Here
is the issue of the Liberator Online that you requested.
Please
note: If this is an older issue, some of the hyperlinks may
not be active.
Enjoy!
And please tell your friends about the Liberator Online.
To be sure you get each new issue via email, subscribe
today.
|
In
This Issue:
Impeach
President Bush? Two intriguing polls... A Libertarian president
of the U.S -- in just eleven years?... Congress passes most expensive-ever
public works bill -- without bothering to read it... What every
libertarian can do (right now) to advance libertarian ideas... "So
what?" asks Michael Cloud -- and he tells you why you
should ask that, too... Mary Ruwart is asked if libertarian courts
could compel witnesses to appear, and if re-legalizing drugs would
increase child abuse... Check out -- and put to use -- Harry Browne's
scintillating soundbites on government schools, what "free
trade" really means, and the true cost of government programs...
Two more stellar speakers join legends including HUGH DOWNS and
ROBERT RINGER at the Advocates' 20th Anniversary Celebration...
All this and much much more in the world's largest-circulation
libertarian publication...
...
The
Liberator Online
Vol. 10, No. 15 | August 9, 2005
Circulation: 70,874 subscribers in over 100 countries
Published by the Advocates for Self-Government
Edited by James W. Harris | Email:
james(a)TheAdvocates.org
Created by Paul Schmidt and James W. Harris
...
"The
Advocates makes invaluable contributions to the freedom cause.
For 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
xxx
PRESIDENT'S
CORNER
*
What every libertarian can do to advance liberty -- right
now
* "Fastforwarding Our Libertarian Future" -- two great
new speakers added!
WHAT'S
HAPPENING WITH THE ADVOCATES
*
Advocates president on the radio
* Mary Ruwart's book praised
* Exciting opportunities for libertarians!
GOOD
NEWS, BAD NEWS, UNBELIEVABLE NEWS
*
Polls: Impeach President Bush?
* A U.S. Libertarian President -- by 2016?
* Congress Passes Biggest-Ever Publics Works Bill (Without Reading
It)
* "Real money..."
PERSUASION
POWER POINT #186
*
"The 'So What?' Test" by Michael Cloud
ASK
DR. RUWART
*
Could libertarian courts compel witnesses to appear?
* Would re-legalizing drugs lead to an increase in child abuse?
HARRY
BROWNE'S SOUNDBITES FOR LIBERTY
*
Government schools
* Free trade: what it really means
* "Just a few cents a day..."
...
PRODUCT
REVIEW
*
Get a FREE $10 tape with Harry Browne's acclaimed "soundbites"
book!
...
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
 |
President's
Corner |
Dear
friends,
Do you want to see more publicity for libertarian ideas?
Do you want to see lots more of the kind of grassroots activism
that every successful political movement must have in order to survive
and prosper?
Then the Advocates has a program for you: our annual Lights of Liberty
Awards.
You don't need to join a group, pay any money or get anyone's permission.
You can start right now -- and immediately you'll be making a real,
tangible contribution to making our world a freer place.
The Advocates started the Lights of Liberty Awards to encourage
specific types of vitally important activism. Now in its sixth year,
the Lights of Liberty awards program has been endorsed and applauded
by local, state and national libertarian leaders. Winners have taken
libertarian ideas to literally millions of people.
Lights of Liberty Awards are given annually to all libertarians
who accomplish ANY ONE of these three vitally important grassroots
outreach activities in a calendar year:
1) Letters to the Editor: Get 3 or more letters
published that use the words "libertarian" or "libertarianism"
in a positive light. Or...
2) Public Speaking: Give 3 or more prepared speeches
to a predominately non-libertarian audience, using the words "libertarian"
or "libertarianism" in a positive light. Or...
3) Operation Politically Homeless (OPH) Booth Outreach:
Participate in 3 or more OPH booths.
(Of course, you can do all three -- and in fact, each year several
people do. They're an inspiration to all of us.)
Why these three activities? These are quantifiable, specific activities
that are within the grasp of virtually every libertarian.
Lights of Liberty letter writers reach millions of people
each year -- and win many thousands of dollars worth of free publicity
for libertarianism. (Every published letter is like a free ad
for libertarianism, in the best-read section of the newspaper!)
