An invitation to freedom

David Shellenberger

Today I added a video introduction to my site. Thanks to James Nicoloro for the wonderful job of producing it. I wrote about it in " The First National Mark Twain Conference."

Almost 3 years ago, I wrote in my article " Libertarianism: The Political Philosophy of Compassion":

" Libertarianism is the political philosophy of compassion. It seeks to limit the state's natural tendency to do harm while preserving the freedom of individuals to be truly compassionate. "

In November 2012, in the article " If You Need Me on Election Day... " I stated that I could no longer support even a small government:

" Over the past few years, my philosophical views have evolved under the influence of what I have read, the people I have met, and sound reasoning. Today I officially declare: I am an anarchist."

If one feels lonely as a libertarian, one is even lonelier as an anarchist. But seeing and speaking the truth is the source of philosophical happiness, and I am happy as an anarchist, unencumbered by the contradictions and rationalizations necessary to maintain the state.

"Anarchy simply means 'without a ruler.' I do not want or need a ruler. I want freedom; freedom that is not restricted by any government."

If libertarianism is the political philosophy of compassion and empathy, then within the spectrum of libertarianism, anarchism is the most prominent philosophy of compassion. Those of us who defend anarchism do so because of the very nature of government and the harm that the state actually does. What motivates us is empathy.

An invitation to freedom

Would you like to live in peace? Would you like to increase your well-being? Would you like to make your own decisions? The ideas of freedom may appeal to you.

I've been a libertarian for decades. I worked as a lawyer for many years. I fought against fraud and abuse in the investment industry.

I concluded that the biggest fraud is the government. Now I am a libertarian commentator and I cover what is happening in the world.

What is my position?

Libertarianism is a political movement that advocates for a limited or no state. For me, the ideal is to have no state. This is called anarchism, and it means to have no master.

Many people view government as a necessary evil. I believe it is evil and therefore unnecessary.

Why is government a mistake?

Government is a mistake from a moral and utilitarian perspective.

Moral reasons

The state is a product of conquest, not consent.

It works through violence or the threat of violence. It claims the right to do what you and I know is wrong:

• To steal, calling it "taxes";
• To force people to cooperate through a chamber of laws and regulations;
• To kill in unnecessary wars

Utilitarian reasons

The government is doing the exact opposite of what it claims:

• Claims to help the poor, but creates poverty by restricting economic freedom and encouraging dependency
• It claims to protect us, but it creates crime and takes advantage of it.
• It claims to protect us, but it creates enemies for us and leads us to war.

Moreover, the government is the worst service provider, and the free market is the best.

The chosen path

I promote international freedom because I believe that fighting for its realization is the only moral action.

Whatever the future holds, I propose that we take on the task:

• To speak truth to power;
• To be witnesses to her evil
• Let us strive to free people from the shackles of government so that we can lead more peaceful, prosperous, and dignified lives.

You can read the original article in English here.

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