The Heart of a (Classical) Liberal

(It is upsetting to me that the adjective liberal has been hijacked in this day and age.)

With this post I am kicking off (what I hope will be slightly less than) a weekly post series on (Classical) Liberalism in the modern world.  My goal with this series is to look at all of the issues facing us in this current world, no matter how small, and analyze the correct and current responses in light of classical liberalism (libertarianism) and what is pragmatically politically acceptable.  I am also planning multiple posts on what the various aspects of libertarianism are and how important these differences are in general and especially when the current current politic climate is decidedly anti-libertarian.

This series will approach the hard issues and ask what it is that we actually need  to worry about and what do we not.  (For instance, does it matter that Post Office is run by the government when we have a 1.4 Trillion dollar deficit this year?  Probably not though people still fight about that these days.)  In my view the current political climate of the younger generation (18 - 35 y.o.) is decidedly pro-libertarian in their ideals but there is no strong movement to collect those voters nor is there a common vision on the important things.  I hope to flesh this out.

At the end of the day, in my opinion (which is supported by research, see this video series), American is not blue or red.  The reality of the situation is that we are all purple.  Not only are constituencies purple in general but people are purple.  Everyone cares about the same things.  Everyone cares about the fact that some people don't have health care however we all disagree on how best to tackle the problem.  This is where the media steps in and 'on the surface' polarizes the populace into two diametrically opposed camps.  The reality of the situation is that a rational and helpful solution is likely very amiable to all people but the media and the politicians don't sell that.  Everyone cares about people making a living wage but we disagree on whether the minimum wage places people out of jobs they are qualified for (just like unions do), or whether certain 'rights' are afforded by the constitution or by modern society.  If a real conversation was had about the issues it is likely that everyone would realize that politicians are full of hot air in general and real solutions are usually acceptable to both sides.

This series will have a definite rational and logical slant.  That is what I am and that is how I view politics and economics.  I don't think some magical fairy will come down and make the deficit disappear.  So if you are decidedly pro-fairy solutions you will likely not like the series.  Sorry.