Lights of Liberty OPH activists take the ideas of liberty to thousands
of people each year in the most effective way possible -- fact-to-face.
Ditto for Lights of Liberty speakers.
Our Lights of Liberty awards are intended to thank the great folks
-- too often unsung -- who are doing this vital work. Most important
of all, our winners serve as an inspiration to other libertarians,
challenging them by example to do the kind of essential grassroots
activism necessary for any political movement to triumph. Every
Lights of Liberty winner encourages others to do more.
Yes, your winning a Lights of Liberty award may well inspire
others to do similar good work! That's why we strongly encourage
everyone who qualifies to let us know. Don't be modest -- be an
example and inspiration to others!
Lights of Liberty winners get recognition and neat stuff, including
a handsome Lights of Liberty certificate, suitable for framing;
a discount coupon on Advocates products.
PLUS: their names are placed in a drawing for prizes, including
a FABULOUS Grand Prize: our "Libertarian Library" -- autographed
copies of every book written by LP presidential candidates since
John Hospers in 1972! Many out-of-print! A true collectors' item!
Of course, we know that Lights of Liberty winners don't do this
for the certificates, the recognition, the prizes we offer -- that's
just for fun, a little added spice. They do it to help build a stronger,
larger, ever-more-effective movement for liberty. As do we.
I hope you'll set a personal goal during the rest of 2005 to join
our past winners -- and in doing so, contribute measurably to the
great task of spreading the good news of liberty. You have until
December 31!
All the information you need is right here: http://www.TheAdvocates.org/lights.html.
Special note to political parties, campus organizations and similar
groups -- this is a great group activity. Please mention
it in your newsletter and at meetings. Consider using the awards
to help motivate the kind of activism your organization needs --
and to recognize your local Lights of Liberty. Many local and state
organizations already do this.
I sincerely hope many Liberator Online readers will become
Lights of Liberty winners this year.
The libertarian movement urgently needs this kind of activism.
And if you don't do it, who will?
*
* *
ADDED:
TWO MORE OUTSTANDING SPEAKERS!
I'm delighted to announce two more confirmed speakers for our upcoming
Advocates Twentieth Anniversary spectacular celebration, "Fastforwarding
Our Libertarian Future."
They are:
RONALD BAILEY: Will you live to be a thousand
years old -- or longer -- in perfect health? Will scientists discover
a "fountain of youth" aging-reversal? Some top futurists
are predicting exactly that. What wonders will your future
hold -- and will biotechnology be the defining political battlefield
of the 21st century? Prepare to be astonished, provoked, and inspired
-- and learn what role you can play in creating a better future
for you and your loved ones. Bailey is science correspondent for
Reason magazine, and he has written about longevity, futurism,
global warming, and the environmental movement. His hot new book
-- coming out this week! -- is Liberation Biology: The Scientific
And Moral Case For The Biotech Revolution.
JEFFREY MIRON: Miron is a Visiting Professor of
Economics at Harvard University and one of the nation's leading
experts on the colossal policy disaster that is America's War on
Drugs. His acclaimed book Drug War Crimes: the Consequences
of Prohibition annihilates every argument for drug prohibition,
backed with rock-solid economics and libertarian theory. As Miron
puts it: "Prohibition has enormous costs with, at best, modest
and speculative benefits.... The goals of prohibition are questionable,
the methods unsound, and the results are deadly." Learn how
to convincingly answer the hard questions your friends and neighbors
have about drug re-legalization -- and other major issues.
Bailey and Miron join a stellar line-up of some of the planet's
most exciting, inspiring, and provocative speakers on the ideas
of liberty and how to communicate them:
* HUGH DOWNS: In 1997, Downs -- one of America's
most beloved TV personalities -- famously said, "All the really
good ideas belong to the Libertarians." Now hear him explain
why. Former host of The Today Show (1962-72) and co-host
of ABC's 20/20 (1978-99) -- and in the Guinness Book
of World Records for logging more hours on U.S. television
than anyone in history.
* ROBERT RINGER: the legendary author of the #1
bestseller Restoring the American Dream -- arguably the
most successful mass-audience libertarian book of all time. This
is the first time in over 25 years Ringer has spoken before a libertarian
audience.
