Christine Smith's Blog

Conversation on a plane re: “legal plunder”; thoughts on libertarianism

Note: any use of the term “libertarian” in my articles is unrelated to the “Libertarian Party (LP).” I advise all individuals who wish to join with others for the cause of advancing liberty in this nation NOT to join the LP. In my opinion, the party which uses the word “libertarian” is libertarian in name only and is a waste of time, work and money for those who are truly devoted to achieving liberty in our nation.

It is my observation that true libertarians have done far more to advance libertarianism and thereby help achieve greater liberty in America through their political activism, educational outreach, and organizations than the Libertarian Party has ever done. Thus, when I use the word “libertarian” in my writing, I am referring to those, as myself, who love liberty; who believe in the non-initiation of force; who believe in individual liberty with personal responsibility meaning people should be able to live their life as they choose as long as they harm no other; who believe in freedom (rejecting the control of economic and social affairs by the state) and who will not compromise those principles and values.
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               “Thou shalt not steal.” (Exodus 20:15 KJV)

It is one of the most interesting (and opportune) experiences to meet another individual who reminds you of yourself – but yourself a number of years ago. It’s like meeting who you were before you know what you know now…before the experiences which brought you to the beliefs and knowledge you possess now. I met such an individual on a flight en route to Orlando recently.

The past three years have been full of changes, awareness, and realization for me. I agree with Einstein in that, “Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death,” though I apply that to spiritual and physical growth as well. I am aware that both intellectually (analytically as well as in actual knowledge) and spiritually, I have become stronger through gained knowledge, experiences, and heartfelt seeking. I’ll add that even physically, I’m more developed in my strength now than ever before in my life (More exercise will do that for you! And though aerobic/anaerobic exercise has always been an important priority in my life since I was a teenager, the past three year’s I’ve emphasized it more, with even the past two months being filled with far greater time devoted to even more physical exercise & activities, and I’m reaping the result in how I look and feel. It’s wonderful to see and feel such progress in yourself. It makes you want to do even more. I am feeling great!)

My whole life, as I look back, has been spent wanting to know, learn and grow; these past three years have been most fruitful in this regard! And the past three months the most fruitful of all, empowering me to continue my work to advance liberty.

To be alive is opportunity to grow, to move forward, and thereby create positive results, or as Benjamin Franklin observed “Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.” This certainly applies to every area of life – including politics.

It was in 2005 & 2006 that my own political observations and life experience brought me nearly fully to libertarianism. For several years, people had inquired whether I was libertarian (based on their reading of pieces I had written or hearing me interviewed), but, of course, I had always answered “No,” as at that time I identified with no political label whatsoever. Then, in 2006, I finally started reading directly of libertarianism, and found indeed I was libertarian in so many conclusions, approaches, and ideas. Once I actually sought out libertarian writers, I discovered what libertarianism was and identified with it.

In fact, every essay or definition of libertarianism described my position to a tee – save one. My misplaced compassion (as I call it now) found a spot in me in which I still clung to the idea of helping others through the use of taxpayer money.

Well, soon enough, in mid-2006, I finally saw how wrong that position was. For the first time in my life, my eyes were opened to the fact that such “government/taxpayer help” was fundamentally unjust and immoral. (I already knew it didn’t work but attributed that to mismanagement, waste, etc. which, of course, is par for the course from government-so I kept using my mind to try and figure out ways it “could” work without ever questioning the fundamental morality/immorality of the issue). But in early to mid 2006, finally, I realized that the entire concept of welfare was corrupt. How dare anyone force another to supposedly “help” another. That’s stealing. This understanding went far beyond what works or doesn’t work, it went to the core truth: The reality is true charity, true compassion, true help to another in need…is always voluntary. It cannot be done by a collective use of force, but must stem from the hearts of individuals who choose to willingly give to others.

Once this awareness was present, I wholeheartedly embraced libertarianism and could fully refer to myself as libertarian.

The interesting thing is the realization I had agreed with libertarian ideas prior to 2006, and yet never was exposed directly to libertarian thought, writers or speakers. I was always fiscally conservative from my earliest years and simultaneously possessed genuine desire to help others (but misguided in the way I thought that should be accomplished). Good libertarian writers cleared the way analytically and morally for me, with the one who most reached me (fueling my passion now to reach others who were like myself) being Frederic Bastiat in “The Law.”

