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In This Issue:
Shocking new revelations about the MATRIX government spy program (where's Keanu
Reeves when you need him?)... Controversial radio talk host is a libertarian...
Ninth state decriminalizes medical marijuana (sort of)... Brand-new Advocates
book provides great soundbites for libertarian activists... The Advocates
welcomes aboard an acclaimed libertarian writer, editor, graphic artist and
speaker... Oops, I was wrong about the Iraq war, says conservative "Crossfire"
host... Advocates representatives at the national Libertarian Party
convention... "Art of Political Persuasion" seminar coming to Indianapolis...
Mary Ruwart answers concerns about unsubsidized farmers and unleashed
corporations...... Michael Cloud tells you about Conversation Judo -- and shows
you some holds, throws, and pins.....
All this and *much much more* in the world's largest-circulation libertarian
publication...
THE LIBERATOR ONLINE
May 25, 2004
Vol. 9, No. 9
Circulation: 63,529 subscribers in over 100 countries
Published by the Advocates for Self-Government
Edited by James W. Harris,
mailto:james@TheAdvocates.org
Created by Paul Schmidt and James W. Harris
___________________________________________
"The Advocates is for real. Libertarians who want to get real should put into
action what the Advocates teaches."
-- Russell Means, American Indian activist, actor ("Last of the Mohicans"),
author ("Where White Men Fear to Tread").
___________________________________________
CONTENTS
PRESIDENT'S CORNER
* Welcome aboard Bill Winter!
* Advocates busy at upcoming Libertarian Party national convention
* Exciting new Advocates book by Harry Browne now available
* Acclaimed seminar comes to Indianapolis
WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH THE ADVOCATES
* Advocates at national Libertarian Party presidential convention
* "The Art of Libertarian Persuasion," June 12-13, Indianapolis
...and more news and exciting opportunities for libertarians!
GOOD NEWS, BAD NEWS, UNBELIEVABLE NEWS
* Award-Winning Controversial Radio Talk Show Host Is a Libertarian
* Crossfire's Tucker Carlson Recants on Iraq
* Vermont Becomes Ninth State to Legalize Medical Marijuana
* Americans Are Snared in the MATRIX
* Privacy and Civilization...
ASK DR. RUWART
* What will libertarians do about corporate power?
* What happens to troubled farmers if government subsidies are ended?
PERSUASION POWER POINT #163
* Conversation Judo
by Michael Cloud
PRODUCT REVIEW
* "Liberty A-Z: 872 Libertarian Soundbites You Can Use Right Now" by Harry
Browne. Fantastic new book published by the Advocates!
_____________________________________
PRESIDENT'S CORNER
Dear friends,
I am proud and excited to welcome Bill Winter to the Advocates team! Bill joins
us as our new Director of Communications.
Many of you will know Bill as the former editor of Libertarian Party News, and
as former Director of Communications for the Libertarian Party. His work in
those positions received rave reviews.
Bill brings extraordinary expertise, experience and talents to the Advocates.
These include writing, editing, graphic design, publishing, marketing, public
relations, public speaking and more. He's a longtime friend of the Advocates,
and deeply committed to the Advocates mission.
Look for exciting new projects, and dramatic improvements in our existing
services, in the months ahead, thanks to Bill!
* * *
Advocates at Libertarian Party National Convention
If you're attending the Libertarian Party Presidential nominating convention May
27-31, be sure to seek us out.
You won't have to look hard. The Advocates will have a high profile at this
event:
* We'll have two booths in the vendor room.
* We'll also have a table in the main lobby.
* We'll be unveiling SEVERAL major new products -- three new books, a CD, and
more.
* We'll be hosting book signings and other events.
* Mary Ruwart and Bill Winter have been nominated for the LP's Thomas Paine
award for Best Libertarian Communicator, and Advocates Board member James Lark
has been nominated for the Samuel Adams award for outstanding activism.
Advocates people speaking at the event include, in alphabetical order:
* Advocates Board of Directors member Ken Bisson, who will be speaking about
Temperament Types;
* Advocates Board of Directors member Jim Lark, who'll be speaking about college
outreach;
* David Nolan, creator of the chart that is the basis for the World's Smallest
Political Quiz, who will be speaking at the banquet;
* Mary Ruwart, who will be delivering the keynote address, leading discussion
groups, and conducting a "Short Answers to the Tough Questions" workshop;
* Bill Winter, our new Director of Communications, who'll be speaking about
creating effective newsletters;
* ...and me! I'll be doing a communication workshop and also speaking at the
banquet.
