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Volume 19, No. 1                     January 13, 2014
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The Liberator Online

for everyone who loves Liberty
Published by The Advocates for Self-Government
"The Advocates for Self-Government is one of
the freedom movement's leading organizations."

—  Ron Paul, The Congressional Record, June 30, 2010
WELCOME to the Liberator Online!

In This Issue

PRESIDENT'S CORNER
* Harry Browne's Libertarian New Year's Resolutions

INTELLECTUAL AMMUNITION
* Rand Paul and Sen. Cory Booker: We're Taking on the Drug War in 2014
* Gallup Poll: Nearly 3 in 4 Americans Say "Big Government Is our Greatest Threat"
* VIDEO: 2014 — The Most Libertarian Year Ever?
* Washington Post: Year 2013 Proved "Paranoids" Were… Right
 
THEY SAID IT:  Why are US Special Operations forces deployed in over 60% of the world's nations, asks award-winning journalist.... Founders would be "aghast" at unconstitutional NSA spying, says federal judge.... Snowden is justified by ruling.... Two-thirds of the federal budget is unconstitutional, says Walter Williams.... Jay Leno throws (The) Stones at Congress....

PERSUASION POWER POINT #362 by Michael Cloud
A Modest Proposal for New Year's Resolutions

ASK DR. RUWART by Mary Ruwart
* Should libertarians work within the Libertarian Party? 

ONE-MINUTE LIBERTY TIP by Sharon Harris
* The "Trickle Down Economics" Myth — and How to Refute It

WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH THE ADVOCATES
* Upcoming: Advocates communication workshops and speeches
* FREE OPH KITS for libertarian student groups!
* Join the Advocates on Twitter
* Join the Advocates on Facebook
* 2014 Freedom Cruises
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President's Corner

by Sharon Harris







Harry Browne's Libertarian New Year's Resolutions

Dear friend,

How are those New Year's resolutions holding up?

Several years ago, Harry Browne — 1996 and 2000 Libertarian Party presidential candidate, world-renowned libertarian speaker and writer, and very good friend of the Advocates — made his libertarian New Year's resolutions.

The result was a compact how-to of effective libertarian communication, by one of history's most persuasive advocates of the ideas of liberty.

I am delighted once more to share this inspiring and uplifting classic with you. Consider adding these resolutions to your own resolutions this year — and share them with other libertarians.

*  *  *

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 â€” 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.
 
*  *  *
Harry passed away in March of 2006. His last speech was given at the Advocates' 20th anniversary celebration. He was a great friend of the Advocates, and a great friend of liberty. 
 
If enough of us follow Harry's advice above, we can make 2014 the best year yet for the libertarian movement. 
 
There could be no greater tribute to Harry — and no greater gift to America!

To learn more about how Harry became a great communicator for liberty, order his extraordinarily useful Advocates book, Liberty A to Z: 872 Libertarian Soundbites You Can Use Right Now. 

Harry called this book "my gift to the libertarian movement" and it belongs on the shelf of anyone seriously interested in successfully spreading libertarian ideas. 
 
Yours for Liberty,

Sharon

PS: If one of your New Year's resolutions is to support highly effective outreach for liberty, please check out our End of Year Report.

It gives some highlights of the many outstanding things the Advocates did to advance the cause of liberty this past year — and tells some of what we're planning for 2014.

If you donate now we have some great gifts reserved for you — including the very last copies of one of the most acclaimed libertarian books of the past quarter century.

Even if you're not able to donate, I hope you'll take a moment to glance over this letter. The good news you'll find there is guaranteed to give you a boost of honest optimism — and that's something we can all use!

You can read it here.

Thank you!
“The triumph of the human spirit over evil and oppression.”
 
That’s how an Amazon reviewer describes A Dream of Daring, Gen LaGreca’s epic new novel.
 
In the South before the Civil War, a visionary planter’s radical ideas and breakthrough invention threaten the townspeople’s privileged way of life, based on slavery and power. Tensions mount when his device is stolen and a respected community patriarch is murdered.
 
