships, their own beliefs, their own businesses--no, I have so little respect for my fellow humans that I must use the power of the state to compel them to do what I think they ought to do...."
This seems to me a very poor counterfeit of "maturity."
