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Liberator Online, Volume 9, Number 10
June 9, 2004
In This Issue:
Will there be *two* Libertarian presidential
candidates?.…. Republican libertarians score big with World's Smallest
Political Quiz.…. Pollsters say young voters are "more libertarian"
-- and their millions of votes are up for grabs.…. Kill the FCC, urges
respected techno-journalist.…. This weekend: "Art of Political
Persuasion" seminar coming to Indianapolis.…. Mary Ruwart is asked if
libertarians support the U.S. Constitution, and how fast we can move to a
libertarian society...... Michael Cloud tells you why Socrates Deserved the
Hemlock -- and how *you* can avoid that cup..... Harry Browne's great new
Advocates book on using libertarian soundbites.....
All this and *much much more* in the world’s
largest-circulation libertarian publication...
THE LIBERATOR ONLINE
June 9, 2004
Vol. 9, No. 10
Circulation: 63,723 subscribers in over 100 countries
Published by the Advocates for Self-Government
Edited by James W. Harris, mailto:james@TheAdvocates.org
Created by Paul Schmidt and James W. Harris
___________________________________________
"The Advocates makes invaluable
contributions to the freedom cause. For almost twenty years the Advocates has
worked tirelessly to help libertarians better communicate the ideas of liberty.
I continue to be impressed by the Advocates' work."
-- U.S. Congressman Ron Paul (R-Texas)
___________________________________________
CONTENTS
PRESIDENT’S CORNER
* Advocates welcomed at Libertarian Party
national convention
* Republican Liberty Caucus has big success with Advocates tools
* THIS WEEKEND: Acclaimed seminar comes to Indianapolis
* Exciting new Advocates book by Harry Browne now available
WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH THE ADVOCATES
* "The Art of Libertarian Persuasion,"
June 12-13, Indianapolis
...and more news and exciting opportunities for libertarians!
GOOD NEWS, BAD NEWS, UNBELIEVABLE NEWS
* Two Libertarian Presidential Candidates?
* Young Voters "More Libertarian," Says Zogby
* "Kill the FCC," Urges Respected Techno-Journalist
* "Let the people decide..."
ASK DR. RUWART
* How quickly can we put libertarian ideas into
action?
* Do libertarians support the U.S. Constitution?
PERSUASION POWER POINT #164
* Socrates Deserved the Hemlock
by Michael Cloud
PRODUCT REVIEW
* "Liberty A-Z: 872 Libertarian Soundbites
You Can Use Right Now" by Harry Browne. Fantastic new book published by the
Advocates!
_____________________________________
PRESIDENT’S CORNER
Dear friends,
The Advocates had a big presence at the
Libertarian Party presidential nominating convention May 27-31 in Atlanta. Our
booth received a steady stream of visitors, customers, old friends and
newcomers. We also conducted workshops, gave speeches, introduced new products,
hosted book signings, and in general were busy from the opening gavel until the
last person left the convention.
We were delighted and honored by the warm
reception we received from convention delegates and attendees.
And we were gratified to hear from people, over
and over again, how the Advocates has made a big difference in their lives. How
our tools have helped them reach more people in more effective ways with the
ideas of liberty. How our seminars have taught them to become more powerful
communicators of libertarianism. How they enjoy the Liberator Online. Thank you
all!
Congratulations to Mary Ruwart for winning the
LP's Thomas Paine award for Best Libertarian Communicator! Congratulations also
to Advocates Board member James Lark for winning the Samuel Adams award for
outstanding libertarian activism! Congratulations, too, to our new Director of
Communications Bill Winter for being nominated for the Thomas Paine award.
* * *
I was delighted to receive the following report
from John Reed, Vice-Chairman & Chapters Director of the National Republican
Liberty Caucus (RLC). The Republican Liberty Caucus is an organization whose
goal is to advance libertarian principles by supporting libertarian and
liberty-minded candidates in the Republican Party.
"We had a great RLC presence at the Texas
GOP Convention in San Antonio this past weekend, from Thursday June 3 to
Saturday June 5," John writes.
"We had many Republican delegates score
libertarian on the World's Smallest Political Quiz, and we hope to keep growing
our libertarian wing of the Republican Party thanks to your Quiz.
