You were listing some resources that help one become self-educated regarding liberty, its history, and the art of effective persuasion.

I would recommend “The Advocates for Self Government” at http://www.theadvocates.org/

The Advocates for Self-Government is a non-profit, non-partisan libertarian educational organization, founded in 1985 by Marshall Fritz. Their mission is to take the ideas of liberty to the public in an honest, persuasive manner, in the hopes of finding and creating more liberty minded people and to help bring about a more powerful libertarian movement.

They accomplish this by providing education materials and tools that help liberty lovers become effective and successful communicators of libertarian ideas.

Finally, and perhaps most important, they seek to change the dominant political “map” from the old, inaccurate “left-right” model — which excludes libertarians — to a more accurate and inclusive map. The most effective tool they provide to this end is World’s Smallest Political Quiz. http://www.theadvocates.org/quizp/index.html

By getting our society, as individuals to see beyond the illusion of “completeness: created by our bi-partisan system, they hope to open minds to idea that there is broad choice of governing styles that a nation can choose from, and that the most effective, and most fair, is liberty, pure and simple.

Thanks your for some great ideas and an eye opening post.

Duncan Idaho
Memorial Day, 2009, 1:49 pm EDT
Waynesboro, VA

I agree with you that “progressive improvement beats postponed perfection”.

I was not suggesting that we postpone all action until we are highly educated about liberty, just that we combine meaningful action with a serious continuing self-education program on the principles of liberty.

As I read a little further in “Elements of Libertarian Leadership” today, I came upon the section titled “Accept Each Challenge” on page 147.

In this section, Mr. Read writes, “Most individuals who have any competence in the libertarian philosophy are invited to write and speak… Accept! Initially this will require courage and many aches will ensue… But it is amazing how much thinking and study one will do — once an invitation is accepted — not merely to avoid making a fool of oneself but to appear to others as he, in his secret heart, regards himself! … Look for, rather than run away from, difficult questions posed by others. The search for answers seems to open spigots of the mind. Ideas hitherto undreamed of will begin to flow. The art of becoming is greatly improved by the act of overcoming.”

I think your thoughts echo Mr. Read’s sentiments, and I agree with both of you.

Best regards, Bill Starr
Thu, 21 May 2009, 5:31 pm EDT

Main-street Americans need to step up and discuss these matters with others. While discussing issues with others an education is being formed, if we are looking up information that deals with each situation.

The problems we have today with government is that there is a whirlwind of issues to deal with and we DON’T have time to fully educate ourselves on all fronts.

There is only one stupid question and that is the question not ask. We need to encourage the average Joes and Janes to speak up and ask the questions on their minds and in their hearts. Then, everyone has a responsibility to get involved in finding the answer. I don’t know about the rest of you but I am at a point of not trusting the so-called experts. Where have we seen their COMMON SENSE? I’m not saying there are not experts out there who have the truths we need, but it is a matter of figuring out where they stand on principles and values of a great and powerful Deity and our founding fathers.

What I see on all forums, that I have visited, is that there are great numbers of members but only a few who post. Hopefully the “silent” are gaining an education from the post, however, it is my belief that the problems we face today is mainly because our silence has allowed our non-representative representatives to act in ways contrary to what is good for America.

Yes, sharpen the saw (minds & hearts), but do not wait to speak up and say what is on your mind. You might be wrong, but you just might have the simple common sense answer to solve a host of issues.