* DAVID BERGLAND: Libertarian Party 1984 candidate
for president, and author of Libertarianism in One Lesson.
* HARRY BROWNE: the Libertarian Party's 1996 and
2000 candidate for president and New York Times best-selling
author.
* MICHAEL CLOUD: Thomas Paine Award-winning speaker,
author of Secrets of Libertarian Persuasion, and Liberator
Online columnist.
* MARSHAL FRITZ: Founder of the Advocates for Self-Government
and President of the Alliance for the Separation of School and State.
* TOM PALMER: a dynamic and controversial speaker
who has spoken around the world on globalization and the moral and
legal foundations of individual liberty. He's a Senior Fellow at
the libertarian Cato Institute, and a widely-published author.
* REP. RON PAUL (R-TX): the great libertarian Congressman
and the Libertarian Party's 1988 candidate for president.
* DR. MARY RUWART: author of Healing Our World
In An Age of Aggression and Short Answers to the Tough
Questions, and "Ask Dr. Ruwart" Liberator Online
columnist.
* REV. ROBERT A. SIRICO: Renowned writer and speaker,
President of the Acton Institute for the Study of Religion and Liberty,
and one of the religious community's leading champions of free markets,
civil liberties and limited government.
Three exciting days of events, wonderful speakers, panels, two luncheons,
dessert reception, frequent gourmet snacks, book signings, and gala
banquet, at a gorgeous four-diamond hotel.
Learn more about "Fastforwarding Our Libertarian Future"
here: http://www.theadvocates.org/20th.html.
Tickets are limited -- please sign up now! Hope to see you there!
* * *
Welcome to 500 new Liberator Online subscribers this issue.
Thanks for joining our subscription "family" of almost
70,000 liberty-loving readers in over 100 countries!
* * *
To learn more about the Advocates and our work for liberty: http://www.theadvocates.org.
To
learn more about libertarianism: http://www.Libertarianism.com.
Enjoy
this issue of the Liberator Online.
--
Sharon Harris, President | Email: sharon(a)TheAdvocates.org
PS: We have a great libertarian offer for you
in this issue's product review!
With your order of Harry Browne's acclaimed book, Liberty A-Z:
872 Libertarian Soundbites You Can Use Right Now, we'll include
a FREE tape by Browne -- a great tape and a $10.00 value.
Check out our Product Review section at the end of this issue for
details on this limited-time offer.
[Offer
good through August 22, 2005.]
Thank you!
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
What's
Happening With The Advocates
*
October 14-16, 2005: "Fastforwarding Our Libertarian
Future": That's the theme of the Advocates for Self-Government's
20th Anniversary Celebration. The legendary HUGH DOWNS joins top
libertarian speakers, wonderful surroundings, and great company
to make this THE libertarian event of the year. October 14-16, 2005
at the gorgeous Renaissance Concourse Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia.
Tickets are limited! Learn all about it: http://www.theadvocates.org/20th.html.
*
Advocates president on the air: Sharon Harris was a guest
on Jerry Hughes' syndicated talk radio show Straight
Talk on Wednesday, July 27. Sharon talked about the World's
Smallest Political Quiz, libertarianism, and other liberty-related
topics on this very libertarian-friendly show. Thanks, Jerry!
 *
Praise for Healing Our World: Mary Ruwart's acclaimed
book Healing Our World received a rave review from Truman
West, a columnist at the libertarian Reason to Freedom Web site.
An excerpt: "Dr. Mary Ruwart is a key truthbearer. For those
of us who feel reason-liberty is the elemental truth of our day,
Mary's book provides the best, most poignant advocacy of the nonaggression
principle out here. Shortly, this principle will be a conversational
standard in the American political arena. (Katie Couric and Matt
Lauer will bring it up incessantly.) And Dr. Ruwart will certainly
go down in history as a linchpin of success for the reason-liberty
movement." Full review is here.
You can get Healing Our World from the Advocates here.
* Summer Outreach: It's summer -- the perfect time
for Operation Politically Homeless (OPH) libertarian outreach! Learn
how this acclaimed "event in a kit" can help you discover
dozens or even hundreds of libertarian-leaning folks in your community.