"This is the second year in a row that we've
had the Quiz and Operation Politically Homeless as a major tool to get people to
stop by our RLC booth.
"On Friday night we had about a thousand
Republican delegates attend our Republican Liberty Caucus Reception honoring the
Constitutional Republicans in Texas. The first sentence out of Congressman Ron
Paul's mouth when he got to the stage was, "The Constitutional wing of the
Republican Party is alive and well and right here in this hall tonight!"
The crowd returned a thunderous applause. I was proud to be a libertarian
Republican, in other words, a "Ron Paul" Republican."
Thanks, John! The Texas Republican Party
gathering is the largest state GOP event in America. Last year the RLC's booth
at that convention drew over 500 Quiz takers, eager to learn more about
libertarianism. We'd love to see OPH booths at every Republican event!
If you'd like more information about the
Republican Liberty Caucus and their work for liberty, you can check out their
home page:
http://www.rlc.org
And if you'd like to put the power of OPH to work
for your libertarian group, learn more about this amazing Advocates tool at:
http://www.theadvocates.org/oph.html
* * *
This weekend! Our acclaimed "The Art of
Libertarian Persuasion" seminar is coming to Indianapolis, Indiana, June
12-13.
This seminar -- which has received rave reviews
from attendees -- will be led again by the stellar team of communication expert
Michael Cloud & 1996 and 2000 Libertarian Presidential candidate Harry
Browne. I'll be assisting.
You'll learn the very best ways to communicate
the ideas of liberty from experts who have spent decades learning and teaching
exactly that. Great for candidates, campaign workers, and anyone else who wants
to dramatically improve their ability to convince family, friends and the public
to understand and embrace libertarian ideas.
To learn more about this great seminar see:
http://www.theadvocates.org/indianapolis-seminar.htm
Seats are limited. I hope to see you there!
* * *
Welcome to 456 new Liberator Online subscribers
this issue. Thanks for joining our subscription "family" of over
60,000 liberty-loving readers in over 100 countries!
Enjoy this issue of the Liberator Online.
-- Sharon Harris, President mailto:sharon@TheAdvocates.org
PS: Last week I announced our brand-new book by
Harry Browne: "Liberty A-Z: 872 Libertarian Soundbites You Can Use Right
Now." I'm *excited* by this book! So are lots of other libertarians.
Indeed, I think it is, quite simply, one of the
most useful books for libertarians ever written. Absolutely essential for
candidates, campaign workers, public speakers, writers, and anyone else who
wants to be a more effective spokesperson for liberty!
It's again featured in our Product Review at the
end of this issue. And here are some other sources to learn more about it:
* For an INTERVIEW with Harry Browne about the
book, please go here:
http://www.theadvocates.org/liberty-a-z-interview.html
* To read what Congressman Ron Paul says about this book, check here:
http://www.theadvocates.org/liberty-a-z-interview.html
* To read a REVIEW of the book by former LP News editor Bill Winter, see:
http://www.theadvocates.org/liberty-a-z-interview.html
To access ALL the above, and to PURCHASE, please
go here: http://www.theadvocates.org/liberator-online-special.html
Thank you!
_____________________________________
WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH THE
ADVOCATES
* THIS WEEKEND! June 12 and 13, Indianapolis,
Indiana: The Advocates will again present the acclaimed seminar "The Art of
Libertarian Persuasion." Led by two renowned masters of libertarian
communication: Michael Cloud and two-time Libertarian presidential candidate
Harry Browne, with Advocates President Sharon Harris. This incredible seminar is
guaranteed to dramatically improve your ability to convince family, friends and
the public to understand and embrace libertarian ideas. Space is limited. Learn
all about it -- and for a limited time, save $55 by registering early -- here:
http://www.theadvocates.org/indianapolis-seminar.htm
* Want to quickly learn the basics of
libertarianism -- from some of the best minds in the liberty movement? Want to
help a friend quickly learn about libertarianism? Check out Libertarianism.com,
from the Advocates:
http://www.Libertarianism.com
* Communication Bargain of the Century: You can
get the great 3-tape audio course "The Essence of Political
Persuasion" from us at the GIVE-AWAY price of only $7.50 - that price
includes handling and First Class mail so you’ll get it right away! We’ve
put over 6,000 sets into the hands of libertarian activists in the past few
years! To order, call us or see:
http://www.theadvocates.org/epp-redirect.html
_____________________________________
GOOD NEWS, BAD NEWS,
UNBELIEVABLE NEWS
by James W. Harris
Two Libertarian Presidential Candidates?
