|
A Libertarian's New Year's
Resolutions
by Harry Browne
1. I resolve to sell liberty
by appealing to the self-interest of each prospect, rather than
preaching to people and expecting them to suddenly adopt my ideas of
right and wrong.
2. I resolve to keep from being drawn into arguments or debates. My
purpose is to inspire people to want liberty -- not to prove that
they're wrong.
3. I resolve to listen when people tell me of their wants and needs, so
I can help them see how a free society will satisfy those needs.
4. I resolve to identify myself, when appropriate, with the social goals
someone may seek -- a cleaner environment, more help for the poor, a
less divisive society -- and try to show him that those goals can never
be achieved by government, but will be well served in a free society.
5. I resolve to be compassionate and respectful of the beliefs and needs
that lead people to seek government help. I don't have to approve of
their subsidies or policies -- but if I don't acknowledge their needs, I
have no hope of helping them find a better way to solve their problems.
6. No matter what the issue, I resolve to keep returning to the central
point: how much better off the individual will be in a free society.
7. I resolve to acknowledge my good fortune in having been born an
American. Any plan for improvement must begin with a recognition of the
good things we have. To speak only of America's defects will make me a
tiresome crank.
8. I resolve to focus on the ways America could be so much better with a
very small government -- not to dwell on all the wrongs that exist
today.
9. I resolve to cleanse myself of hate, resentment, and bitterness. Such
things steal time and attention from the work that must be done.
10. I resolve to speak, dress, and act in a respectable manner. I may be
the first Libertarian someone has encountered, and it's important that
he get a good first impression. No one will hear the message if the
messenger is unattractive.
11. I resolve to remind myself that someone's "stupid" opinion
may be an opinion I once held. If I can grow, why can't I help him grow?
12. I resolve not to raise my voice in any discussion. In a shouting
match, no one wins, no one changes his mind, and no one will be inspired
to join our quest for a free society.
13. I resolve not to adopt the tactics of Republicans and
Democrats. They use character assassination, evasions, and intimidation
because they have no real benefits to offer Americans. We, on the other
hand, are offering to set people free -- and so we can win simply by
focusing on the better life our proposals will bring.
14. I resolve to be civil to
my opponents and treat them with
respect. However anyone chooses to treat me, it's important that I be a
better person than my enemies.
* * *
|
