Libertarianism has been around for a long time, and yet it’s always had a niche audience. Not only does libertarianism not have mass appeal, it also doesn’t have appeal within elite powerful circles. Some cooky billionaires notwithstanding, libertarians have virtually no influence in media, academia, or any of our sense-making institutions. Their arguments carry little weight in societal discourse, and their power seems to be diminishing overtime. Even though the U.S. government overall is bigger and more bloated than ever before, libertarian ideas are still becoming increasingly irrelevant to people on both sides of the aisle.
Fair critiques. The most plausible path I see for libertarianism is opt-in zones like charter cities. This allows people that are comfortable with status quo to remain so (just don't move), let's true believers and pragmatists opt in, but also provides real world experimentation so the results of libertarian policies can be examples for other polities. Less time spent persuading, more time spent building.
I couldn't disagree more.... if people don't want freedom but want to be "protected" by big brother, ok, it's their business, time will tell... but that's not really the problem with libertarian philosophy... And changing ideas just to make it sexier for the masses? that's not really the way to go.
I talk until I’m blue in the face telling them that until they can elect candidates or put statewide ballot proposals up to make changes it’s a wasted vote. They get mad.
Fair critiques. The most plausible path I see for libertarianism is opt-in zones like charter cities. This allows people that are comfortable with status quo to remain so (just don't move), let's true believers and pragmatists opt in, but also provides real world experimentation so the results of libertarian policies can be examples for other polities. Less time spent persuading, more time spent building.
I couldn't disagree more.... if people don't want freedom but want to be "protected" by big brother, ok, it's their business, time will tell... but that's not really the problem with libertarian philosophy... And changing ideas just to make it sexier for the masses? that's not really the way to go.
I talk until I’m blue in the face telling them that until they can elect candidates or put statewide ballot proposals up to make changes it’s a wasted vote. They get mad.