Volume 12, Number 17 | September 13, 2007
The Liberator Online
Contents
PRESIDENT'S CORNER
GOOD NEWS, BAD NEWS, UNBELIEVABLE NEWS
PERSUASION POWER POINT
#234
ASK DR. RUWART
PRODUCT REVIEW
Dear friends, I have three good news items to share. 1) LIBERTARIANISM ON THE MOVE! "Freedom Fetishists: The cultural contradictions of libertarianism" is the rather off-putting title of an article about libertarianism published this month in both the Wall Street Journal and Commentary magazine -- two of the most important journals of opinion in America, The author, Kay S. Hymowitz, is a contributing editor of City Journal (another significant journal of opinion). Her article, as the title implies, is critical of libertarians and repeats some oft-heard criticisms and stereotypes. Despite this, what's most interesting to me is her assessment of the success that libertarians have achieved, and her view that our ideas are worthwhile and spreading. She writes: "And yet, judging by their output in recent years,
libertarians are in a fine mood -- and not because they are in denial.
However distant the country may be from their laissez-faire ideal,
free-market principles now drive the American econom "Nor have libertarian victories been limited to the economic arena. Americans are increasingly laissez-faire in their attitudes toward sex, divorce, drugs and gay marriage. In the personal sphere as in the world of business and finance, freedom has become the guiding principle, especially for the young." She also notes that "libertarianism is a quintessentially American philosophy." Her critiques of libertarianism are familiar ones, and libertarians have ready answers. The important thing is that this is yet another example of our ideas and our movement being taken very seriously, even by those who disagree with us. And that's a clear sign that we're a vital and increasingly influential political movement. Sometimes it's easy to get discouraged about the progress of liberty. But the truth is, the libertarian movement has never been stronger, and libertarian ideas have never seen such widespread acceptance -- as this article by an intelligent non-libertarian makes plain. Libertarianism is clearly on the upswing! And that's good news indeed. (Hymowitz's article can be found at: * * * 2) OUR NEW DISCOVER LIBERTY TABLOID IS A HIT! In the two weeks since we introduced our Discover Liberty outreach tabloid, we've sold over 10,000 copies. As I described last issue, Discover Liberty is a
full-color, eye-catching 8-page tabloid. I Our goal is to reach no fewer than 200,000 people in the coming year with this great new tool -- in the most effective way possible, one-on-one! We're already well on the way! To learn more about Discover Liberty: You can see a full-color PDF file of "Discover
Liberty" here: Finally, remember, Discover Liberty is amazingly
affordable. Order in quantity * * * 3) GET A FREE SAMPLE COPY OF DISCOVER LIBERTY: Order
anything from the Advocates this week, or make a donation at our secure
donation page: Welcome to 156 new Liberator Online subscribers this issue. Thanks for joining our subscription "family" of over 69,000 liberty-loving readers in more than 100 countries! To learn more about the Advocates and our work for
liberty: To learn more about libertarianism: -- Sharon Harris, President | Email: sharon@TheAdvocates.org PS: Don't forget to check out our Product Review special! David Bergland is a master libertarian communicator. Now our "Best of Bergland" package gives you his acclaimed book Libertarianism In One Lesson, widely considered the best short-and-sweet introduction to libertarianism ever written. PLUS, you get the "Libertarianism 101" CD -- David's brilliant speech that draws on 20+ years of outreach to show you how to persuade others about the benefits of liberty. The book usually costs $12.50. The CD usually costs $10.00. That's a $22.50 value. Shipping adds another $4.50. Total: $27.00. * * * But for this limited-time offer, we'll send you
both the book and CD For more details or to place your order, click here:
Or see the Product Review at the end of this issue. Your order helps support the vital work of the Advocates. Thank you! PPS: Order "The Best of Bergland" now and we'll include a free copy of our new outreach tabloid Discover Liberty!