Surprise! There may be *two* Libertarian Party
candidates for president this year.
One, of course, is Michael Badnarik, nominated at
the party's convention last month.
The other is Richard Mack, a Libertarian Party
member who has just been given a shot at being nominated for president... by the
cable TV network Showtime.
That's right. Mack, of Provo, Utah is one of 12
finalists for a new summer "reality TV" show, "American
Candidate."
The premise of American Candidate -- which
premieres August 1 -- is that a dozen would-be presidents compete to win a
whopping $200,000 *and* major national airtime to run for president of the
United States as the "People's Candidate."
"Over the course of 10 weeks, those 12 will
face off against each other in a series of challenges designed to test their
presidential mettle and to show viewers what really goes on in the making of a
presidential candidate," says Showtime.
Each week the candidates will be assigned a
series of politics-related tasks by Showtime. The candidate who does the poorest
job will be booted off, week by week, until just one -- the "People's
Candidate" -- is left.
As the Salt Lake Tribune wryly notes,
"Political candidate Richard Mack won't have to eat live maggots, crawl
through muddy obstacle courses or starve on a deserted island to win the latest
reality TV show contest. He has to do something worse: shake voters' hands, kiss
babies and smile until his face quivers."
Of course, the winner won't appear on any
ballots. But... $200,000 and a big chunk of major airtime and publicity can
provide one heck of a bully pulpit.
Mack. a former Arizona county sheriff, was Utah
gubernatorial candidate for the Libertarian Party -- until this week. He
resigned from the race in order to pursue the unprecedented Showtime
opportunity.
And he's not fudging on the issues. Mack's
Showtime Web page says he would abolish the income tax and the IRS, abolish the
Department of Education, and repeal the PATRIOT Act. The site also notes his
favorite president, Thomas Jefferson. And his campaign theme song? What else for
a libertarian named Mack who wants to cut the federal budget: "Mack the
Knife."
Filming has already begun on the series. One
thing is certain: Showtime's selection process is a lot fairer than the maze of
outrageously unfair ballot laws, campaign finance requirements and other
obstacles that state and federal governments force on alternative party and
independent candidates.
(Sources: Salt Lake City Tribune:
http://www.sltrib.com/2004/Jun/06092004/utah/173843.asp
Richard Mack's Showtime Web site:
http://www.americancandidate.com/candidate_homepage.php?id=40
* * *
Young Voters "More Libertarian," Says
Zogby
"They are more libertarian, they generally
subscribe to a 'live and let live' mentality."
That's how John Zogby, the renowned independent
pollster, described young voters to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, June 8.
Zogby also said these young voters are more
tolerant of civil unions and gay marriages than other age groups; worry more
about the Patriot Act infringing on fundamental rights; and are more concerned
about the death of soldiers in Iraq. And they are less partisan -- less likely
to identify themselves with one of the two older parties.
That view of young voters tags with other
findings, the newspaper notes. A recent poll by Harvard University's Institute
of Policy found that large percentages of college students are dropping
traditional labels and party affiliations. Fewer identify themselves as liberals
or conservatives. In the Harvard poll, fully 41% identified themselves as
"Independent" rather than Democrat or Republican.
Dan Glickman of the Institute noted that 51%
opposed the war, and he expects that will influence their vote in November.
"They're just getting out into the workplaces, they're looking at America's
place in the world," he said. "They are starting to worry about how we
are perceived and how that will directly affect them."
Glickman further says neither the Democrats nor
the Republicans can take the youth vote for granted. "This group is really
up for grabs," he said.
Need we add that libertarians need to strive to
do some of the "grabbing" of this huge, sympathetic and powerful block
of voters?
(Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution,
"Label-Wary Young Voters Hard To Read, Experts Say," June 5, 2004.
