I don’t normally “hype” the Haman Nature episode that will be released the next day, but I’m breaking protocol because this one is a banger.
Tomorrow’s show features a conversation I had with the brilliant Bob Murphy about the Twitter(X) account of the Libertarian Party of New Hampshire and how one of their tweets prompted a visit by the FBI to their most famous member, Jeremy Kauffman.
Kauffman caught the encounter on video and it went viral.
If you haven’t seen it yet and want a link, you’ll have to wait! I’ll include one in the video description page on YouTube/Rumble and also on tomorrow’s article featuring the release.
Bob and I share many opinions about the matter, but what was interesting was our differences. Those differences raised some really important questions.
What is the most effective way to “evangelize” the libertarian political philosophy? What is the best strategy with which to persuade others of the value of these principles?
How should we get the attention we need to do these things? After all, despite being “the 3rd biggest party in the US” for over 50 years, it’s still true that most people have still never even heard of the Libertarian Party (LP).
Is the LP the best political vehicle with which to effect political change in the US? Is it better to work within the duopoly parties? Are both approaches worthwhile? Does local political action require a different approach than national endeavors?
How can you attract passionate supporters without simultaneously manufacturing droves of passionate haters? Kauffman appears willing and eager to “plant a flag” to attract “his” kind of liberty-loving people to New Hampshire and the Free State Project, and who cares who he offends? He doesn’t want “those kind” of people there anyway.
Does this strategy have merit? How much? What are the downsides, tactical and otherwise?
Should the LP “pick a side” in the culture war or should it stick with a “thin” philosophy that just talks about the evils of state power? I say a political philosophy isn’t supposed to answer all the questions about how to live your life — that’s what the rest of philosophy (and perhaps religion) is for.
But others think differently. Are they right?
And what’s with the disturbing trend of people discovering libertarian political philosophy, embracing it, and then quickly becoming disillusioned at the lack of political success and turning to whatever “post-libertarianism” is?
What’s wrong with our messaging, educating, or general approach to politics that is causing that to happen?
It’s all interesting. It’s all important. And some (but not all) of these things come up in my fascinating talk with the brilliant Bob Murphy that drops tomorrow.
I just can’t wait!
Naturally,
Adam
PS: If the history of mankind’s fight for freedom interests you, I highly recommend checking out Freedom’s Progress? by Gerard Casey. It’s the latest of my “Essential Things” recommendations. Check it out!
Ooh!!! I’m excited!!
I've heard Bob Murphy on several of the podcasts he's hosted over the years, and I was fortunate enough to be invited by him to appear on one of them. And I've been interested in Jeremy Kaufmann's work (LBRY, Odysee) since before I knew he was involved in LP politics. Looking forward to your podcast about this liberty-minded topic!