What's Happening With The Advocates * MICHAEL CLOUD'S COLUMN IS A HIT: Several Web
sites/blogs ran last issue's Liberator Online column by Michael Cloud,
entitled "Ron Paul's Golden Rule Questions." Among them: * QUIZ ON FACEBOOK: The Advocates has brought the World's Smallest Political Quiz to Facebook, the world's fastest-growing social networking site! Over 1,000 people per day are already using it! FACEBOOK USERS: See how you can use our
new Quiz Facebook app to spread the NOT FAMILIAR WITH FACEBOOK? Click here to learn
more about it, why you might ******
by James W. Harris Almost half of the news articles written and published by major daily newspapers in the U.S. contain one or more factual errors. Furthermore, less than two percent of these errors are
corrected -- even when the errors are reported to the paper. Maier created a database of several thousand locally-created news stories clipped from 10 major U.S. metropolitan newspapers. No sports stories, opinion pieces, columns, or reviews were included. He then contacted key sources for the story and asked for feedback on errors. The study found 2,615 factual errors in 1,220 stories. Slate magazine media critic Jack Shafer notes: "Most of the errors detected were relatively minor -- an incorrect title or a wrong age. But this is small consolation given the preponderance of errors documented by Maier and the alleged failure of some newspapers to run a correction, even after being asked." The study's focus on minor errors was deliberate, as such errors are easier to find than more subjective, and controversial, ones. But naturally, this study raises the question of what other, larger errors and fallacies are being passed off as the truth each day. (Sources:
http://www.editorsweblog.org/print_newspapers/2007/09/98_newspaper_mistakes_go_uncorrected.php
* * * Paying Dead Farmers to Farm Hey, it's only money! Reports the Washington Post: "The U.S. Department of Agriculture distributed $1.1
billion over seven years to the estates or compani "In a selection of 181 cases from 1999 to 2005, the
Government Accountability Office found that officials approved payments
without any review 40 percent of the time. But apparently the wizards running the Department of
Agriculture are too busy giving away your money to take the time to do
that. * * * Ignorant Voters Decide Our Fate From The New Yorker magazine: "The political knowledge of the average voter has been tested repeatedly, and the scores are impressively low. "In polls taken since 1945, a majority of Americans
have been unable to name a single branch of
"More than two-thirds have reported that they do not know the substance of Roe v. Wade and what the Food and Drug Administration does. "Nearly half do not know that states have two senators and three-quarters do not know the length of a Senate term. "More than fifty per cent of Americans cannot name their congressman; forty per cent cannot name either of their senators. (Source: "Fractured Franchise" by Louis Menand, New
Yorker magazine:
* * * Just in time for the school year: a bullet-proof backpack. Perfect for America's violence-ridden government schools. "My Child's Pack" is described by MJ Safety Solutions as the first "full size, lightweight ballistic protection backpack that is affordable and practical." Demand for the $175 backpack has been overwhelming. Orders for the bags have been pouring in online, according to the company. "We were pretty sure that parents would take to this," said co-founder Mike Pelonzi, a parent who, inspired by the 1999 Columbine massacre, began to develop the product about three years ago. The bag contains a 20 oz. ballistic panel like those
worn by the police and military.
"Finally there is a product that will help you take an active step towards safeguarding yourself and the people you care about from shooting incidents," proclaims the company's Web site. "Now you can provide on the spot protection against guns and knife violence! "Since 1999 over 328 incidents have occurred, leaving 229 dead and 422 injured in school violence alone. That is an average of about 1 per week since the Columbine Tragedy. In almost 97% of these documented incidents, MJ Safety Solutions backpack could have provided the ballistic protection that could have saved lives. "Our children already live with these thoughts every day. School systems across the nation are staging drills for 'lock downs' and 'shelter in place.' Act now to give your children a personal, defensive safety tool that will help them feel more confident and able to focus on learning. Isn't that what school should really be about?" Unfortunately, even bullet-proof backpacks may not be enough protection for kids condemned to failing government schools. The Center for Disease Control reports that, in a 2004 nationwide survey of high school students, 33% reported being in a physical fight once or more times in the past year. And 17% reported carrying a weapon (e.g., gun, knife, or club) on one or more of the 30 days preceding the survey. Private schools or homeschooling, anyone? (Source:
http://www.mychildspack.com/Home_Page.html
* * * NOW IT'S "HEALTH ZONING": "As America gets fatter,
policymakers are seeking creative approaches to legislating health...