Once I read that, I had to share it with everyone I knew – and with success! (Note: I have given “The Law” to people who were previously prone to thinking government help to those in need was justified, and they are now strong as I in opposition to the welfare state now as a result. That little booklet/essay clarifies it for many!)

Sometimes I’ve thought: If only I had read “The Law” many years ago…if only I had read the works of uncompromising libertarians years ago…might it have gotten me onto correct understanding so much sooner! My heart and mind were in the right place, but struggling to find answers amongst the false. But then I consider every experience I’ve had in life realizing it was through that journey, I learned an enormous amount. So, I trust that every thing occurs at the right time in my life as long as I have chosen to be on the right path (“right” defined as seeking truth, understanding, motivated by love). It is the path which prepares us to be ready for that new knowledge and lessons. Reflecting on a variety of experiences, I would have to say I trust this insight to be true: I need never question the timing of any event in my life, I need simply trust all occurs at the best time for me. There may times when my spirit, my faith, must be strong..but if I remain in that trust, all will be well. I do believe this.

So, with the story I began with, the meeting of someone who reminded me of myself – but only who I was several years ago. He was a young man (in his twenties, visiting America from Norway). Similar enthusiasm, wanting to be of service to humanity, love of life, highly intelligent and knowledgeable. Our conversation began and ended over one flight to Orlando from DC. Through that, we both went away with a good understanding of the other politically – mine a libertarian and spiritual viewpoint – and he from a humanistic and socialistic viewpoint – but both of us recognizing we want the same things for our brothers and sisters, though we have an entirely different approach.

We agreed on so many things, including that the US government’s aggression/arrogance/imperialistic agenda is responsible for so much of the death and destruction worldwide. But a primary difference was found in our thoughts on welfare and healthcare.  Interestingly, the young man acknowledged he had never thought about socialized healthcare or welfare as I presented it (giving him the analogy of a man who holds you up at gunpoint, takes your money only to give it to a homeless shelter down the street – did the man still do wrong by stealing from you? – “yes” has always been the response I receive from people and was the response received from this man as well). But the difference was, when I posed the point that only voluntary giving is truly charitable or compassionate, he replied he had never thought of it that way, but maintained he truly did want his tax money going to help others because if they needed medical care he wanted them to have it, just as if he ever needed it, he knew it would be there.

When asked about his countrymen who perhaps did not “want” to help others with their money, he had no answer (save that perhaps they shouldn’t live there as that would be a dilemma). This, and his rejection of any possibility of a spiritual reality, were our primary differences…and perhaps it is in that rejection of the spiritual which explains his inability to grasp the wrongness of forcing one’s countrymen to support their neighbors.  Yet, even so, this was a most interesting conversation as you may imagine, with he (and three other people I met on my return flight ) asking me to write the website url for the Future of Freedom Foundation in a notebooks/organizers (it is the site I most recommend to people I meet who express interest in knowing more.) Such conversations of freedom really get people involved and wanting to know more. Even a young man from Norway.

I’ve thought about the conversation much, and was reminded of it yesterday when I had another conversation with someone about both welfare & immigration (sending them to Philippe Legrain’s site since we were discussing how good immigration is for our nation & how much evil happens because of  immigration control and the current war on immigrants). As I think about it – every American I have met and discussed such topics with have been eager to know where they could read further about such a libertarian perspective as shared…and the young man from Norway was the only one who though objective or interested enough to read more, expressed emphatically his adherence to society (government) providing basic necessities for all at a cost to all. But, I reiterate, every American I’ve shared the idea with of the wrongness of “legal” or “lawful plunder” (as Bastiat referred to it) is intrigued, nearly in agreement regardless of their political background, and then they begin to question how it would work…which leads one to discuss elimination of wrongful taxation so you decide how to spend or give your money. Americans are always receptive to this immediately.

This is because Americans cherish and celebrate freedom (even as it dwindles). Americans become intrigued at a notion of much greater liberty they never have considered possible. And, most Americans, still adhere to a sense of justice. Just like myself even just two-three years ago, I sought greater liberty but couldn’t fully grasp how it can be achieved until I found libertarian literature exploring true economic and personal liberty.