Details here: http://www.theadvocates.org/oph.html.
* Most Acclaimed Libertarian Communication Course EVER:
Learn the very best ways to persuade others of the benefits of liberty.
You can get Michael Cloud's classic 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 7,000 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
Polls:
Impeach President Bush?
xxx
Although
it remains -- to say the least -- an outside possibility, the impeachment
of President Bush could be on the verge of entering the national
political debate.
A Zogby International Poll, released June 30, found that more than
"two-in-five voters (42%) say they would favor impeachment
proceedings if it is found the President misled the nation about
his reasons for going to war with Iraq."
This is potential political dynamite when considered alongside a
July 24 USA Today/CNN/Gallup poll showing that a slim majority
-- 51 per cent -- now believes Bush did mislead the U.S.
into the war when he claimed Iraq had weapons of mass destruction.
Even hardened pollster John Zogby was startled by the high numbers
favoring impeachment if it were found that Bush misled. "It
was much higher than I expected," Zogby said of the 42%.
Arguments that Bush misled the country into the war are spreading.
As the Washington Post notes: "[It is] unlikely that
the Republican-led House will begin [impeachment] proceedings anytime
soon. But the Web sites are up and running. http://Impeachcentral.com
is running a petition drive. http://Impeachbush.org is planning
a march on Washington in September. http://Thefourreasons.org site
argues that the Iraq invasion was unconstitutional. http://Afterdowningstreet.org
asserts that Bush secretly decided to go to war and to mislead Congress
in mid-2002."
Although half (50%) of those polled by Zogby currently do not support
impeachment even if it is proven that Bush misled, in substantial
parts of the country supporters of impeachment are actually a majority.
52% of respondents in the Western states favor impeachment if Bush
misled; in Eastern states, 49%. On the other side, in the South
impeachment is opposed by 60%; in the Central/Great Lakes region,
52% are opposed.
Impeachment views also break down by party lines. A large majority
of Democrats (59%) say Bush should be impeached if he lied about
Iraq. Perhaps surprisingly, fully 25% of Republicans say they would
favor impeachment under these circumstances. Self-described independents
are more closely divided, with 43% favoring impeachment and 49%
opposed.
How does this compare to public support for the 1998 impeachment
of President Bill Clinton over the Monica Lewinsky scandal? That
impeachment actually had less public support. In October
1998, as the House moved to impeach, a Zogby poll found that only
39 percent of voters supported the impeachment, while 56 percent
opposed it. And less than 14% of Democrats favored impeachment.
All this comes at a bad time for Bush. The June 30 Zogby poll showed
Bush's job approval rating at 43 percent. And the new USA Today/CNN/Gallup
poll indicates a majority -- 53% -- of Americans doubts the United
States will win the war in Iraq, and 58% say the United States won't
be able to establish a stable, democratic government in Iraq.
Source: Washington
Post (July 2, 2005)
Zogby press
release
USA
Today/CNN/Gallup
poll (USA Today, July 26, 2005)
A
U.S. Libertarian President -- By the Year 2016?
A Libertarian elected president of the United States -- in 2016?
In just 11 years?
That's the startling prediction of Joseph L. Bast, president of
the respected non-partisan free-market Heartland Institute think
tank.
Bast made the prediction in an essay entitled "A Libertarian
President? Don't Laugh!" published last month in Heartlander,
the Institute's newsletter.
"Libertarian ideas, such as expanding individual liberty, re-limiting
government, and protecting private property rights, have become
much more respectable during the past two decades," Bast begins.
"Less progress, however, appears to be taking place in politics.
Nevertheless, I predict the President of the United States elected
in 2016 will be the candidate of the Libertarian Party."
Bast, himself a libertarian, notes the dramatic recent growth of
libertarian ideas:
"Evidence of the triumph of libertarian ideas is all around
us. We see it in the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of
the Soviet Union, the global spread of capitalism, and the unprecedented
percentage of the world's people living in free democratic countries.