Ingenious and original, A Dream of Daring unfolds a sweeping story of secrets, lies, and forbidden romance. It’s an irresistible page-turner, packed with suspense and surprising plot twists. The ideas and themes are directly relevant to today’s struggle for freedom.
 
This inspiring future libertarian classic is available in paperback and e-book at Amazon, here.

Intellectual Ammunition

by James W. Harris





Rand Paul and Sen. Cory Booker: We're Taking On the Drug War in 2014 

Talk about New Year's resolutions. 

Liberal Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey and Sen. Rand Paul (R-Liberty) have publicly vowed, via Twitter, to work together to take on the failed War on Drugs in 2014. 

The idea of a partnership between the two on this crucial issue began — publicly at least — in late December, when Booker and Paul exchanged a series of tweets. After some joking back and forth about Festivus, the parody holiday popularized by the sitcom "Seinfeld," Paul responded more seriously: "how about mandatory minimum sentencing reform instead?" Booker tweeted back the suggestion they "throw in reforming Fed Hemp & Marijuana laws."

To which Paul replied: "I'm the Senate author of Hemp bill!" (Paul here refers to his Industrial Hemp Farming Act bill, which would re-legalize hemp for industrial uses.)

Booker responded: "I know… Here is to a 2014 where we take on the failed war on drugs."

The possibility of liberty-oriented single-issue coalitions with the left and right on specific issues has long intrigued libertarians. In a year when drug reform is in the air,  Paul and Booker sound ready to lead the way. 
 
Gallup Poll: Nearly 3 in 4 Americans Say "Big Government Is Our Greatest Threat"

For nearly 50 years Gallup has polled the American public on this question: "In your opinion, which of the following will be the biggest threat to the country in the future — big business, big labor, or big government?" 

In mid-December Gallup announced this year's result: Fully 72 percent of Americans now say big government is a greater threat to the U.S. than either big business or big labor. 

That's an all-time record — and by a sizeable margin. 

A majority of Americans have always chosen "big government" when asked this question. But the 72% choice of big government as the biggest threat is the largest ever, far surpassing the prior record of 65% in 1999 and 2000. 

(For comparison, when the poll was first taken in 1965, only 35% of Americans thought big government was the greatest threat.)

This year just 21% named big business as the greatest threat, and only 5%, a record low, said big labor.

Further, the response is consistent across party lines. Gallup notes: "Each party group currently rates big government as the greatest threat to the country, including a record-high 92% of Republicans and 71% of independents, as well as 56% of Democrats."

Concludes Gallup: "This suggests that government policies specific to the period, such as the Affordable Care Act — perhaps coupled with recent revelations of government spying tactics by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden — may be factors.

"Americans have consistently viewed big government as a greater threat to the United States than either big business or big labor, but never more than they do now. That may be partly a reaction to an administration that favors the use of government to solve problems. Also, the revelation of widespread government monitoring of U.S. Internet activity may be a factor in raising Americans' concern about the government. …

"In the future, Americans likely will continue to view big government as the greatest threat of the three, partly because of Republicans' reluctance to rely on government to solve problems, and because Democrats and independents are also inclined to view big government as a greater threat than big business or big labor."

VIDEO: 2014 — The Most Libertarian Year Ever?

Here's a great way to start 2014: Indulge in a healthy dose of realistic libertarianism optimism!

In this short (two minutes) video, Reason TV's Nick Gillespie gives three solid reasons why 2014 might well be the most libertarian year ever. 


The best thing is, while he's right about all three reasons, knowledgeable libertarians can easily add many more reasons to his list. 

And that's great news indeed! 

Washington Post: Year 2013 Proved "Paranoids" Were… Right

"2013 is the year that proved your 'paranoid' friend right." That's the title of a funny, but alarming, end-of-year column by Washington Post technology policy reporter Andrea Peterson. 

"Most people involved in the tech scene have at least one friend who has been warning everyone they know about protecting their digital trail for years — and have watched that friend get accused of being a tinfoil-hat-wearing conspiracy theorist. But 2013 is the year that proved your 'paranoid' friend right," Peterson's column begins. 