Hope to see many of you there! (And for those who won't be attending, C-SPAN
will be covering part of this several-days-long event. Check C-SPAN's listings
for more details.)
* * *
Mark you calendar!
Our acclaimed "The Art of Libertarian Persuasion" seminar is coming to
Indianapolis, Indiana, June 12-13.
This seminar -- which has received rave reviews from attendees -- will be led
again by the stellar team of communication expert Michael Cloud & 1996 and 2000
Libertarian Presidential candidate Harry Browne. I'll be assisting.
You'll learn the very best ways to communicate the ideas of liberty from experts
who have spent decades learning and teaching exactly that. Great for candidates,
campaign workers, and anyone else who wants to dramatically improve their
ability to convince family, friends and the public to understand and embrace
libertarian ideas.
And if you sign up right now, you can save a whopping $55 off the regular price!
To learn more about this great seminar -- and to get the $55 Early Bird savings
- see:
http://www.theadvocates.org/indianapolis-seminar.htm
Seats are limited. I hope to see you there!
* * *
IMPORTANT NEW BOOK BY HARRY BROWNE!
I am proud to announce a new Advocates product: a brand-new book by former
Libertarian Party Presidential candidate Harry Browne!
"Liberty A-Z: 872 Libertarian Soundbites You Can Use Right Now" is the title.
And I think it is, quite simply, one of the most useful books for libertarians
ever written.
During his 1996 and 2000 campaigns, Browne composed nearly 1,000 "soundbites" --
short, thought-provoking, memorable and highly quotable remarks -- on virtually
every question libertarians are commonly asked.
He collected them in a file and committed them to memory. This was one of the
major reasons Browne became famous as one of the finest -- and most quotable --
libertarian communicators ever.
When we learned of the existence of this file, we knew we wanted to share it
with all libertarians. We are proud to make this available at a very low cost.
Harry spent ten years assembling these soundbites. Now you can put them to work
for you -- in your conversations, letters to editors, speeches, with the press,
or on the campaign trail. Anywhere you want to open minds and hearts to the
ideas of liberty!
You can get it now at:
http://www.theadvocates.org/liberator-online-special.html
Or see "Product Review" at the end of this issue to learn more.
* * *
I am pleased to welcome 274 new Liberator Online subscribers this issue. Thanks
for joining our subscription "family" of over 60,000 liberty-loving readers in
over 100 countries!
Enjoy this issue of the Liberator Online.
-- Sharon Harris, President
mailto:sharon@TheAdvocates.org
PS: I mentioned our brand-new book by Harry Browne. Here are some sources to
learn more about it:
* For an INTERVIEW with Harry Browne about the book, please go here:
http://www.theadvocates.org/liberty-a-z-interview.html
* To read what Congressman Ron Paul says about this book, check here:
http://www.theadvocates.org/liberty-a-z-ron-paul.html
* To read a REVIEW of the book by former LP News editor Bill Winter, see:
http://www.theadvocates.org/liberty-a-z-review.html
To PURCHASE, please go here:
http://www.theadvocates.org/liberator-online-special.html
Thank you!
_____________________________________
WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH THE ADVOCATES
* May 27-31: Advocates at Libertarian Party National Convention. Advocates
President Sharon Harris will join an outstanding line-up of speakers at the
presidential nominating convention of the Libertarian Party. Liberator Online
columnist Dr. Mary Ruwart will deliver the keynote address. Advocates and
Advocates friends Ken Bisson, Jim Lark, David Nolan and Bill Winter will be
speaking as well. And the Advocates will have a booth there, too -- come by and
say hello! It will be held in Atlanta, Georgia, on Memorial Day weekend, May
27-31. For more information, see:
http://www.lp.org
* June 12 and 13, Indianapolis, Indiana: The Advocates will again present the
acclaimed seminar "The Art of Libertarian Persuasion." Led by two renowned
masters of libertarian communication: Michael Cloud and two-time Libertarian
presidential candidate Harry Browne, with Advocates President Sharon Harris.