Domestically, we see the triumph in the decline of federal taxes
as a percent of gross domestic product; the 80 percent fall in welfare
rolls since federal welfare reform was adopted in 1996; deregulation
of airlines, trucking, and railroads; and the privatization of thousands
of federal, state, and local services.
"Debate has even begun on dismantling Social Security, the
Ponzi scheme that entices seniors into dependency on the state,
and privatizing government schools, statism's taproot in every community
across the country. If we accomplish these last two tasks, we will
never be asked where we were or what we were doing on the day freedom
was lost. Our generation will rightly be credited with advancing
freedom both here and around the world."
Bast points out that libertarian-sounding rhetoric (unfortunately
not backed by action) is commonplace among politicians today, even
used regularly by President Bush. "In his Second Inaugural
Address, President George W. Bush made 48 references to 'free,'
'freedom,' and 'liberty,'" Bast observes.
But what about the Libertarian Party? Bast notes that the Libertarian
Party has thus far had relatively little electoral success, due
in part to factors making it difficult for third parties in general
in American politics. (Though we would add that the Libertarian
Party has arguably had a tremendous effect in pushing libertarian
ideas into the American political debate.)
"The failure of the Libertarian Party to elect its candidates
has been due largely to factors outside its control," Bast
says. "But those factors are about to change."
In a nutshell, Bast predicts that in the next several years the
Democratic Party will fragment into radical and moderate wings,
including a new leftist third party. Meanwhile, the already shaky
Republican "big tent" will explode into bitterly feuding
cultural-conservative and libertarian wings.
Those millions of libertarian voters will either join and energize
the Libertarian Party, or form a new libertarian-themed party or
coalition to advance their efforts. In a political world no longer
dominated by two monolithic parties, only the libertarians "will
express values that unite, rather than divide, the American people:
individual liberty, equality under the law, free enterprise, and
lower taxes."
Thus, says Joe, in 2016, millions of Americans will vote for a Libertarian
(or libertarian) president -- one who runs on a platform of an unfettered
free market, robust civil liberties, and a peaceful foreign policy
-- and he or she will be elected to the highest office in the land.
Agree or disagree, it's an intriguing prediction, from a respected
and seasoned political observer.
Is Bast right? Let's hope so! We'll check back in eleven years and
see.
Sources: Heartland Institute Heartlander
xxx
Congress
Passes Biggest-Ever Publics Works Bill (Without Reading It)
Congress just set two new records. First, they've passed the most
expensive public works legislation in U.S. history.
It's the new $286.4 billion federal highway bill. And they passed
it almost unanimously: 412 to 8 in the House, 91 to 4 in the Senate.
Allegedly aimed at funding the interstate highway system and other
federal transportation programs, lawmakers jam-packed the bill with
a staggering 6,376 vote-buying local pork barrel projects.
Which brings us to Congress's second new record. Those projects
-- which are going to almost every congressional district in the
land, and many of which have absolutely nothing to do with highways
-- will cost taxpayers $24 billion: the most expensive orgy of pork-barrel
spending ever.
Boston Globe columnist Jeff Jacoby notes: "Meander
through the bill's endless line items and you find a remarkable
variety of 'highway' projects... Horse riding facilities in Virginia
($600,000). A snowmobile trail in Vermont ($5.9 million). Parking
for New York's Harlem Hospital ($8 million). A bicycle and pedestrian
trail in Tennessee ($532,000). A daycare center and park-and-ride
facility in Illinois ($1.25 million). Dust control mitigation for
rural Arkansas ($3 million). The National Packard Museum in Ohio
($2.75 million). A historical trolley project in Washington ($200,000).
And on and on and on."
Plus: probably no one who voted for this bill actually read
it.
The bill was a whopping 1,752 pages long -- and it was not available
for reading until just before the vote. The New York Times
reports: "[I]t is safe to bet that none of the lawmakers, not
even the main authors, had read the entire package."
The near-unanimous passage of the bill by the Republican-controlled
Congress is but the latest example of out-of-control GOP spending
that has outraged fiscal conservatives. Writes the Boston Globe's
Jacoby:
"...When (George W.) Bush ran for president in 2000, he described
his Democratic opponent, Vice President Al Gore, as a reckless high-roller
who would unbalance the federal budget. 'If the vice president gets
elected,' Bush said, 'the era of big government being over is over.'