"It's now a matter of public record that the NSA collects and stores the calling records of domestic phone calls, tracks the location of millions of mobile devices worldwide, infiltrates the data links between the data centers of tech companies used by millions of Americans, piggybacks onto commercial tracking mechanisms, collected potentially sensitive online metadata for years and actively worked to undermine the privacy and security measures that underpin the Internet. And considering the purported size of the Snowden cache, that could be the tip of the metaphorical iceberg."

The NSA story alone confirms those who suspected the government of monstrous deeds, Peterson says. But there is so much more. 

"For instance, the ACLU released a cache of documents showing that police around the country are collecting license plate scanner information [from people who are completely innocent] that could be used to track physical locations of many Americans… when you pool together huge databases of this type of location information, it can create incredibly intimate portraits of how individuals live their lives â€” including where they work, which friends they visit and what doctors they see."

And how's this for sheer B-movie uber-creepiness: 

"Someone might be watching you through your laptop's webcam — without even activating the warning light. Reports say the FBI has had this capability for several years, and researchers at John's Hopkins were able to demonstrate how to covertly spy via webcams in MacBooks. Good thing you can cover up your webcam. Too bad there's not a similarly easy solution for stopping hackers from listening in on your laptop's built-in microphone."

Check Peterson's excellent article â€” complete with extensive links — for more disturbing examples and information. 

And we suppose she ran out of room, because there is much more surveillance-state stuff she could have mentioned: public spy cameras, the huge federal arsenal of malware, US surveillance of Cloud computing… not to mention secret laws approved in secret courts, presidents who can start wars on their say-so and kill civilians without warrants or trial… but don't get us started. 

Peterson's conclusion: "…you owe your paranoid friend a beer."
 
* * * * * * * *
Intellectual Ammunition is written by Liberator Online editor James W. Harris. His articles have appeared in numerous magazines and newspapers, and he has been a Finalist for the Mencken Awards, given by the Free Press Association for "Outstanding Journalism in Support of Liberty."

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THEY SAID IT...

SECRETIVE US SPECIAL OP FORCES DEPLOYED WORLDWIDE: "A review of open-source information reveals that in 2012 and 2013, US Special Operations forces (SOF) were likely deployed to — or training, advising or operating with the personnel of — more than 100 foreign countries. And that's probably an undercount. In 2011, then-SOCOM spokesman Colonel Tim Nye told TomDispatch that Special Operations personnel were annually sent to 120 countries around the world. They were in, that is, about 60 percent of the nations on the planet. … SOCOM is weaving a complex web of alliances with government agencies at home and militaries abroad to ensure that it's at the center of every conceivable global hot spot and power center. In fact, Special Operations Command has turned the planet into a giant battlefield…" — award-winning journalist Nick Turse, "Why Are US Special Operations Forces Deployed in Over 100 Countries? That's over 60 percent of the nations on the planet," The Nation, January 7, 2014.   

JUDGE: FOUNDERS WOULD BE "AGHAST" AT NSA: "[N]o court has ever recognized a special need sufficient to justify continuous, daily searches of virtually every American citizen without any particularized suspicion. … I have little doubt that the author of our Constitution, James Madison, who cautioned us to beware 'the abridgement of freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments by those in power,' would be aghast." — from U.S. District Court Judge Richard Leon's Dec. 16 ruling that the National Security Agency's bulk collection of phone records was "almost certainly" unconstitutional. The issue seems headed to the Supreme Court.

SNOWDEN JUSTIFIED: "I acted on my belief that the NSA's mass surveillance programs would not withstand a constitutional challenge, and that the American public deserved a chance to see these issues determined by open courts. Today, a secret program authorized by a secret court was, when exposed to the light of day, found to violate Americans' rights. It is the first of many." — NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden reacting to U.S. District Court Judge Richard Leon's Dec. 16 ruling (above). 

