Episodes
Do I have to be “pure” to be a libertarian? Can I be a good enough libertarian? In other words, Is it possible to be more libertarian than another person? Libertarianism isn’t a monolithic or rigid ideology; one doesn’t need to adhere to a “pure” form to identify as a libertarian. It's a framework for social organization rooted in the belief that individuals cannot organize complex societies, necessitating a reliance on and trust in fellow humans. The path to embracing libertarianism, marked...
Published 01/15/24
Can you punish a child under the NAP? What do libertarians believe about corporal punishment? Children should be guided and nurtured, not subjected to violence, due to their developing mental and emotional capacities. As noted by Dakota Hensley on WeAreLibertarians.com, children are unique individuals who require the guidance of family and community, emphasizing a collective responsibility. They are not property but young individuals whose form of individualism is distinct from that of...
Published 01/02/24
How can equal opportunity exist when so many have so much wealth? What would be done about the 1%? Equal opportunity, though a sought-after ideal, remains elusive across various governance systems, including libertarianism. No society, regardless of its level of freedom or control, can claim absolute equality of opportunity in aspects beyond just education. In libertarianism, for instance, it’s unfeasible to mandate equal educational opportunities when affluent families have the means to...
Published 12/01/23
What should I do if I want to run? What do I need to prepare for? Aspiring political candidates should begin by identifying and understanding the core issues of their specific race, ensuring alignment with the local community's needs. Gaining insights through attending city or county meetings and connecting with political parties at the county or state level is crucial for training and support. The journey to office involves active engagement with party insiders, voters, and media,...
Published 11/15/23
The NAP is the only requirement members of the Libertarian Party must agree to. Is that a good standard? The Non-Aggression Principle (NAP) serves as a unifying ethos for members of the Libertarian Party, mandating a collective agreement to abstain from using force to achieve political or social objectives. Although the political landscape is rife with diverse ideologies, the NAP acts as a common ground for Libertarians, distinguishing them from other political affiliations. Instituted by the...
Published 11/01/23
The libertarian movement, still young and relatively small, contends with the appearance of gatekeeping due to its nascent stage and the intimate nature of its networks. Originating mainly in the 1970s, the movement has seen individuals attempt to assert dominance, forming distinct factions and perceived gatekeeping. Such divisions can sometimes hinder unity, exacerbated by the personal relationships within a smaller group where critiques can be direct and personal. However, gatekeeping holds...
Published 10/24/23
Mary Ruwart joins Chris Spangle to talk about the foundational axiom of libertarianism: the non-aggression principle. Dr. Mary J. Ruwart is a research scientist, ethicist, and a libertarian author/activist. Ruwart.com - http://www.ruwart.com/ Healing Our World: The Compassion of Libertarianism: How to Enrich the Poor, Protect the Environment, Deter Crime, and Defuse Terrorism - https://amzn.to/3iHxCAU Death By Regulation: How We Were Robbed of a Golden Age of Health and How We Can...
Published 10/01/23
From The Chris Spangle Show: Alexander Salter writes in his book "The Spirit of ’76," "Libertarianism is a rational reconstruction of America's founding principles." He joins me to discuss how libertarianism continues the American revolution toward liberty and dignity for all. The Spirit of ’76: Libertarianism and American Renewal - https://amzn.to/3QGrk7s  Transcript - https://share.descript.com/view/nYrbk7PrZeI  https://youtu.be/Y5VhngZIMWo  Join our Patreon now for commercial-free shows,...
Published 09/23/23
Is it imperative to have a moral society for libertarianism to work? Or will liberty make society function better? Libertarianism, rooted in the Nonaggression Principle (NAP), advocates for a moral society built on respect, and non-coercion, echoing the elementary morality of respecting others’ rights and properties. However, the foundation of government often contradicts these principles, as seen in systems like social security, which involves a forced redistribution of wealth. As private...
Published 09/20/23
Can you be a Nazi or racist or nationalist and be a libertarian? While it is theoretically possible for someone to identify as both a libertarian and a racist, nationalist, or Nazi, these ideologies are inherently contradictory. Libertarianism is anchored in rejecting force as a means for political and social change and upholds individualism and individual rights. In contrast, ideologies like racism and nationalism often embrace force and collectivism to impose their beliefs. Libertarians...
Published 07/19/23
Chris and Julia discuss how health care will function when libertarians design the system. Video. - https://youtu.be/HQasScFidhQ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Published 05/01/22
Chris and Julia discuss how education will function when libertarians design the system. Video - https://youtu.be/qtGbZdwH8-0 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Published 04/07/22
Learn Libertarianism - https://libertyexplained.com/  Subscribe to the podcast - https://link.chtbl.com/liberty-explained https://youtu.be/KZbVXx0J1xc • "Of Two Evils, Choose Neither" Pastor CH Spurgeon • Isn't it ironic that both duopoly parties who sell voters a utopia of perfection, riches, and paradise, still preach that to get there, you must first compromise your morals and accept their largely flawed, or at the minimum highly imperfect candidate. • Does this sound like the starting...
