Fly a Kite in a Storm
Are some libertarian positions too risky to campaign on? Or do we have to tie a key to the kite string in order to discover electricity?
Libertarianism is not a pragmatic political philosophy. Libertarianism isn’t even actually even a political philosophy when you get down to it at the end of the day. Libertarianism is a moral and ethical philosophy, that guides the lifestyle choices of those who adhere to it. As such, it is the basis for a subculture of people who live their lives by the values of self-ownership, consent, and mutual respect. Like any culture, it informs the politics of those who live according to its values, but libertarianism is not inherently political in nature.
Yet libertarians find themselves engaged in political battles on a regular basis, why is that so? Why must we engage in the system that oppresses us to preserve our way of life, and live up to our moral and ethical standards?
Because, we are a minority, and are deprived of the right to live as we see fit by those in power over us. From market regulation restricting our businesses to zoning ordinances restricting private property, compulsory education in state-managed indoctrination centers, and at the end of the day, forcible taxation to steal the products of our labor to pay for our own oppression. The unfortunate reality is, that shy of open rebellion and violent uprising, the only solution to our situation is political involvement and changing the system from within.
Or at least that’s what we’ve been led to believe by the leadership of the Libertarian Party for the past 50 years…
The reality is, that there is no political solution. Politics have been corrupted, and become a corporatized contest of popularity, where the popular will doesn’t actually impact the policies passed by those chosen for power. Politics no longer represents the interest of the people, and democracy has evolved to show its true face, the oppression of dissenting minorities, by the manipulated will of the majority. Politics is a dead end, a rigged system set against us, where we cannot win when playing by their rules, which are subject to change to preserve our disadvantage.
So what is the solution?
Politics is downstream from culture, and only by impacting and affecting culture can we have any meaningful impact on the machinations of the political process surrounding us. There are many ways to impact and change a culture. Art, film, literature, community involvement, business, education, and yes, to a lesser degree, politics. But politics is inherently reactive to culture, instead of the other way around. Politicians strive to stay popular by embracing rhetoric that has already been deemed culturally acceptable and refusing to challenge the status quo. There are a few exceptions, and they are notable. Ron Paul, Bernie Sanders, and to some extent Donald Trump. A politician who takes to the campaign stage true to their own principles, and bucks the established norms in favor of promoting what is considered to be extreme in an attempt to radicalize a base and normalize a fringe idea.
I wrote a chapter of my last book on the libertarian application of The Overton Window, and it’s available on this blog for paid subscribers and patrons, so go check it out.
Say The Quiet Part Out Loud
So how can libertarians use the political system and process to have meaningful impacts on the culture of the community they live in? It isn’t by compromising or hiding from the radical nature of our beliefs. Libertarianism is not a popular philosophy, as the majority of people simply do not share our values and ethics, and thus do not have the basis of the moral philosophy that comprises our political beliefs. So we need to stop watering down our message to try and sell them on the idea of voting for us.
The only way to convince those who disagree with the basis of our philosophy is to force them to think critically and challenge their preconceptions, and question their own moral and ethical philosophies that inform their politics. People will not be challenged by milquetoast compromise policies and polite presentation of watered-down principles. This may win votes, but it won’t win hearts, minds, or long-term conversion to sharing our principles.
But by being radical, by standing strong and shouting loudly from the rooftops what we believe, we refuse to compromise chasing votes and speak so firmly that those who feel lost in the political scheme of a culture that doesn’t accept them can hear us. We need to reach those who share our values, not those who will abandon us, and cage us, the moment they learn the reality of who we are.
Live Free and Thrive: 101 Reasons Why Liberty Lives in New Hampshire
What makes New Hampshire so special? Well, I wrote a new book about that, available in kindle and paperback formats in mid-November. We’re also going to be producing a brand new documentary about it as well! And we have a great crowdfunding campaign started to help produce it so we can publish it for free!
All donors will be thanked in the credits, and there are producer credits available still if you are interested! Reach out to me with any questions!
Subversive #86: “The Case for Concentration”
This episode was pre-recorded and is available early on Odysee and Audio streaming platforms, and will be premiering on YouTube at 9 pm est on Tuesday, October 11th, 2022 for our normally scheduled weekly show.
Watch on YouTube | Watch on Odysee | Listen on Spotify | Listen on Apple Podcasts | Check out other platforms and publications!
Summary
Lawyer, Libertarian, and Candidate for US Senate in Arizona, Marc Victor, joins the show to talk about the Live and Let Live philosophy he is promoting, and the recent controversy regarding his remarks during the Arizona Senatorial debate.
Learn more about Marc's platform and campaign: https://liveandletliverevolution.com
Learn more about the Live and Let Live Project: https://liveandletlive.org
New Merch and Swag!
None other than show sponsor SnekSwag.com has a new full collection of official Subversive Swag where you can show off your rebel side by wearing your principles literally on your sleeves. Check out the collection today to grab your Swag now!
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Copyright Justin O’Donnell, 2022
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