My Journey and What It Means for Liberty Advocates
[Originally published at The Stateless Man website]
The relatively low number of women who self-identify as libertarian is no secret. I was at the 2013 International Students for Liberty Conference (ISFLC) this month and was pleased to see a good number of women in attendance. However, the majority of attendees and speakers were overwhelmingly men.
There are many theories for why this is the case, and if you are interested in some, take a look at the “Girls! Girls! Girls! Marketing Libertarianism to Women” panel sponsored by Young Americans for Liberty at ISFLC 2013. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1yonojibt4&feature=share).
Right now, though, I would like to provide some of my own experiences and insights on the matter.
Back before I self-identified as libertarian, I considered myself a conservative. Even though I did not agree across the board with conservativism, I could not support Barack Obama in the 2008 election. His stance on abortion was firmly pro-choice, which was the most important issue for me. So I will admit it right now, I voted for John McCain back in 2008 because, though I was familiar with Ron Paul, I did not care enough to do more research.
It was not until 2011 that I was curious enough to dig a little more regarding Ron Paul, which is when I first heard the word "libertarian." Although Ron Paul believes abortion is within state and not federal jurisdiction, he is personally pro-life. (It is. See the Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.) That was very appealing to me.
Another attribute I really liked about Ron Paul was his zero desire for power. He does not claim to know what is best for everyone, nor does he want to change the law of the land to impose his personal views. Rather, he looks to a higher authority, the U.S. Constitution. Further, he doesn’t pick and choose when it is convenient to him; he is consistent about it!
Needless to say, I had never been so impressed by a politician. Ron Paul was able to gain my respect and admiration, which led me to trust him on other issues—for example, the Federal Reserve and economic freedom in general. My curiosity perked, I began to read various related books, such as The Morality of Capitalism and Defending the Free Market. These books then led me to become the economic freedom advocate I am today—a reversal from only a year and a half ago.
My journey did not stop there, though. Thanks to the Internet and organizations like YAL, I found a plethora of reading materials and libertarian Think Tanks. These sources helped refine my opinions on several issues, and now I can say that I am basically as libertarian as one can be on every issue.
The most recent issue I feel passionate about is immigration. Open the borders up, baby! Seriously, though, if you care to hear thoughts on this subject, here is the podcast Fergus Hodgson and I recorded at the ISFLC 2013 this past weekend (http://www.blogtalkradio.com/befirstinmedia/2013/02/17/immigration-part). Embed.
Anyway, the broader point I would like to make is that coming up with a "marketing strategy" geared toward women is probably not what liberty-advocates should focus on. After all, given a respect for unique and varied individuals, we do not like to box people into categories. Focusing on individual concerns, men or women, will take time, but it will also create a community of individuals who feel more strongly about the message.
Take me, a pro-life woman. Some would argue that my pro-life stance is not congruent with libertarianism. In fact, some would say, incorrectly, that I am not a "real" libertarian. Not that I care, because I am starting to endorse what Soren Keirkegaard said, “Once you label me you negate me.” Regardless, the pro-life stance was what I had in common with Ron Paul, and that drew me in and caused me to investigate libertarianism more broadly. Then, through my own curiosity and choices, I discovered the beauty and consistency of liberty.
This respect for individuals as distinct also conveys the fact you care about them. People who sense that will in return care about what you have to say to them. I acknowledge this personalized approach is time consuming, but I guarantee it will be effective.
Usually, you will find that individuals are libertarian on at least one issue, so your job is to pinpoint that issue and hook them on it. From that point on, lasting friendships should come naturally. Then you can get into debating nuances, which can be fun.
Finally, this has been said so many times before, but I will say it again. Liberty sells itself. All we really need to do is be likable people. Remember folks, be the person you would like to meet!
Monday, February 25, 2013
Friday, February 1, 2013
Better Than Being a Libertarian: Networking With Them
Gaining Value from Conferences Beyond Education
[Originally published at The Stateless Man website]
This weekend, approximately 650 people flocked to the Mises Institute "Circle" in Houston, Texas. 1,200 also watched online, to better understand the “Current Crisis" from an "Austrian Perspective.”
