In 1943, as collectivist policies were ascendant, an extraordinary thing happened. Three women published three books that year that would jolt Americans from their socialist stupor and remind them of the fundamental American values of individual liberty, limited government, free-market capitalism, and entrepreneurship. This Women’s History Month is an ideal time to reflect on how Rose Wilder Lane, Isabel Paterson, and Ayn Rand helped to catalyze the 20th century libertarian movement.
Tag: liberty
What’s Wrong with the Welfare State
What is wrong with the welfare state? The two biggest flaws stem from its nature as a government institution.
Michele Boldrin: Against Intellectual Monopoly (1h19m)
This episode features an interview of research economist Michele Boldrin from 2009 by Russ Roberts, host of Econtalk. Boldrin argues that copyright and patent are used by the politically powerful to maintain monopoly profits. He argues that the incentive effects that have been used to justify copyright and patents are exaggerated–few examples from history suggest that the temporary and not-so-temporary monopoly power from copyright and patents were necessary to induce innovation. Boldrin reviews some of that evidence and talks about the nature of competition.
You’ll Always Offend Someone
The Righteous and Holy Arbiters of What is Acceptable now seek to cancel Dr. Seuss. This may be my final last straw with “cancel culture.”
“Law Enforcement” Not What We Have
A couple of local sheriffs claim to be concerned that new legislation makes “law enforcement” (sic) the enemy. If so, they don’t understand the nature of legislation.
John Stossel: Freedom and Its Enemies (1h3m)
This episode features a lecture by journalist and television personality John Stossel from 2016. Stossel looks at reasons to favor freedom and free markets over government control and coercion.
Start Getting Prepared for Emergencies
I thought the past year had taught people to be prepared and less dependent on rescue by others. It seems I was wrong.
Samuel Konkin III: Counter-Economics and Agorist Strategy (52m)
This episode features a talk by libertarian activist and organizer Samuel Edward Konkin III (SEK3) from 1975. He discusses the strategy of counter-economics in achieving a free society.
The Wisdom of Knowing When to Keep Quiet
These days it feels like it’s hard for most people to have pleasant social interactions with others who “believe” differently.
Politics Destroys Civility
If you’re going to decry the lack of civility; the anger and division, with one breath, and then call for government violence to be used against other people with the next, I can’t take your concern seriously… but I may still take your threats seriously.