This incredible seminar is guaranteed to dramatically improve your ability to
convince family, friends and the public to understand and embrace libertarian
ideas. Space is limited. Learn all about it -- and for a limited time, save $55
by registering early -- here:
http://www.theadvocates.org/indianapolis-seminar.htm
ONGOING OPPORTUNITIES
* Want to quickly learn the basics of libertarianism -- from some of the best
minds in the liberty movement? Want to help a friend quickly learn about
libertarianism? Check out Libertarianism.com, from the Advocates:
http://www.Libertarianism.com
* FREE Year 2004 Lights of Liberty Awards: You can win certificates, public
recognition, prizes and more for your vital activism for liberty. Awards are
given for: 3 libertarian letters to the editor; OR 3 sessions working at an OPH
booth; OR 3 libertarian-oriented public speeches. Click here to learn more:
http://www.TheAdvocates.org/lights.html
* The Advocates offers you libertarian sources for breaking news and commentary
on the situation in Iraq and related matters:
www.theAdvocates.org/foreign-policy-resources.html
* Communication Bargain of the Century: You can get the great 3-tape audio
course "The Essence of Political Persuasion" from us at the GIVE-AWAY price of
only $7.50 - that price includes handling and First Class mail so you'll get it
right away! We've put over 6,000 sets into the hands of libertarian activists in
the past few years! To order, call us or see:
http://www.theadvocates.org/epp-redirect.html
* Quiz FAQ: Who created the World's Smallest Political Quiz? When and where?
What does your Quiz score mean? The Advocates has created a huge FAQ
("Frequently Answered Questions") to answer many of the most common questions
about the history and theory of the Quiz. You can get to the FAQ by clicking
here:
http://www.TheAdvocates.org/quiz-faq-contents.html
_____________________________________
GOOD NEWS, BAD NEWS, UNBELIEVABLE NEWS
by James W. Harris
Controversial Radio Talk Show Host Is a Libertarian
Award-winning Phoenix, Arizona talk show host Charles Goyette changed his voter
registration from Republican to Libertarian on his show this week. The vast
majority of callers that day congratulated him on his decision.
Goyette had been a self-described "Goldwater conservative" Republican for
decades -- he was a Goldwater campaign volunteer in 1964 at age 14 -- and was
named "Man of the Year" by his county Republican party in 1988. Strongly
inclined towards the libertarian philosophy for years, Goyette had become a
harsh critic of the Bush administration.
In a recent article in The American Conservative magazine entitled "How to Lose
Your Job in Talk Radio: Clear Channel Gags an Anti-War Conservative," Goyette
told how his criticism of the Bush administration, and particularly his
heartfelt opposition to the Iraq war, cost him his job at the wildly pro-Bush
station. First he was removed from his drive-time slot at KFYI in Phoenix and
banished to a far less desirable slot he describes as "radio Outer Darkness."
The other radio hosts at KFYI attacked him savagely during their shows. Then,
when his contract expired, he was dropped entirely. Goyette says that the KFYI
station manager told him: "With you, I feel like I'm managing the Dixie Chicks."
(The station management now says they dropped Goyette because of ratings,
something they earlier denied. Goyette says that, just prior to being moved out
of his slot, he had actually been given a bonus because of his ratings
performance for the quarter. The pro-war hosts who replaced Goyette have had
significantly lower ratings.)
Happily, Goyette is now at KFNX News Radio 1100, a larger station, which
describes him as "Arizona's best-known talk host of all time." His show
currently airs Monday-Friday 1-3 PM Pacific Time, and, as listeners can attest,
he has not softened his stance one bit.
Goyette grew up in Flagstaff and started in radio at Northern Arizona
University's campus station. Of those college radio days, Goyette says that ".we
used to leave a window in the back of the radio station unlocked, then after it
signed off the air at night and the building was locked, we slipped in through
the window and fired the station back up. I suppose the reason we never got
caught was that no one was listening!"
Goyette has been interviewed by newspapers and radio stations around the world,
and has appeared on national television shows on MSNBC and Fox, including The
O'Reilly Factor. A dynamic and popular public speaker, he has addressed
conferences, seminar and civic audiences across the country on economic and
national policy issues.