Online article available only by registering at:
http://www,ajc.com )
* * *
"Kill the FCC," Urges Noted Journalist
"It's time to abolish the Federal
Communications Commission. The reason is simple. The venerable FCC, created in
1934, is no longer necessary."
So writes Declan McCullagh, chief political
correspondent for CNET News.com and a highly-regarded technology journalist,
this week.
"[The FCC's] justification for existence was
weak 70 years ago, but advances in technology since then have eliminated
whatever arguments remained. Central planning didn't work for the Soviet Union,
and it's not working for us. The FCC is now an agency that does more harm than
good."
McCullagh gives some examples of the harm the FCC
has done and is doing. Among them:
"The FCC rejected long-distance telephone
service competition in 1968, banned Americans from buying their own non-Bell
telephones in 1956, dragged its feet in the 1970s when considering whether video
telephones would be allowed and did not grant modern cellular telephone licenses
until 1981 -- about four decades after Bell Labs invented the technology...
These technologically backward decisions have cost Americans tens of billions of
dollars."
Then there are the threats to civil liberties:
"Meanwhile, the FCC is hard at work, trying
to figure out how to muzzle Howard Stern and make a national example of Janet
Jackson's right breast. Commissioners are planning how to order
voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) companies to comply with arguably unlawful
wiretapping requests from the FBI."
McCullagh further notes that increasing
competition in phone service, cable and satellite TV, and the like make it
harder than ever to justify the FCC. New technologies like fiber connections
that will carry every conceivable kind of data make the FCC obsolete.
How to abolish the FCC without creating
"airwave anarchy"? His answer is simple and very libertarian: the
government should sell off rights to the spectrum to the highest bidders. (The
enormous value of the spectrum, estimated at well over a trillion dollars,
insures that no single individual or corporation could monopolize it by buying
it all up.) The spectrum would then be treated legally like land and similar
property, and "trespassers" who broadcast into an owner's area could
be prosecuted.
"Now is the perfect time to ask whether the
FCC should continue to exist," McCullagh says. "Congress is
considering revisions to the 1996 Telecommunications Act, and some courageous
politicians are wondering out loud whether the hundreds of pages of legalese are
still necessary."
Selling the FCC would save taxpayers immediately
$300 million a year, plus raise potentially hundreds of billions of dollars by
the sell-off of the spectrum. McCullagh has much more on the subject in his
article, which is highly recommended. It's an idea whose time has not only come,
but has been long overdue.
(Source: "Why the FCC should die," by
Declan McCullagh, CNET News.com:
http://news.com.com/2010-1028-5226979.html )
* * *
"Let the people decide..."
"Let the people decide through the
marketplace mechanism what they wish to see and hear. ... Why is there this
national obsession to tamper with this box of transistors and tubes when we
don't do the same for Time magazine? ... The television is just another
appliance--it's a toaster with pictures. ... We've got to look beyond the
conventional wisdom that we must somehow regulate this box, we must single it
out."
-- Mark Fowler, former FCC chairman, from a 1981
interview in Reason Magazine.
* * *
"Good News, Bad News, Unbelievable
News" is written by Liberator Online editor James W. Harris. His articles
have appeared in numerous magazines and newspapers, and he has been a Finalist
for the Mencken Award, given by the Free Press Association for "Outstanding
Journalism in Support of Liberty."
_____________________________________
ASK DR. RUWART
Dr. Mary Ruwart is a leading expert in
libertarian communication. In this column she gives readers "short answers
to the tough questions" that libertarians are frequently asked.
Dr. Ruwart's past Liberator Online answers are
archived in searchable form at: http://www.TheAdvocates.org/ruwart/categories_list.php
* * *
Question:
"How do we get from here to our libertarian
ideal? Aren't we so far gone, that we can't change quickly the course of
history? Even if libertarians held every office in the country tomorrow, how
could they convert our current system of social democracy into a libertarian
system? Could the government systems of schools, courts, defense, jails,
welfare, transportation, money, etc be privatized immediately?"
My short answer:
"Transition to a libertarian society could
take different paths. In the U.S., we are moving towards less welfare, more
restitution, e-gold as a substitute currency, home and internet schooling,
private security, private roads, etc. The market is already creating
alternatives, even though they aren’t widespread -- yet. The alternatives will
eventually replace their governmental counterparts simply because they are more
efficient.