and now they're eyeing your neighborhood. Amid worries of an obesity
epidemic and its related illnesses, including high blood pressure,
diabetes and heart disease, Los Angeles officials, among others around
the country, are proposing to limit new fast-food restaurants -- a
tactic that could be called health zoning." NO PORK CHOPS: "The 1981 transportation bill contained only 10 earmarks. President Reagan vetoed a transportation bill in 1987 that contained 121 earmarks, saying, 'I haven't seen this much lard since I handed out blue ribbons at the Iowa State Fair.' In 2005, Congress passed a transportation bill that included an astonishing 6,371 earmarks at a cost of $27.3 billion." -- Sen. Tom Coburn, (R-OK), September 7, 2005 THEY HATE US BECAUSE WE'RE FREE: "The neo-cons claim
surrender should not be an option. In the same breath they claim we were
attacked because of our freedoms. Why then, are they so anxious to
surrender our freedoms with legislation like the Patriot Act, a repeal
of our Fourth Amendment rights, executive orders, and presidential
signing statements? With politicians like these, who needs terrorists?
Do they think if we destroy our freedoms for the terrorists they will no
longer have a reason to attack us? This seems the epitome of cowardice
coming from those who claim a monopoly on patriotic courage." * * * * * * * *
How to Identify and Avoid Communications Landmines by Michael Cloud Knowing what to do will make your life better. So will knowing what *not* to do. Knowing what to say will improve your conversations. So will knowing what *not* to say. Want a quick way to recognize what *not* to do or say? Want a simple and direct way to identify and avoid some of the worst communications landmines? Go to the comments and feedback sections that follow essays and articles on the Internet. Read what people have written and posted in response. A handful of comments will provide new insights or outlooks. A few will fill in new information. Most will show you what you should *not* do or say -- IF you want to influence or persuade the writer or readers. All too many insult the writer, other readers, and anyone who doesn't agree with them. Many make rude and sarcastic comments. Some condemn and denounce those with a different point of view. Others are dripping with hate and bitterness. Some try to taunt or antagonize those who disagree with the commenter. Too many exhibit basic errors of logic. Each time you read a comment or posting that irritates or annoys you, write it down. Every time you find one that pushes your buttons or tees you off, write it down. When you read a remark that makes you mad enough to swear, write it down. Do this with 10 or 15 comments sections. Then look at your list. Even if your list has 20 or 30 examples, it'll have only 5 or 10 different landmines. Write your 5 or 10 communications landmines on a filing card, tape it in plain view of your computer keyboard -- and do *not* do them. Do not plant these landmines -- and do not step on them. The very things that irritate or anger you will usually have the same effect on others. If you stop saying and doing things that provoke or frustrate others, you will find that others are far more receptive and responsive to your libertarian ideas. And far more friendly and open-minded toward you. Sometimes it's the things we don't do, the things we don't say, that make the biggest difference. * * * * * * * * In 2000, Michael was honored with the Thomas Paine Award as the Most
Persuasive Libertarian Communicator in America.