Goyette was named "Best Talk Show Host of 2003" by the Phoenix New Times.
(Source: CharlesGoyette.com
http://www.charlesgoyette.com
The American Conservative article:
http://www.amconmag.com/2_2_04/article3.html
Special thanks to Ernest Hancock)
* * *
Tucker Carlson Recants on Iraq
"I supported the war and now I feel foolish. I'm just struck by how many people
like me who were instinctively distrustful of government forgot to be humble in
our expectations."
-- conservative CNN commentator Tucker Carlson, of "Crossfire"
(Source: New York Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/16/weekinreview/16tier.html?pagewanted=2&ei=1&en=36948dc7d36dd963&ex=1085753170&adxnnl=0&adxnnlx=1084755634-duB4NPwSL6P4hzUhgP3%2BZg
)
* * *
Vermont Becomes Ninth State to Legalize Medical Marijuana
The use of marijuana for medical reasons is now legal in Vermont -- for some
patients, in some circumstances, anyway.
Senate Bill 76, which enacts legal protections for people using marijuana to
treat AIDS, cancer or multiple sclerosis, passed Vermont's senate May 19 by a
vote of 20-7.
The bill passed despite strong lobbying from the Bush administration and a
personal visit to the Vermont legislature by Andrea Barthwell, deputy director
of the federal Drug Czar's office. (Your tax dollars at work -- a federal agent
lobbying against proposed state legislation.) Governor James Douglas has refused
to sign the bill, but will let it become law without his signature.
Unfortunately the bill, while a vast improvement over the previous prohibition,
passed in a watered-down form, and is tepid and quite statist.
Only AIDS, cancer or multiple sclerosis patients are protected. With their
doctor's permission, they will be allowed to grow up to three marijuana plants
in a locked room and possess two ounces of "usable pot." And users will be under
the supervision of the Department of Public Safety.
That's a far cry from a libertarian position, which would simply be to leave
adults who want to use marijuana -- whether for medical purposes or other
purposes -- alone. Still, it nonetheless is a huge victory, and sparks hopes for
further future reform.
Noteworthy:
* Vermont now becomes the ninth state to let patients grow, possess and use
marijuana for medical use.
* Vermont is the second state to do so through the legislative process, as
opposed to citizen ballot initiative. (Hawaii was the first.)
* Vermont joins Maine as the second medical marijuana states on the East Coast.
Medical marijuana activists believe this victory in Vermont will help pave the
way for other nearby state legislatures to pass medical marijuana bills without
fear of political repercussions.
Marijuana reform groups NORML and the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) played
major roles in the effort, working with local activists. Both organizations
stressed the importance of local citizen input in the victory. MPP notes this
was the culmination of a three-year effort that faced major political
opposition, including former governor Howard Dean, a Democrat, as well as the
current governor, a Republican.
"This legislation undoubtedly would not have passed were it not for the
thousands of letters of support that state legislators received from concerned
citizens," NORML said in a letter to supporters. "Because of your help and
support, hundreds of seriously ill patients no longer have to use their medicine
in fear."
Sources: Marijuana Policy Project
http://www.mpp.org/releases/nr052004.html
NORML: http://www.norml.org/
* * *
Americans Are Snared in the MATRIX
MATRIX, a creepy federally-funded "data-mining" program operated by a private
company, sent federal law enforcement authorities a list of 120,000 names of
individuals who the program had scored as having a high potential "terrorism
quotient." And Seisint, the private company that operates MATRIX under federal
supervision, claims that scores of arrests have come from that list.
These charges were made by the ACLU at a May 20 news conference in Miami. The
ACLU based the charges on documents obtained from public records requests filed
in several states and with the Justice Department.
MATRIX stands for "Multistate Anti-Terrorist Information Exchange." MATRIX
enables law enforcement agencies to instantly share information and rapidly sort
through billions of computerized records to search for "anomalies" that may be
indicative of terrorist or other criminal activity.
MATRIX snoops through a vast and disturbing collection of government and private
records, including firearms and hunting licenses, motor vehicle and driver
record information, criminal history records, bankruptcy filings, professional
licenses, voter registration information, credit histories and -- particularly
alarming -- raw (and often inaccurate) data from police investigators. Billions
of records on millions of Americans are being stored and controlled by a private
company, Seisint, Inc.
