The Image Problem and Its Solution

by | Aug 4, 2016 | 38 comments

They say if you’re going to criticize something, unless you intend to do so out of cynicism or disrespect, to be prepared to answer those criticisms with solutions. I’ve offered simple alternatives in lieu of the criticisms of “ambush interviews” and Robin Hooding. But there is a bigger problem I want to point out. One that goes deeper than a few alternatives. One that I’ve struggled to pinpoint in a clear, single ‘pitch.’ Libertarianism has an image problem. An image problem that stunts recruitment and creates a bad taste in people’s mouths when they’re presented with good ideas. That problem doesn’t stem from its principles, and it doesn’t stem from state propaganda or brainwashing. It stems from libertarian culture. The way we think and act. Rather than just complaining, I want to attempt to go over a bit of scientific research and some intellectual ideas to explain that problem. At the very least, you may learn about something you’ve never heard before. At best, you’ll be challenged, maybe even offended, but in a way that promotes growth.

Contest is a part of human life everywhere that human life is found. In war and in games, in work and in play, physically, intellectually, and morally, human beings match themselves with or against one another. Struggle appears inseparable from human life, and contest is a particular focus or mode of interpersonal struggle, an opposition that can be hostile but need not be, for certain kinds of contest may serve to sublimate and dissolve hostilities and to build friendship and cooperation. -Walter J. Ong, Fighting For Life

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Genocide Studies – Establishing Communication

by | Apr 26, 2012 | 13 comments

There are a thousand hacking at the branches of evil to one who is striking at the root.
-Henry David Thoreau

On Tuesday, April 24th I stopped by Keene State University to speak with Henry King, director of the Holocaust and Genocide Studies department. My visit was unannounced – motivated by my interest to share ideas that I thought overlooked by the program curriculum.

Despite the impromptu nature of my drop-in, King invited me to sit and for about ten minutes, we had a conversation. His colleague, department chair C. Paul Vincent, joined us about halfway through. It was a civil discussion but it was clear that we weren’t on the same page about some things – for example while I proffered that individuals have the same rights no matter where they’re born (and pointed-out that with that freedom comes personal responsibility – for more on this, check out the excellent 2-min video Chain of Obedience) King made mention of a “social covenant” that imparted rights as well as obligations.

Such an idea denotes that the individual is subservient to the majority. That doesn’t sync with me. After all groups don’t have rights, individuals have rights. A group of individuals doesn’t generate extra rights nor mitigate the rights of one individual.

Before we parted ways (King and Vincent were heading to lunch) I shared my contact information, we shook hands and said I’d be in touch via email.

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