The event included big names in Austrian economics, such as Joseph Salerno, Robert Murphy, Thomas Woods, Lew Rockwell, and Ron Paul—and I am willing to bet that Ron Paul drew a large portion of the audience. They focused on economic issues, often comparing and contrasting the Austrian and Keynesian perspectives.
Embed video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INvKPYdTs3E.
Without doubt, most people at the event were already familiar with the case for free markets and had read books from the Austrian school. The people at the conference also have access to YouTube and can watch Ron Paul speeches and interviews. So, why did my friends and I drive 11 hours from El Paso, Texas, to attend the Mises Circle? What is the appeal of such an event?
I cannot speak for all the people at the conference, but I can share my own reasons for attending the event and those of the people traveling with me.
Ever since I attended the Young Americans for Liberty National Convention in Washington, D.C., in July of 2012, I have become an enthusiastic liberty networker. Libertarianism is on its way to becoming a mainstream ideology, but in the meantime there is nothing more exciting than meeting other libertarians. Who wouldn’t enjoy traveling miles and miles to be surrounded with like-minded individuals?
Okay, maybe that’s just me—but let me attempt to persuade you. Imagine a scenario where you do not have to spend a large amount of time explaining how smaller government is ideal. Instead, you can spend time conversing the nuances of liberty face to face. It is a sobering experience. For instance, do public universities have the authority to ban co-ed dorms? Honestly, who cares?
But that’s the beauty of libertarian gatherings. You can care. You can discuss things you would never have the time or opportunity to discuss elsewhere, because you do not have to spend time explaining the basics. It may seem trivial but sometimes talking about the details helps us better understand the bigger picture. Anyway, it is this intellectual environment that draws me to travels miles and miles.
Many friendships were made at the YAL National Convention, which opened up the possibility for future networking, as well as internship and job opportunities. Two of my new friends, Noelle Mandell and Caitlyn Bates (both Texas State Chairs and SFL Campus Coordinators), also strongly encouraged me to attend the Students for Liberty Austin Regional Conference. They provided me with the details of the event and offered free student lodging, making it very inexpensive for YAL at the University of Texas at El Paso to drive out there. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the size of Texas, it takes approximately 8 hours and 13 minutes to drive from El Paso, Texas to Austin, Texas, so it’s not that simple to just get up and go. The goal, though, was to provide the YAL UTEP Chapter with an intellectual environment worthy of replenishing them with enthusiasm (the presidential election was disheartening for many). A bonus, even though it was not planned, was witnessing and experiencing the bonding that took place amongst my chapter members. This happened as a result of driving for 9 hours together, obviously. Once we were back home, enthusiasm and commitment towards our chapter’s goals was greatly enhanced.
Soon afterwards, our chapter was invited to the Mises Circle in Houston. I did not have to ask twice for this event since Ron Paul (a hero to most 20-something libertarians) would be speaking at the event. The weekend in Houston proved to be a great time. There was not too much networking during the formal Mises Circle, since the format lent itself to listening and partaking in the Q-and-A with the speakers. However, I did get my books signed by Lew Rockwell, Tom Woods, and Peter Klein. I also got to take a picture with Ron Paul, Tom Woods, and Bob Murphy.
The networking took place later, during the Freedom Forum, put together by Noelle Mandell (nominated for SFL Student of the Year). This event was aimed at getting students across Texas to share experiences in advancing liberty and proposed projects. Afterward, there was a social gathering hosted by Houston’s Liberty on the Rocks, which involved playing pool, enthusiastic karaoke singing, and conversations.
The best part about this particular trip was reconnecting with friends. I found that my first libertarian convention was a bit nerve wrecking because I did not know anyone that would be there. However, I made the decision to fly out and make new friends, which was probably one of the best decisions I have ever made. It may be difficult to start a conversation with a complete stranger, but the advantage of attending a libertarian gathering is that at least you know you agree about the scope of the federal government (with the exception of anarcho-capitalists).