Even now, amongst those in my circle of acquaintances (more from the liberal side and peace activism side), I find the idea of rejecting “legal plunder” resonates. Some libertarians have told me they think those on the “left” will always cling to their socialistic approach to healthcare for example. But I have found the opposite to be true. It is these individuals who are quite receptive. They already oppose the warfare state, and only espouse the welfare state because of their misplaced compassion. They are good people, very good people, who seek to ease suffering in the world (only they mistakenly think the welfare state does that, when as you and I know, it is the welfare state responsible for only more suffering.) But because they are good, they respond to what for me was the strongest reason to oppose the welfare state, the moral injustice of it. Once they correlate the identical agenda and results of the statist case for the warfare state with the statist case for the welfare state – they view it clearly.

Although I find the moral/ethical case against welfare to be the strongest and most persuasive, it is, ironically, the argument I see least communicated by otherwise libertarian writers. Those egotists who pride themselves for their “intellectualism” even express anger or ridicule of those who share all aspects, including the moral or ethical, for libertarianism. They see not that their vanity in their intellect makes them less effective, with the stage of argument mainly amongst themselves – where it stays – not reaching the American people. For the mind is a good servant but a terrible master. Letting one’s expression of libertarian ideas stop only at the mind by focus only on the pragmatic is far weaker than those who share it both from logic and rationality as well ethics.

But those writers and speakers who do boldly proclaim the immorality and injustice of the welfare state are the ones making the most difference – because they make the case to all Americans – and despite our culture, I believe the moral or ethical approach reaches people’s hearts and that is far more powerful than only reaching one’s mind. Trying to only reach people’s minds (logical & analytical approach) to the exclusion of the heart (values, morals, ethics) is flawed, less powerful, and easily challenged by opposing rational viewpoints. Reaching the heart, gives rise to the analytical, but with an unfaltering foundation.

Such courageous libertarians are not only intellectually developed, but spiritually – in that humility guides their work. (There is nothing more pleasing than meeting highly intelligent individuals, who you are aware know far more than yourself in their areas of expertise, who take pleasure in discussing ideas with you as an equal, even though they know so much more than you. Their choice to view all individuals on an equal basis, makes their sharing of ideas and wisdom so powerful and influential. Such genuine pleasure and willingness to share what they know and understand with others is evidenced in their writings, speeches, and in their very manner when they speak with those who find value in their work. Humility in such individuals, who obviously are aware of their superior knowledge, is most refreshing! It also makes them far more effective communicators.) Rather than trying to only teach “truth,” as they perceive it, the most effective libertarians point the way to truth so others can perceive and grasp it within. They, by their genuineness, reach the witness within the heart of the listener, for truth is not taught so much as it is felt.

This points to the wonderful witness each of us can be for libertarianism. I find so many opportunities, even the one-on-one random conversations with strangers, to share libertarian thought with. All it takes is one complaint from them about the government, or the gas prices, or their taxes, or their lack of medical insurance (the list is endless) to open up an opportunity to appropriately share a perspective they’ve never heard. I just love it when people say “I’ve never though of it that way,” or “I didn’t know that.” And, that, more often than not gives one the chance to point them in a direction (say to a website of freedom ideas) to learn more. Many a time, even in grocery store or department store lines, I have had people actually take their wallets out to write down a website I recommend apropos to our conversation.

Will that young man question his ideas? Maybe. Will the lady who took down the website I recommended while in line at Wal-Mart last week become more knowledgeable (beyond her current opinion) of US government tyranny? Maybe. I do know they wouldn’t have been exposed to the ideas were it not for a brief conversation/encounter with this stranger. Will you be the one to spur understanding, enlightenment, awareness of libertarian thought and solutions in a stranger you meet somewhere? Will you be ready to share your favorite websites, books, or organizations ? Will you be one to point someone in the direction of truth?

The time is now for all who embrace and work for liberty to be unabashedly bold in sharing what they know. Our country is headed in a downward spiral, with the federal government threatening our fundamental rights and liberties, our economy, our freedom. We have already lost so much. If our republic is ever to be restored, the waking up, so the subsequent action, must occur now.

Determine how you, based on your strengths and aptitudes, will have the greatest impact for liberty, and do it. Remember Franklin’s quote,”Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.” Create meaning. Make your intellectual, spiritual and physical growth/progress a priority, and I believe not only will your personal life improve, but those strengths will overflow into further achievement and success for liberty.