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The First Word on Liberty

Reviewed by Michael Cloud

Many authors try to write the last word on a subject. David Bergland has done something far harder. He has written the first word on libertarianism.

Libertarianism in One Lesson is a brief and bright introduction to the core ideas, principles, and applications of libertarianism. You don't have to drink the ocean to know that sea water is salty. And you don't have to read hundreds of volumes of libertarian scholarship to know that liberty works; government doesn't.

David Bergland reduces the complex subject of libertarianism to its essentials and fundamentals. He begins by sketching out and affirming the key moral/political principle: self-ownership -- each individual's right to and ownership of his or her own life, liberty, and property. He compares and contrasts Big Government coercion to voluntary choice and cooperation. He lays out the costs and consequences, the moral and practical impact of Big Government compulsion and coercion.

Then he shows us the features, functions, and benefits of liberty. Mr. Bergland shows us the libertarian difference -- and the difference it makes. He shows us how and why Big Government social and economic programs repeatedly and relentlessly make things worse. He calmly and persuasively deals with inflammatory and polarizing issues such as foreign policy, terrorism, national defense, and drug prohibition and the War on Drugs.

He confidently and reasonably offers libertarian alternatives to so-called "third-rail government programs and entitlements…if you touch them you die." Government-run public schools, Social Security, and Welfare.

Libertarianism In One Lesson may be the one book that stimulates and stirs the hearts and minds of NON-libertarian high school or college students in your life. Young people. Whether family, friends, or neighbors. Buy a copy for yourself. To review your ideals and renew your passion. Then buy a few copies as Christmas gifts for those young people you care for.

Tom Paine wrote, "We have it in our power to begin the world over again." David Bergland's Libertarianism In One Lesson is the place to start.

* About the reviewer: Michael Cloud is the author of Secrets of Libertarian Persuasion and the editor of Small Government News, published by the Center for Small Government. This review first appeared in Small Government News, October 25, 2005.

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