"Transition can happen in a short time as
well. New Zealand underwent radical transformation after 1984, simply because it
was too bankrupt to do otherwise (See:
http://www.hillsdale.edu/newimprimis/2004/april/default.htm )
"With Internet-speed communications today,
perhaps other countries will learn to privatize *before* they’re in
crisis!"
* * *
Question:
"Do libertarians and the Libertarian Party
strive to uphold the Constitution of the United States?"
My short answer:
"Libertarians support the non-aggression
principle or "Good Neighbor Policy."That is, we reject theft, fraud,
and assault as legitimate actions for individuals, groups, or governments.
"The Constitution of the United States, for
the most part, embodies this viewpoint. Thus, libertarians would vastly prefer a
government that follows the Constitution over what we have now. However,
libertarians do not endorse eminent domain, tariffs, the income tax, and other
forms of aggression sanctioned by the Constitution. So, libertarians do strive
to see the pro-liberty values of the Constitution put into action -- and
libertarians ultimately want to go even further than the Constitution in
protecting and promoting individual liberty."
(Editor's note: One of the most popular slogans
of Libertarian Party presidential candidate Michael Badnarik is: "The
Constitution: it's not just a good idea, it's the law." And Congressman Ron
Paul (R-Texas), the only libertarian in Congress, frequently refers to himself
as a "Constitutionalist.")
* * *
Got questions? Dr. Ruwart has answers! If you'd
like answers to YOUR "tough questions" on libertarian issues, just
email to Dr. Ruwart at:
mailto:ruwart@theAdvocates.org
Due to volume, Dr. Ruwart can't personally
acknowledge all emails. But we'll run the best questions and answers in upcoming
issues.
Dr. Ruwart's outstanding books "Healing Our
World" and "Short Answers to the Tough Questions" are available
from the Advocates:
http://www.TheAdvocates.org/Merchant2/merchant.mv
___________________________________
PERSUASION POWER POINT #164
Socrates Deserved the Hemlock
by Michael Cloud
Socrates is revered as a model of what a
philosopher could be and should be.
Socratic dialogues and the Socratic method are
taught in college.
He was reputed to be "the wisest of
men."
Yet in 399 B.C., seventy-year-old Socrates was
put on trial for impiety and the corruption of youth by teaching them impiety.
Socrates defended himself, was convicted by a
jury of 501 fellow Athenians, and condemned to death by hemlock.
Socrates deserved the hemlock.
Not for impiety. To be a philosopher is to
question, doubt, and challenge. As one philosopher noted, "a history of
philosophy is a history of heresy."
Nor for corruption of youth by teaching them
impiety. To be young is to irritate, annoy, and disturb conventional beliefs and
values. To be young is to stir the pot. Youth needs no incitement from a
Socrates.
Why did Socrates deserve the hemlock?
Take a look at the dialogues.
As they illustrate, Socrates sought out or
accidentally encountered those he disagreed with. Usually in front of a crowd.
Often in the public square.
Socrates treated the encounter like a court case.
He was the prosecutor. The other person was the accused -- and on the witness
stand.
He ruthlessly interrogated and cross-examined his
philosophical adversary. Socrates' questions smoothly led his opponent into
inconsistencies and contradictions. His skillful inquisition proved them
illogical. Proved them wrong.
Socrates made a reputation by publicly
humiliating, ridiculing, and embarrassing those he disagreed with.
How would you feel toward someone who made you
look ignorant or stupid or dishonest in front of everyone you know? How would
you feel when people gossiped about your very public humiliation?
Would you thank your lucky stars that he
straightened you out? Would cherish him for taking you down a peg or two?
Or would you hate his guts? Would you bitterly
resent him and everything he stands for?
Socrates proved his wisdom by exposing the
ignorance of others. He built his reputation at the expense of other Athenians'
dignity and reputations. He gained stature by making them lose face.
The Socratic method transforms fruitful
conversations into toxic inquisitions.
The Socratic method breeds bitterness, grudges,
and enemies.
The Socratic method is not good or beautiful or
wise.
Socrates deserved the hemlock.
******************
Michael Cloud was voted the Most Persuasive
Libertarian Communicator in
America and honored with the Thomas Paine Award at the Libertarian Party
national convention in July 2000.