Five years later, what is over is the GOP reputation for fiscal
sobriety. Republicans today are simply the other big-government
party -- just as capable of squandering public funds, and just as
eager to fill barrels with pork, as their fellow-spendthrifts across
the aisle."
Indeed, the Republican Party is actually instructing GOP members
of Congress on how to brag about their big-spending ways. Reports
the Des Moines Register:
"The Republican majority came to power in 1994, vowing to cut
back on government. In contrast, the Washington Post reports
that their leaders sent them home for the recess this year with
a memo advising how to hold press conferences touting their increased
spending on veterans benefits, highway bill projects and prescription
drugs."
A virtual "who's who" of respected fiscal conservative
watchdog organizations -- the Council for Citizens Against Government
Waste, the Club for Growth, Americans for Prosperity, FreedomWorks,
Taxpayers for Common Sense Action, and the National Taxpayers Union
-- urged President Bush to veto the monstrous bill. But Bush praised
the bill as "fiscally responsible," and says he will proudly
sign it, as he has the other gigantic giveaways.
Source: "The
Republican pork barrel," Jeff Jacoby, Boston Globe
(August 4, 2005)
National
Taxpayers Union
Des
Moines Register (August 7, 2005)
"Real
money..."
" A billion here and a billion there... pretty soon you're
talking about real money." -- attributed to the late
Senator Everett Dirkson (R-Illinois)
* * *
"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."
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
 |
Persuasion
Power
Point
#186 |
The "So What?" Test
By Michael Cloud
"We must oppose and defeat Politician X. He is corrupt,"
says Mr. A.
"Many politicians are corrupt," responds his listener.
"So what?"
"We must drive Senator Y from office. He is a hypocrite,"
says Ms. B.
"Many politicians are hypocrites," responds the listener.
"So what?"
"We must crush presidential candidate Z. She is an immoral
schemer," says Mr. C.
"Many political candidates scheme. Many are immoral,"
responds the listener. "So what?"
Should we assume that our listener is a cynic? Is he indifferent
to issues of character or ethics?
Not in this case. He's challenging the accuser to explain why the
accusation matters. If the charge is true, so what? What difference
does it make? Why does this matter? Why is this important?
The listener is asking the speaker to spell out the meaning, implications,
and consequences of the assertion.
In fact, he's consciously doing what most of us do unconsciously.
Everyone has a "So What?" Test. You do. I do. Everyone
does. When we listen to others, we often think, "Who cares?
What difference does that make to me? Why are you telling me this?"
And they're sifting, sorting, and filtering what we are saying.
Unfortunately, most of this is going on below the level of conscious
thought.
It keeps us from getting maximum value from our conversations.
It's one obstacle to effective communication. Not just political
communications, but also the vital and personal communications between
us and those who matter most in our lives.
Want to overcome this obstacle? Want to melt this barrier to compelling
conversations?
Make the implicit *explicit*. Mindfully and courteously ask, "So
what?" Do what our listener did above.
* "Many politicians -- and many people -- lie, cheat, drink
too much, and behave deplorably. Specifically, what difference does
this make to me?"
* "Many politicians -- and many people -- rewrite their personal
histories. Why does this matter to me?"
* "If politician J -- someone you fiercely support -- engaged
in this behavior, would you oppose and seek to defeat him? No? Then
tell me why you really oppose this politician -- and why it matters
to me."
* "If you discovered that these charges against politicians
X were totally false, would you support and vote for him? No? Then
there must be something else. Please tell me what it is -- and show
me the difference it makes to me."
* "If politician Y repented, changed his ways, and never did
this kind of thing again, would you support him? No? Then there
must other be reasons why you adamantly oppose this person. What
are they -- and what difference do they make to me?"
You can apply the "So What?" test to arguments as well.
"I strongly oppose this policy or program or law. It is unconstitutional,"
says Ms. T.
* "Many laws, policies, and programs are unconstitutional,"
responds the listener. "So what? Why is this particular thing
so important?"
OR:
* "If this were constitutional, or if we amended the Constitution
to make it constitutional, would you embrace it and support it?"
asks the listener. "No? Then what are your strongest reasons
for opposing it? Please show me why they're important to me."