The ACLU points out that these records contain errors that could lead to false
accusations, creating nightmares for untold numbers of innocent Americans.
MATRIX has been controversial since it was launched in 2002. At that time 13
states that included more than half of the U.S. population participated. Since
then, all but five have dropped out, citing privacy concerns as well as costs.
The five states remaining -- Florida, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Michigan and
Ohio -- contain about 19 percent of the U.S. population.
The ACLU also announced they have uncovered evidence that MATRIX may actually be
controlled by the federal Department of Homeland Security (DHS). DHS gave MATRIX
at least $8 million last year, and a July 2003 document discovered and released
by the ACLU indicates that this funding gave DHS "managerial oversight and
control" of MATRIX.
Critics from across the political spectrum have noted that MATRIX bears
disturbing resemblances to the Pentagon's notorious Total Information Awareness
(TIA) program. TIA's mission, as we've described it in past issues, was to build
a worldwide data-mining program that would pore through computer records on
individuals and build profiles. TIA was officially dropped last year when
Congress, responding to public outcry, halted funding of it. However, reports
indicate that many TIA programs may be continuing in other guises.
"Congress shut down TIA, and it should shut down the Matrix as well,"said Barry
Steinhardt, Director of the ACLU's Technology and Liberty Program.
(Sources: ACLU media release:
http://www.aclu.org/Privacy/Privacy.cfm?ID=15834&c=130
Reuters news service:
http://news.com.com/Datamining+for+terrorists+sparks+U.S.+privacy+fears/2100-1028_3-5217440.html?tag=nefd.hed
)
* * *
Privacy and Civilization...
"Civilization is the progress toward a society of privacy."
-- Ayn Rand, The Fountainhead, 1943.
* * *
"Good News, Bad News, Unbelievable News" writer James W. Harris is editor of the
Liberator Online. His articles have appeared in numerous magazines and
newspapers, including The Nation, Reason, The Freeman, the National Taxpayers
Union's Dollars and Sense, the Atlanta Constitution, and many more. He has been
a Finalist in the Mencken Awards, given by the Free Press Association for
"Outstanding Journalism in Support of Liberty."
_____________________________________
ASK DR. RUWART
How can you answer difficult questions about libertarianism -- in short,
positive, persuasive soundbite-sized responses? It's a challenge every
libertarian communicator faces.
Dr. Mary Ruwart is a leading expert in libertarian communication, and author of
the international bestseller Healing Our World. In this column she gives readers
"short answers to the tough questions" that libertarians are frequently asked.
If you'd like Dr. Ruwart to craft effective answers to YOUR "tough questions" on
libertarian issues, just email the questions to her at:
mailto:ruwart@TheAdvocates.org
Due to volume, Dr. Ruwart can't personally answer or acknowledge all email
queries. But we'll run the best questions -- and Dr. Ruwart's answers -- in
upcoming issues.
Dr. Ruwart's past Liberator Online answers are archived in searchable form at:
http://www.TheAdvocates.org/ruwart/categories_list.php
* * *
What will libertarians do about corporate power?
Question:
"Corporations receive billions in government subsidies, use the government
tolegislate their profits and stomp on their competition, and their internal
policies toward their employees are often the least generous of any institution
in our society. Opening up a free market to this powerful lobby sounds scary.
Any suggestions?"
My short answer:
"A free market is the only way to control corporations! As long as government
has the power to regulate business, business will control government by funding
the candidate that legislates in their favor. A free market thwarts lobbying by
taking the power that corporations seek away from government!
"For example, in a libertarian society, government could not give subsidies,
legislate profits, or introduce legislation designed to favor big business as it
does today. When regulations are proposed, big business cries, 'Don't throw me
in the briar patch!' More regulation means that their smaller competitors are
forced out of business.
"Free markets, by encouraging competition, expand the economy and create more
jobs. Employees would have more choice and flexibility to move if they weren't
treated well. Without the regulation that big business wants, employees could
much more easily become their own bosses. Employers who didn't treat employees
well might find themselves creating competitors!"
* * *
What happens to troubled farmers if government subsidies are ended?
