What’s a liberty-lover to do when it comes to politics? I use the term “liberty-lover” because the term “libertarian” often has a negative connotation politically, even to many of those whose beliefs generally line up with the term. Many immediate equate as they equate “libertarian” with “Libertarian Party”, which has it’s critics within the broader “liberty movement”, to put it mildly. Others simply hear the term”libertarian” and immediately conjure images of The Monopoly Man (the one with the monocle pre-Mandela Effect) building an empire on top of dirty coal and the corpses of the poor and downtrodden.
Thaddeus Russell may have convinced me to drop the term “libertarian” entirely after a recent interview (or future interview…I’m caught in the podcast time warp…this one will be released on Lions of Liberty in a couple of weeks). But regardless of what I call myself or my fellow travelers who believe in individual rights as the central tenet of their political philosophy, these individuals exist and have energy to pour into politics. When I refer to “politics”, I’m talking about the full scope of the battlefield, which includes culture just as much as it does direct political action.
Myself? I’ve chosen culture. I prefer to build brands as I’ve done with Lions of Liberty and Second Print Comics, and to help others to do so through my consulting work. I prefer to become a cultural player, but part of that role over the years has included serving as a mediator among the the political players. I’ve hosted various debates among Libertarian Party candidates during the 2016, 2018 and 2020 election cycles, and most recently had the opportunity to moderate a conversation about the where the “Ron Paul liberty movement” (which I’d categorize as anyone and everyone inspired into political action by Ron Paul’s 2008/2012 Presidential runs and it’s political message of sound money, ending foreign wars, ending the War on Drugs, etc ) should focus it’s energy - the Libertarian Party, or the Republican Party?
Speaking in favor of the Libertarian Party was comedian and host of Part of the Problem, Dave Smith. Speaking in favor of the Republican Party former Maine State Senator and Maine State Chair of Ron Paul’s 2012 Presidential campaign, Eric Brakey.
This debate was a blast to host and probably the best debate out of the dozen or so I’ve hosted over the years.
I followed this debate up with a breakdown with my friend Brian Nichols of The Brian Nichols Show, streamed live for Patrons of Lions of Liberty.
This one I’ll have to keep a little mum on as the full interview will be released in a few weeks, but let’s just say that I basically agree with both Dave and Eric. The answer is: YES. Those who want to see a world that is actually becoming more free - and we have certainly seen the exact opposite in the last year - need to wage war on ALL fronts. Every cultural niche, every political party: leave no stone unturned.
What do you think?
Don’t forget to check out the other projects I’m involved with:
Lions of Liberty, where I facilitate inspiring conversations about the ideas of liberty.
Second Print Comics podcast, where myself and Remso Martinez take a weekly look at the comic book characters, storylines and events that shaped our fanhood.
The Expat Money Show - this isn’t my project per se, but I’m thrilled that I’ve gotten to work directly with my friend Mikkel Thorup to help grow this show over the past few months. I believe greatly in what Mikkel is doing - helping others to achieve greater liberty in their lives by living and investing abroad - and helping grow this program has been a true joy. I also get to help moderate The Expat Money Forum on Facebook - check it out!
What Should Liberty-Lovers Do, Politically?
Truthfully, millions of Republicans are closet libertarians. I'd say they are Nationalist Libertarians who simultaneously desire small government and putting the needs of our nation first.
Strike that vital balance, and you'll have millions of new voters.