Another example: "This policy is anti-life, anti-man, and anti-reason,"
says Mr. U.
* "There are many anti-life, anti-man, and anti-reason laws,"
responds the listener. "So what? Why is this specific policy
so critically important? Exactly why is this more important than
all of the other irrational and destructive policies?"
There's another way you can apply the "So What?" test.
Do it with your own assertions and arguments.
* "If I were you, I'd be asking, "So what? What difference
does this make? Here's why it matters to you..."
* "Maybe you're wondering what difference this makes to you.
And here it is..."
As you consciously apply the "So What?" test, you'll learn
a lot about what stirs and moves and animates others. And they'll
discover what truly matters to you.
You'll have interesting and intriguing conversations.
Maybe you're thinking, "So What? But here's what this could
mean to you and everyone who matters to you..."
* * *
Michael Cloud is the author of the acclaimed book,
Secrets of Libertarian Persuasion, available exclusively
from the Advocates. Order at: http://www.TheAdvocates.org/secrets.html.
Michael 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.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
 |
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
"Could libertarian
courts compel witnesses to appear?"
QUESTION:
"The U.S. Constitution (Sixth Amendment) affords a
criminal defendant 'compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in
his favor.' All of the 'deep libertarian thinkers' I personally
know agree this violates the core libertarian principle of non-aggression.
However, none of them can think of a libertarian solution. I'd like
to hear you tackle this tough question. Thanks."
MY SHORT ANSWER: In a libertarian society, you
wouldn't be able to compel testimony. However, libertarian courts
would operate differently than the ones of today, making witnesses
much more likely to cooperate voluntarily.
For example, a witness today is expected to come to court and sit
through multiple delays before taking the stand, usually without
compensation for lost work time. If the witness is threatened by
the defendant's friends, he or she is unlikely to receive adequate
police protection except in high profile cases. Testifying represents
a net loss, sometimes substantial, to a witness.
In a libertarian society, a witness might be fully compensated for
lost work time and given protection by a crime victim or that victim's
insurance company. After the conviction of the aggressor, these
costs would be added to the restitution that the aggressor would
incur. Loans would likely be available for victims without insurance
or the ability to front such costs. Upon conviction of the aggressor,
the lending fees would be added to the restitution.
As you can see, aggressors in a libertarian society would have hefty
debts to pay. Hopefully, they would be caught in the early phase
of their criminal "career" so that they would learn the
true cost of their aggression at an early age and decide that crime
doesn't pay. This is exactly what happens in Japan, where the aggressor
must negotiate a restitution settlement with the victim. For details,
see Chapter 13 of the 2003 edition of my book Healing
Our World, available from The Advocates.)
...
"Would
re-legalizing drugs lead to increased child abuse?"
QUESTION:
"If drugs were legal for people to use in their home, wouldn't
children be in more danger of physical abuse by drug-using parents?"
MY SHORT ANSWER: In all likelihood, there would
be less child abuse, not more. The most widely used illegal
drug today is marijuana, which tends to make its users less violent
than the most popular legal intoxicant, alcohol. If legalization
resulted in people switching from drinking to inhaling, domestic
violence would likely go down, not up.
Furthermore, those who became more violent under the influence of
"harder" drugs would be more likely to get professional
help. When drugs are illegal, users tend to shun treatment, which
might expose them to criminal prosecution. Consequently, their families
are more likely to suffer their abuse.
* * *
Got questions? Dr. Ruwart has answers!
If you'd like answers to YOUR
"tough questions" on libertarian issues, just email to
Dr. Ruwart at: ruwart(a)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.mvv.
...
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
 |
Harry
Browne's
Soundbites
for Liberty |
During
his two Libertarian Party presidential campaigns (1996 and 2000),
Harry Browne created hundreds of "soundbites" -- short,
pithy, and highly memorable answers to the questions libertarians
are most frequently asked by the media and the public. Each issue
we'll be sharing some of the best. Enjoy -- and put them to use
for liberty!
* * *
* Government schools: "Politicians
tell us that the government schools are in terrible shape -- overcrowded
classrooms, rundown facilities, and students terrorized by bullies.