Question:
"If you remove all farm subsidies, what happens to the farmer whendrought or
flood hits and he losses his crop for a year?"
My short answer:
"Like other business people, farmers plan for bad years through savings,
insurance, etc. If they fail to make such plans, they suffer the same fate as
other businesses operating on the edge -- they go under in tough times. They are
bought out by someone who manages better. The displaced farmers find an
occupation more suited to their particular talents.
"Subsidies discourage good management and encourage inefficiency. As a result,
consumers pay more for less."
* * *
Dr. Ruwart's acclaimed book "Healing Our World" presents persuasive arguments
for liberty, backed with over 1,000 references showing how liberty works.
Dr. Ruwart is also the author of "Short Answers to the Tough Questions" -- an
essential guide for anyone wanting to become a better libertarian communicator.
Both Mary Ruwart books are available from the Advocates:
http://www.theadvocates.org/Merchant2/merchant.mv
_____________________________________
PERSUASION POWER POINT #163
Conversation Judo
by Michael Cloud
"Your libertarian society might work if people were angels. But they're not.
There are murderers, rapists, muggers, and thieves. There are con artists,
dishonest businessmen, and unprincipled people who skirt the furry fringes of
the law. Without a strong and vigilant government, they'd trample us underfoot.
If it weren't for the Big Government you despise so much, we'd be at the mercy
of every stray criminal who comes down the pike," charges the critic.
The libertarian responds, "Do you really believe that people are evil? That fear
of the law is the only thing that stands between most people and criminal
behavior? Most individuals are peaceful and honest. Sure, there are some
criminals. And they would be held accountable by small government police forces
and courts. Since libertarian police and courts wouldn't be wasting time on
victimless crimes, they'd be able to crack down on the thugs who violate the
life, liberty, or property of decent people."
Sound familiar? This exchange follows the pattern of a formal debate. The first
speaker makes an assertion, gives evidence, and provides a conclusion.
The second speaker denies the assertion, refutes the evidence or argument, and
draws new conclusions. Then they move to Round Two.
The debate format is an adversarial relationship. A combative, competitive
ego-heavy encounter. In a debate, the participants are geared toward winning,
not discovering the truth. They act like lawyers, not scientists.
A debate may enlighten and persuade listeners. But it rarely changes the minds
of the participants.
If we want to persuade the person who raised this argument against freedom, we
need a different approach.
Re-read the first paragraph, and then try this Conversation Judo move:
"I agree. There are evil people. And there's one thing even more dangerous than
evil people. That's evil people with power. Evil people with the power to pass
and enforce laws, the power to raise taxes, the power to start wars. A Charles
Manson is frightening. But an Adolph Hitler is terrifying. Power doesn't just
corrupt; it attracts the corrupt in spirit, the criminal personalities. As long
as criminals exist, as long as evil people dwell among us, Big Government will
be an irresistible temptation. Big Government is too tantalizing and too
destructive a weapon to leave around. For our safety and well-being, we must
make government small."
In martial arts, judo is called "the gentle way." Judo uses the force of the
attacker to attain the goals of the defender.
Judo does not resist the attack. When they push, you pull. When they pull, you
push.
Like an attack, an argument possesses both strengths and weakness. The
assertions, evidence, or reasoning may imply conclusions that shatter the
attack. They contain their own direction and momentum. Logically. Rhetorically.
Psychologically.
Conversation Judo turns the force of the argument toward the conclusions of
liberty.
Not all arguments are vulnerable to Conversation Judo. Preliminary analysis is
necessary. Isolate the key assertions, arguments, and evidence. Then ask whether
they might presuppose or entail pro-liberty positions. If even one of the key
assertions, arguments, or facts has pro-freedom implications, you have a
candidate for this technique. Be certain to verify your reasoning before using
it in an encounter.
There are four steps in the Conversation Judo Format:
1. Accept and embrace the thrust of the key assertion or argument you isolated.
As in judo, blend with the attack -- do not resist it.
2. Add your information and insights to the key claim. Use the style and
rhetoric of the original argument. This builds momentum.
3. Direct the argument toward your libertarian conclusions. Use the reasoning
from your preliminary analysis. Use the other person's language.
4. Remain silent. Let him consider what has happened. Your goal is to allow the
critic to see the error of his attack. Noblesse oblige. Add no insult to injury.