He is creator of "The Essence of Political
Persuasion," the classic 3-tape libertarian communication course, available
exclusively from the Advocates for only $7.50. To order, visit:
http://www.TheAdvocates.org/epp-redirect.html
_____________________________________
PRODUCT REVIEW:
Great new libertarian outreach book!
"Liberty A-Z: 872 Libertarian Soundbites You
Can Use Right Now" by Harry Browne. Foreword by Congressman Ron Paul.
Quality paperback. 192 pages.
This brand-new book is published by the Advocates
for Self-Government. And we believe it is, quite simply, one of the most useful
books for libertarians ever written.
During his 1996 and 2000 campaigns as Libertarian
Party candidate for President, Harry Browne quickly became famous as one of the
finest -- and most quotable -- libertarian communicators ever.
Now, with this book, Harry lets you in on one of
his big secrets -- and gives you the chance to achieve libertarian communication
excellence.
During his campaigns, Browne created a file of
nearly 1,000 "soundbites" -- short, thought-provoking, highly quotable
remarks -- on virtually every question libertarians are commonly asked.
He then committed them to memory and practiced
their delivery. When reporters asked a question, he was ready. And he constantly
sharpened and improved his soundbites.
This book contains the best of those tested,
proven soundbites. Ready for you to adapt to your own style and put to use for
liberty.
Harry covers just about every political topic
imaginable: Affirmative Action, Balanced Budget, Campaign Finance, Defense,
Education, Federal Spending, Gun Control, Health Care, Immigration, Jobs,
Libertarianism, Morality, National Interest, Oil, Pornography, Quotas,
Republicans, Social Security, Terrorism, Utopian Thinking, Victimless Crimes,
Welfare, Young People, Zero (a Flat Tax Rate of) -- and hundreds of other
issues. It's organized alphabetically by topic for quick and easy reference.
This book is simply essential for anyone
interested in spreading libertarian ideas, to anyone, in any forum.
As Congressman Ron Paul (R-TX) says: "I am
pleased to recommend Harry Browne's book to libertarians looking for help
convincing skeptics of the benefits of a free society."
ORDERING
Via Web: To learn more about this book, and to
order it, you can go to this address on the Web:
http://www.theadvocates.org/liberator-online-special.html
This will take you to a special page at our
online store where this offer is featured. You can order via credit card from
there if you wish. Our site is credit card secure -- you can order with the same
confidence you'd feel at your local department store. While there, you can
browse our other libertarian products and order any you wish.
You can also, of course, order by phone, mail or
fax, from the address below.
Your order helps support the essential work of
the Advocates -- thank you!
As with all Advocates products, we guarantee your
satisfaction. Try it at no risk -- if you're not completely satisfied, simply
return for a full refund.
_____________________________________
See you in two weeks! You can contact the
Advocates at:
Snail Mail:
Advocates for Self Government
213 S Erwin St
Cartersville, GA 30120-3513
Phone: 770-386-8372; for orders, 800-932-1776
Fax: 770-386-8373
Email: mailto:info@TheAdvocates.org
WWW: http://www.TheAdvocates.org/
If you wish to subscribe, unsubscribe, or change
your address for receiving the Liberator Online, visit:
http://www.TheAdvocates.org/publications/liberator-online.html
The Advocates for Self-Government is a non-profit
educational organization. Our purpose is to: (1) present the freedom philosophy
honestly and persuasively to opinion-makers and the public so that they can
encounter, evaluate, and when ready, embrace the ideals of self-government; (2)
help libertarians become effective and powerful communicators of the ideas of
liberty; and (3) change the political map from the inaccurate and exclusionary
'left-right/liberal conservative' line to a more accurate and inclusive model
(like that on our World's Smallest Political Quiz) that includes libertarians
and others.
Contributions to the Advocates are
tax-deductible. If you would like to support the world-changing work of the
Advocates, we *welcome* your donation. Please see:
http://www.TheAdvocates.org/message-from-sharon-dec03.html
or give us a call at 1-800-932-1776. Thank you!
"May it be to the world... to assume the
blessings and security of self-government." -- Thomas Jefferson, 1821.
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