BUILDING THE CASE FOR LIBERTY
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Dr. Mary Ruwart is a leading expert in libertarian communication. In this column she offers short answers to real questions about libertarianism. To submit questions to Dr. Ruwart, see end of column. * * * QUESTION: Regarding gay marriage, I believe
marriage is a religious MY SHORT ANSWER: You're not too far out at all! You've simply taken the libertarian position. Libertarians believe that marriage should be defined by those engaging in it, either by civil contract or their religious tradition, or both. Government shouldn't have anything to do with it. Today, most people find out that their marriage vows have, through government decree, created unwanted obligations for them. As a result, divorces are made even more bitter by court and attorney interference. Children are torn apart by the custody battles. Even today, couples would probably be wise to create their own written contract determining the way money and children would be handled in the event of a divorce. The contract could be re-negotiated on a regular basis if circumstances changed. Although not legally binding, such an agreement could help guide a couple through the legal morass created by government in the event of a divorce. * * * QUESTION: Illegal aliens break numerous laws to
come to America. I know you support free immigration. But do you support
lawlessness? Government is charged with enforcing the laws. Laws should
be changed through due process -- not by simply ignoring the ones you
disagree with. Historically, Americans have broken laws that they
considered immoral. The individuals who ran the "Underground Railroads"
to get black slaves out of the South and into Canada not only violated
laws permitting slavery in the South, but laws of the North which
demanded that slaves who escaped to the northern states must be returned
to their "rightful" owners. In the United States, juries of the people have the final say as to whether a law is legitimate. Juries have a time-honored right to judge both the law and the facts of a case. Juries have often "nullified" laws this way, including the ones demanding that black slaves who escaped to the North be returned. Our freedom of religion rests largely on the jury's acquittal of William Penn, who broke the law by preaching religious "heresy." Judges routinely instruct juries that they do not have the right to judge the law, in spite of clear legal precedents to the contrary (see www.fija.org for further details). Are the juries operating outside of the law -- or are the judges? * * * * * * * * 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 previous Liberator Online answers are archived in searchable form at: http://www.TheAdvocates.org/ruwart/categories_list.php 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
A "Good Neighbor Policy" for Libertarians by Sharon Harris, Advocates President
This is one of the things that the late,
Libertarian philosopher Tibor Machan puts another spin on the same notion: "People tend to be more interested in what you have to say if they already know what kind of wine you like." It's common knowledge that people will be more likely to try a new product, or a new idea, if someone they know and respect suggests it. That's as true of political ideas as it is of restaurants or jogging shoes. So one of the best ways to help people become open to our ideas is to first let them get to know you as friendly, nice, interesting, interested, and helpful. Then, when they find out you are also a libertarian, they'll be interested in learning more. The ideas will be "vetted" because they already respect you. Yes, it's simple, it seems obvious -- but how many of us practice this as often as we might? Be a good friend, relative, neighbor, co-worker -- and your ideas will carry far more weight. See more One-Minute Liberty Tips! •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
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Contents copyrighted © The Advocates for Self-Government,, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) educational organization. Donations tax-deductible in U.S. All rights reserved. |
y to a degree
unimaginable a generation ago. Former Federal Reserve chairman Alan
Greenspan, who as a young economist sat at the knee of the libertarian
guru Ayn Rand, presided in the 1990s over one of the most prosperous
stretches in American history, with the support, no less, of a
Democratic president. When the avowedly libertarian economist Milton
Friedman died last November, he was lauded just about everywhere, and
even given respectful treatment in places like the New York Review of
Books. 
t's a high quality, attractive
and very friendly piece, designed for OPH booth volunteers to hand out
to the public. 
Those are the shocking findings of a new study by
Scott R. Maier, an associate professor at the University of Oregon's
School of Journalism and Communication.
es of deceased farmers
and routinely failed to conduct reviews required to ensure that the
payments were properly made, according to a government report.
government, define the terms
'liberal' and 'conservative,' and explain what the Bill of Rights is.
The manufacturers point out it can be
worn on the back for protection or held in front of the torso and head
as a shield, as needed. 
great Karl
Hess -- one of the most influential libertarians of the past century --
often talked about: the importance of being a "good neighbor." In his
West Virginia rural community, Hess pitched in and helped his neighbors
build barns and do other chores. As a result, they liked this friendly,
helpful neighbor -- and they respected his out-of-mainstream libertarian
ideas. 
*
Libertarianism In One Lesson
by David Bergland 