Give him no reason to renew his attack, and he may stop and think.
With this format in mind, let's take on another objection to liberty.
The critic says, "Laissez-faire capitalism caters to selfishness. It appeals to
greed, rewards the most materialistic, and panders to man's basest desires. Who
could condone an economic system that proposes to make a virtue of selfishness?"
Conversation Judo response, "I agree. An economic system that teaches and
encourages individuals to think only of themselves, to say `To hell with other
people and what they want!', would be a bleak and barren way of life. That's
what's great about the free market. It forces businesses to satisfy the wants
and needs of consumers just to survive. To prosper, a business must find ways to
serve consumers better and more cheaply. To cater to their
budgets and desires. The free market rewards empathy and service."
Try your hand at Conversation Judo with these candidates:
* "I'm opposed to free enterprise. It leads to Big Business. Big Business
squeezes out the little guy and then takes us all for a ride."
* "Freedom sounds fine. Eat, drink, and be merry. Sleep with whoever you want.
Use drugs. Let the rest of the world go to hell in a handbasket. You're talking
about license. I can't support the kind of irresponsibility you're condoning."
* "Sounds nice for the middle class and the rich. But what about the poor?
You're just giving them 'freedom to starve.'"
Conversation Judo has a number of virtues. It's unexpected. It surprises people
with new alternatives and insights. It doesn't threaten or damage the attacker.
Though it does puzzle and disorient him. It's effective. And it changes many
people's minds.
But it also has limits. It can't always be used. And it must be practiced. As
with all martial arts.
******************
Michael Cloud is Persuasion columnist for the Liberator Online and The
Libertarian Communicator. In July 2000, at the Libertarian Party national
convention, Cloud was voted the Most Persuasive Libertarian Communicator in
America and honored with the Thomas Paine Award.
Michael Cloud is creator of "The Essence of Political Persuasion," the classic
3-tape libertarian communication course, available exclusively from the
Advocates at the give-away price of only $7.50 postpaid (includes shipping and
postage!). For more information, or to order, click here:
http://www.theadvocates.org/epp-redirect.html
Michael Cloud created the acclaimed "Art of Libertarian Persuasion"
communication seminars. Watch upcoming issues of the Liberator Online to learn
when this Advocates seminar will be held near you.
_____________________________________
PRODUCT REVIEW: Great new libertarian outreach book!
"Liberty A-Z: 872 Libertarian Soundbites You Can Use Right Now" by Harry Browne.
Foreword by Congressman Ron Paul. Quality paperback. 192 pages. $13.95 (plus
shipping).
"Harry Browne's new book will prove very useful to those interested in advancing
the freedom philosophy. Harry provides libertarians with direct,
thought-provoking, and often humorous responses to the questions advocates of
the freedom philosophy face."
-- from the foreword by U.S. Congressman Ron Paul (R-TX).
This brand-new book is published by the Advocates for Self-Government. And we
believe it is, quite simply, one of the most useful books for libertarians ever
written.
During his 1996 and 2000 campaigns as Libertarian Party candidate for President,
Harry Browne quickly became famous as one of the finest -- and most quotable --
libertarian communicators ever.
Now, with this book, Harry lets you in on one of his big secrets -- and gives
you the chance to achieve libertarian communication excellence.
During his campaigns, Browne created a file of nearly 1,000 "soundbites" --
short, thought-provoking, highly quotable remarks -- on virtually every question
libertarians are commonly asked.
He then committed them to memory. When reporters asked, he was ready.
This book contains the best of those tested, proven soundbites. Ready for you to
adapt to your own style and put to use for liberty.
Harry covers just about every political topic imaginable: Affirmative Action,
Balanced Budget, Campaign Finance, Defense, Education, Federal Spending, Gun
Control, Health Care, Immigration, Jobs, Libertarianism, Morality, National
Interest, Oil, Pornography, Quotas, Republicans, Social Security, Terrorism,
Utopian Thinking, Victimless Crimes, Welfare, Young People, Zero (a Flat Tax
Rate of) -- and hundreds of other issues. It's organized alphabetically by topic
for quick and easy reference.
This is simply essential for anyone interested in spreading libertarian ideas,
to anyone, in any forum.
ORDERING
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