Published 10/22/20
Learn Libertarianism - https://libertyexplained.com/  Subscribe to the podcast - https://link.chtbl.com/liberty-explained Video - https://youtu.be/iMfxmMLz1YQ • Well let's define "win". Win in the sense of receive the most electoral votes in a national Presidential election? No, there is an infinitesimally small chance the Libertarian candidate beats the Republican or Democratic candidate for President. This race is generally viewed as a marketing tool to explain broader libertarian...
Published 10/20/20
Learn Libertarianism - https://libertyexplained.com/  Subscribe to the podcast - https://link.chtbl.com/liberty-explained Video - https://youtu.be/eLH8hHWIC9o • When it comes to the national Presidential debates, they are run by a Bipartisan (again not NON-partisan) Committee on Presidential Debates, formed on the (Bipartisan) National Commission on Elections goal of explicitly "turning over responsibility and sponsorship for the debates to the two major political parties", again, the...
Published 10/15/20
Learn Libertarianism - https://libertyexplained.com/  Subscribe to the podcast - https://link.chtbl.com/liberty-explained Video - https://youtu.be/IkxCmC5QZqQ • The "NAP" or Non-Aggression Principle is the belief that initiating or threatening any forceful interference against an individual, their property, or their right to liberty is morally wrong. While many libertarians vary on their definition or forceful interference, property, when/how to apply the NAP, and proper responses to an...
Published 10/13/20
Learn Libertarianism - https://libertyexplained.com/  Subscribe to the podcast - https://link.chtbl.com/liberty-explained Video - https://youtu.be/M6cxSGVmj5U Just start! Most feel they need a master class in political science to work on campaigns. On-the-job training is the most effective way to learn.  Find a candidate that shares your value and contact their campaign to get involved.  Basic volunteering like envelope stuffing, door knocking, yard sign distribution, or phone...
Published 09/30/20
Learn Libertarianism - https://libertyexplained.com/  Subscribe to the podcast - https://link.chtbl.com/liberty-explained Video - https://youtu.be/oOB-x7EFZ5M It is both! Libertarianism focuses on extending personal morality and ethics into societal organization. In other words, we want communities to follow the same rules we were taught as kids: Don't hit others, don't take their stuff, and don't lie or cheat.  Unfortunately, government is organized around the premise that these...
Published 09/28/20
Learn Libertarianism - https://libertyexplained.com/  Subscribe to the podcast - https://link.chtbl.com/liberty-explained Video - https://youtu.be/zBF07rJ8biw What is the single greatest thing about liberty? This answer probably varies for every individual, but mine (Chris Spangle) is the beauty of spontaneous order. Order comes from markets adjusting to the needs of individuals as judged by the price system (or what someone will pay for something). This order is displayed by geese...
Published 09/25/20
Learn Libertarianism - https://libertyexplained.com/  Subscribe to the podcast - https://link.chtbl.com/liberty-explained Video - https://youtu.be/Py2D0v-3DaQ Visit your state's Election Board website or got to Vote.gov. There are registration deadlines, so you'll want to do it ASAP.  Deadlines exist so the voter data can be processed and ready for poll workers on Election Day. Some states have same-day voter registration, but it is rare. I oppose it due to fraud concerns.  Once...
Published 09/23/20
Learn Libertarianism - https://libertyexplained.com/  Subscribe to the podcast - https://link.chtbl.com/liberty-explained Video - https://youtu.be/B-ZKki1DVO0 What is Liberty? Liberty is the freedom to choose to do or not do a thing without interference from outside forces.  The less outside interference in a decision, the freer we are.  The most common form of interference being threats of violence or force if the wrong choice is made.  Liberty is often associated with the idea of...
Published 09/21/20
Liberty Explained is your guide to libertarianism. Your hosts Chris Spangle, Julia Geier, and Levie Rainey break down a complicated movement and ideology to understand ways. We are a resource to share with friends when they have tough questions. Hopefully, we will answer some questions you might have yourself along the way. Please send your questions to [email protected]. This podcast is produced by the We Are Libertarians Network. - Learn Libertarianism -...
Published 09/19/20
David Boaz of the Cato Institute speaks on Three Principles of Libertarianism. This was recorded at Student's For Liberty's LibertyCon 2018.
Published 08/21/20
What is a libertarian? Libertarianism seems like a complex political philosophy. Marshall Fritz explains. Marshall Fritz founded the Alliance for the Separation of School and State and Advocates for Self-Government, and was perhaps best known as the creator of the World’s Smallest Political Quiz, a 10-question survey that places quiz-takers in one of five categories: Libertarian, Liberal, Centrist, Conservative, or Statist. Fritz passed away in 2008. In this video from a California...
Published 07/24/20