Libertarianism: It’s Not a Dirty Word

The resurgence of libertarianism as both a social philosophy and political movement has disrupted business as usual in both national and local politics.  While Ron and Rand Paul put a national face to the libertarian movement, libertarians both inside and independent of the Republican Party have brought fresh and passionate voices to town halls and the Minnesota legislature.

While the liberty movement threatens establishment Republicans, it drives many on the democratic left just short of crazy. For many, libertarianism is indeed a dirty word.  But wait!  It turns out that libertarian principles are baked deep into American political culture.  Whatever its merits or demerits, most of us have at least a little libertarian in us.

Besides, it turns out that there are several issues where libertarians and many on the left find common  ground: the restoration of voting rights for felons and criminal justice reform more generally; sharp reductions in defense spending; a skepticism of U.S. interventions abroad; and deep commitment to privacy rights in the digital age—to name just a few.

So what is libertarianism anyway?  What are its core tenets?  Do libertarians agree on everything?  What are libertarians trying to achieve here in Minnesota and nationwide? 

Join Truth to Tell co-hosts Siobhan Kierans and Tom O’Connell as they explore libertarianism as both a social philosophy and political practice with their guests:

David Arvidson, State Chair, the Libertarian Party of Minnesota   www.lpmn.org

Karl Eggers, Liberty Minnesota Political PAC   www.libertyminnesota.com

Tom Atchison, Professor of Philosophy, Metropolitan State University