[Originally published at The Stateless Man website]
This weekend, approximately 650 people flocked to the Mises Institute "Circle" in Houston, Texas. 1,200 also watched online, to better understand the “Current Crisis" from an "Austrian Perspective.”
The event included big names in Austrian economics, such as Joseph Salerno, Robert Murphy, Thomas Woods, Lew Rockwell, and Ron Paul—and I am willing to bet that Ron Paul drew a large portion of the audience. They focused on economic issues, often comparing and contrasting the Austrian and Keynesian perspectives.
Embed video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INvKPYdTs3E.
Without doubt, most people at the event were already familiar with the case for free markets and had read books from the Austrian school. The people at the conference also have access to YouTube and can watch Ron Paul speeches and interviews. So, why did my friends and I drive 11 hours from El Paso, Texas, to attend the Mises Circle? What is the appeal of such an event?
I cannot speak for all the people at the conference, but I can share my own reasons for attending the event and those of the people traveling with me.
Ever since I attended the Young Americans for Liberty National Convention in Washington, D.C., in July of 2012, I have become an enthusiastic liberty networker. Libertarianism is on its way to becoming a mainstream ideology, but in the meantime there is nothing more exciting than meeting other libertarians. Who wouldn’t enjoy traveling miles and miles to be surrounded with like-minded individuals?
Okay, maybe that’s just me—but let me attempt to persuade you. Imagine a scenario where you do not have to spend a large amount of time explaining how smaller government is ideal. Instead, you can spend time conversing the nuances of liberty face to face. It is a sobering experience. For instance, do public universities have the authority to ban co-ed dorms? Honestly, who cares?
But that’s the beauty of libertarian gatherings. You can care. You can discuss things you would never have the time or opportunity to discuss elsewhere, because you do not have to spend time explaining the basics. It may seem trivial but sometimes talking about the details helps us better understand the bigger picture. Anyway, it is this intellectual environment that draws me to travels miles and miles.
Many friendships were made at the YAL National Convention, which opened up the possibility for future networking, as well as internship and job opportunities. Two of my new friends, Noelle Mandell and Caitlyn Bates (both Texas State Chairs and SFL Campus Coordinators), also strongly encouraged me to attend the Students for Liberty Austin Regional Conference. They provided me with the details of the event and offered free student lodging, making it very inexpensive for YAL at the University of Texas at El Paso to drive out there. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the size of Texas, it takes approximately 8 hours and 13 minutes to drive from El Paso, Texas to Austin, Texas, so it’s not that simple to just get up and go. The goal, though, was to provide the YAL UTEP Chapter with an intellectual environment worthy of replenishing them with enthusiasm (the presidential election was disheartening for many). A bonus, even though it was not planned, was witnessing and experiencing the bonding that took place amongst my chapter members. This happened as a result of driving for 9 hours together, obviously. Once we were back home, enthusiasm and commitment towards our chapter’s goals was greatly enhanced.
Soon afterwards, our chapter was invited to the Mises Circle in Houston. I did not have to ask twice for this event since Ron Paul (a hero to most 20-something libertarians) would be speaking at the event. The weekend in Houston proved to be a great time. There was not too much networking during the formal Mises Circle, since the format lent itself to listening and partaking in the Q-and-A with the speakers. However, I did get my books signed by Lew Rockwell, Tom Woods, and Peter Klein. I also got to take a picture with Ron Paul, Tom Woods, and Bob Murphy.
The networking took place later, during the Freedom Forum, put together by Noelle Mandell (nominated for SFL Student of the Year). This event was aimed at getting students across Texas to share experiences in advancing liberty and proposed projects. Afterward, there was a social gathering hosted by Houston’s Liberty on the Rocks, which involved playing pool, enthusiastic karaoke singing, and conversations.
The best part about this particular trip was reconnecting with friends. I found that my first libertarian convention was a bit nerve wrecking because I did not know anyone that would be there. However, I made the decision to fly out and make new friends, which was probably one of the best decisions I have ever made. It may be difficult to start a conversation with a complete stranger, but the advantage of attending a libertarian gathering is that at least you know you agree about the scope of the federal government (with the exception of anarcho-capitalists).
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