Category Archives: Libertarianism

Praxeology, Ethics, and Libertarianism at AERC 2015
Presentation on praxeology, ethics, and libertarianism at the 2015 Austrian Economics Research Conference.

By: rothbard.com

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Praxeology, Ethics, and Libertarianism at AERC 2015 - Video

Atheism and Libertarianism 13: No True Scotsman
Everyone who agrees with me fits the label I put on myself. Everyone who doesn #39;t agree, or who does something bad, doesn #39;t fit the label. Because, reasons.

By: Shane Killian

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Atheism and Libertarianism 13: No True Scotsman - Video

In recent years it has been fashionable to think that fusionism, once the Republicans dominant ideological framework, is dead. (The key to that framework, forged by Frank S. Meyer and William F. Buckley at National Review, was that mainstream libertarianism and mainstream conservatism work hand in hand, animating a coherent political program.)

In fact, until very recently, it has also been reasonable to hail the death of fusionism. Although both libertarians and conservatives think of themselves as constitutionalists, on key issues, they differ sometimes profoundly.

And throughout Barack Obamas presidency, the differences have often attracted more attention than the similarities. Despite Tea Party solidarity among grassroots activists, libertarians have been seen to pull the GOP to the left on security and social issues. In the run-up to a presidential election year, thats seen by most mainstream conservatives as a big problem. Its an article of faith among the party faithful that when Republicans become more like Democrats, they lose elections. The desire to stay fused with libertarians has been greatly weakened by the perceived leftward lurch of the libertarian base.

But today, despite all odds, fusionism is back. And its probably here to stay. Surprisingly enough, the reason for that is simple: foreign policy. Even more surprising, theres one presidential candidate in the whole Republican field whose quiet advantages sum up why. Its not Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, or even former Florida governor Jeb Bush. Its Florida Sen. Marco Rubio.

What does Marco Rubio have to do with the power of foreign policy to resurrect a political coalition? To be sure, Rubio falls squarely in line with a long tradition of Republicans who whatever their domestic agendas voice a robust and assertive view of Americas role in the world. In that sense, he would seem, at first glance, to drive libertarians even further away from the fusionism of the past.

Today, however, Republican and American anxieties over foreign policy are reaching a critical point. Midway through the Obama presidency, the global outlook was murkier than it is now. Mitt Romney couldnt effectively use foreign policy as a cudgel against the president, try as he might. What a difference a few years make. Rubio has a unique opportunity to steer the GOP back toward old-style fusionism. Some disagree, of course. From the standpoint of a candidate like Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, Rubios domestic agenda is far too establishmentarian to satisfy the constitutionalist yearnings of libertarians or conservatives.

But Cruz himself is proof that you can establish a reputation for being tough on security without sounding, to put it crudely, like an old-style neoconservative. Like voters more broadly, Republicans are increasingly nervous about the libertarian approach to foreign policy.

Theyre torn between the versions of Reaganism offered by Cruz on the one hand and, say, Mitt Romney on the other. The grassroots idea of Reagans legacy differs from the establishments so sharply that its easy to see how each is a bit too out of step with the times. On domestic issues, the sort of viewpoint offered by Sen. Paul has a broader appeal than Cruzs, yet deeper appeal than Romneys. In sum, they want a more libertarian domestic policy than Reaganauts offer but a more Reaganesque foreign policy than the libertarians offer.

At this moment, its easiest to see how Rubio could position himself in that way. Hed simply have to move to the alleged left on domestic issues libertarians tend to care about.

Rubio doesnt need to shift on foreign policy in order to do this. Its still unclear exactly where to find Rubios center of gravity on domestic policy. He rode into power as a Tea Party favorite. Now, hes much cozier with the establishment.

Originally posted here:
JAMES POULOS: For the GOP, fusionism is back

A new fringe political party in Manitoba wants to disband government-run schools, scrap smoking bylaws, and get rid of seatbelt laws.

The Reality Party of Manitoba is closely akin to libertarianism and its values, and leader Francis Trueman said it has significant financial backing from a small group of people.

In a letter sent to media, the party criticizes the established three democratic socialist parties for crawling all over us.

Scrapping provincial control over liquor, gambling, auto insurance and rent controls is also part of its opening salvo.

The party, run by the Winnipeg contractor, has 117 members, most of whom live inside the Perimeter.

Were not telling people what they want to hear, Trueman said. Were not out to curry favour. Were dealing with principle people can agree with it or not agree with it.

Trueman, a contractor for 50 years, ran in the 1995 provincial election in Springfield for the now-defunct Manitoba Libertarian Party.

The Reality Party wont run in the 2016 provincial election, but has its sights set on 2020.

Wed like to run a slate in the next election, Trueman said.

We will restore the liberty and privacy of the civil society, the letter reads, as well as its property rights and contract rights.

See more here:
New political party a Reality in Manitoba

Libertarianism For The Average Joe
How can we make libertarianism appealing to the average Joe? Written Presented by Jeff Moore. About Me: I #39;m a libertarian author, speaker filmmaker. Get notified of my upcoming videos...

By: Jeff Moore

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Libertarianism For The Average Joe - Video

Ron Paul; "The Godfather" of Modern American Libertarianism
Ron Paul explains how state intervention destroys civil society, and how free markets offer a better solution. Recorded at the Mises Circle in Costa Mesa, California, 8 November 2014.

By: samuel ezerzer

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Ron Paul; "The Godfather" of Modern American Libertarianism - Video

In an interesting discussion of social change and especially the best ways to spread classical liberal ideas at Liberty Funds Online Library of Liberty, historian David M. Hart has high praise for the Encyclopedia of Libertarianism(published by Sage in conjunction with the Cato Institute):

The Encyclopedia of Libertarianismprovides an excellent survey of the key movements, individuals, and events in the evolution of the classical liberal movement.

One should begin with Steve Davies General Introduction, pp. xxv-xxxvii, which is an excellent survey of the ideas, movements, and key events in the development of liberty, then read some of the articles on specific historical periods, movements, schools of thought, and individuals.

He goes on to suggest specific articles in the Encyclopedia that are essential reading for understanding successful radical change in ideas and political and economic structures, in both a pro-liberty and anti-liberty direction. Heres his guide to learning about the history of liberty in the Encyclopedia of Libertarianism:

Theres your college course in the history of liberty right there, all for $125 (or a trip to a good library). You might also start with Chapter 2 of The Libertarian Mind, which is sort of a brief outline of what you could learn from all these articles.

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Learning the History of Liberty from the Encyclopedia of Libertarianism

Ron Paul and Libertarianism
Vine- Jorge Seifert IG- jorge_seifert11.

By: JorgeSeifertTV

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Ron Paul and Libertarianism - Video

Libertarianism in the U.S. - The Pros Cons, What is the Movement About?
PhilaU professors Michael Galganski and Evan Laine discuss at this Arlen Specter Center for Public Service Roundtable the meaning of Libertarianism and debate with students the pros and...

By: Arlen Specter Center for Public Service at Philadelphia University- Roxboro House Roundtables

Excerpt from:
Libertarianism in the U.S. - The Pros & Cons, What is the Movement About? - Video

Interview #22 - Keir Martland on Libertarianism in the UK and the US, Mass-Immigration and More
We chat about the current state of libertarianism in the UK, if individualism is making a comeback with younger people, the illusion of living under capitalism, the differences between libertariani...

By: Greening Out Podcast

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Interview #22 - Keir Martland on Libertarianism in the UK and the US, Mass-Immigration and More - Video