Then the politicians tell us the solution is do more of what they've
been doing that brought about the overcrowded classrooms, rundown
facilities, and students terrorized by bullies."
* Free trade: "What does 'free trade' mean?
It means you are free to buy whatever you want and need, from whomever
you choose, wherever you want -- exactly what you would expect in
a country that claims to be free."
* Just a few cents a day: "The cost of a government
program to the average American isn't a few cents a day, or a couple
of dollars a month -- as the politicians say in order to trivialize
the price. You can't have this program without everyone else getting
his favorite program as well. And all those programs add up to a
trillion dollars a year in income tax, a $7 trillion debt, and a
lifetime tax rate for your children that economists estimate will
be 70 cents out of every dollar they earn. There has to be a less
expensive way to get the benefit you want."
* * *
Harry Browne was 1996 and 2000 Libertarian Party
presidential candidate. He is the author of a dozen books that have
sold over two million copies, including three New York Times
bestsellers. Browne's book Liberty A to Z: 872 Libertarian Soundbites
You Can Use Right Now is a treasury of soundbites like those
in this column.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Product
Review
Book and Free Tape -- become
a great libertarian communicator!
Liberty
A-Z: 872 Libertarian Soundbites You Can Use Right Now
by Harry Browne. Quality paperback. 192 pages. $13.95 (plus shipping).
PLUS FREE HARRY BROWNE AUDIO TAPE FOR LIMITED TIME ONLY! (See
below.)
"Harry Browne's new book will prove very useful to those interested
in advancing the freedom philosophy. Harry provides libertarians
with direct, thought-provoking, and often humorous responses to
the questions advocates of the freedom philosophy face." --
From the foreword by U.S. Congressman Ron Paul (R-TX).
This new book is published by the Advocates for Self-Government
and available exclusively from us. 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 Liberty A-Z, 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. When reporters asked, he was ready.
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.
It's a treasury of libertarian wisdom and wit -- and it's at your
fingertips.
This is simply essential for anyone interested in spreading libertarian
ideas, to anyone, in any forum.
Choose your favorites, adapt them to your own style, and you'll
instantly add zip, zing and sparkle to your writing, speeches, and
conversations about liberty. Become a quotable and memorable spokesperson
for freedom!
FREE $10.00 HARRY BROWNE
TAPE BONUS WITH YOUR ORDER!
Order now and we'll also include a FREE AUDIO TAPE -- retail price
$10.00 -- with your order of Liberty A-Z: 872 Libertarian Soundbites
You Can Use Right Now.
In "Why Liberty Must be SOLD, Not Preached," Harry Browne
shares the very best ways he knows to persuade others to embrace
libertarian ideas.
What is the best way to assure victory in our battle for individual
liberty? Can liberty really be SOLD? Hear how we can -- and why
we must -- differentiate ourselves from liberals and conservatives
if we are to win. And much more. 60 minutes long. Recorded live
in September 1999 at the Advocates 15th Anniversary Celebration!
What a combination! Listen to Harry Browne's
tape -- and learn how to persuasively present libertarian ideas.
Then put your favorite soundbites from Harry's book to make your
efforts more successful than ever.
This package is Browne at his best -- and that's like receiving
a master's degree in effective libertarian communication. Enlightening,
delightful and inspirational.
And it's a $23.95 value -- yours for only $13.95
during this limited-time offer.
ORDERING INFORMATION
Via Web: To order this Liberator Online special, you can
visit: 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.
This offer good through August 22, 2005.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
See
you in two weeks! You can contact the Advocates at:
Regular Mail:
Advocates for Self Government
213 South Erwin Street
Cartersville, GA 30120-3513
Phone: 770-386-8372; for orders, 800-932-1776
Fax: 770-386-8373
Email: info(a)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
We
never send the Liberator Online unsolicited. We
encourage you to forward the Liberator Online to interested
friends. And if you received this issue from a forward, please subscribe.
It's free!
To see previous issues, visit: http://www.theadvocates.org/liberator/archive.html
The Advocates for Self-Government is a non-profit educational
organization. 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/year-end-report-2005.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, June
24, 1826.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
|