OUR UNCONSTITUTIONAL GOVERNMENT: "Article I, Section 8 of our Constitution lists the activities for which Congress is authorized to tax and spend. Nowhere on that list is there authority for Congress to tax and spend for: Medicare, Social Security, public education, farm subsidies, bank and business bailouts, food stamps and thousands of other activities that account for roughly two-thirds of the federal budget. Neither is there authority for congressional mandates to citizens about what type of health insurance they must purchase, how states and people may use their land, the speed at which they can drive, whether a library has wheelchair ramps, and the gallons of water used per toilet flush. The list of congressional violations of both the letter and spirit of the Constitution is virtually without end. Our derelict Supreme Court has given Congress sanction to do just about anything for which they can muster a majority vote." — economist and syndicated columnist Walter Williams, "Parting Company," Jan. 1, 2014. 

JAY LENO STONES CONGRESS:  "In defending the budget deal, Congressman Paul Ryan quoted the Rolling Stones and said, 'You can't always get what you want.' When it comes to Congress, here's a better Stones quote: 'Can't get no satisfaction.' How about that?" — Jay Leno Dec. 13, 2013. 
 
* * * * * * * * * *
"They Said It..." is compiled by Liberator Online editor James W. Harris.
 

Persuasion Power Point #362

by Michael Cloud





A Modest Proposal for New Year's Resolutions

We're now well into the New Year. If you're like a lot of people, you've either made New Year's resolutions or you're thinking you ought to make some. 
 
"Let's see. I ought to lose 10 pounds. And I probably ought to stop smoking. Oh yeah, I need to spend more time with my spouse," you might say.
 
So you write down these items. New Year's is a good time to improve yourself. And this time you'll really keep your resolutions. Uh-huh.
 
Why did you pick these resolutions?
 
They're hard. They're important. They're uplifting. And you'd feel really proud of yourself if you actually accomplished them.
 
So you start out with the best of intentions. The highest of hopes. And a grim determination.
 
Then you break one of them. You forget another. Before you know it, your resolutions have you on your back, all four feet in the air, another victim of resolution road kill.
 
You feel guilty. You get a funny-looking grin on your face when your friends ask you, "How are your resolutions coming?"
 
Your self-esteem plummets. Until time lets you forget all about the resolutions.
 
Frankly, this isn't good for you.
 
It isn't good for the people you spend time with.
 
But I have a solution.
 
It's bold, breathtaking, and BIG.
 
It feeds your need to be uplifted. It gives you a steely look and the calm confidence of a poker player holding four Aces.
 
THE BIG TRUTH: Most of your problems are caused by other people.
 
Your life would be a whole lot smoother if other people were way more considerate of your wants and needs. Of your hopes and expectations.
 
Your life would be a whole lot better if other people would stop being so selfish.
 
Always putting themselves first. Always thinking about their problems. Always wanting things their way.
 
Most religions teach that it is better to give than to receive.
 
So what is the greatest gift you can give to others?
 
The opportunity for them to give.
 
THE MODEST PROPOSAL: Write New Year's Resolutions for other people. Tell them exactly how they can make your life better, and nicer, and happier.
 
Why should you lose 10 pounds? After all, how many times do you look in the mirror each day? They should lose 10 pounds. You look at them more often than you look at yourself.
 
And they should learn to say, "You're not fat. You're snuggly."
 
Why should you stop smoking? They should learn to appreciate the fragrant smell of burning tobacco. And enjoy the process of scooping up ashes that have fallen in the wrong place. And cleaning out ashtrays.
 
Why should you spend more time with your spouse?
 
She should appreciate the spare moments you ration out. After all, the rare is the precious. If diamonds were commonplace, who would value them? If your time were commonplace, would your wife really appreciate you?
 
Remember, most of your problems are caused by other people.
 
That means that most of your solutions can be provided by other people. Unless they insist on selfishness.
 
Maybe your friends don't call you often enough. Or invite you to dinner regularly. Or listen in rapt attention when you repeat your story for the 11th time.
 
It is better to give than to receive. Help them give. Write their resolutions so that they can learn to give and give and give.
 
Write their resolutions so that they can grow and grow and grow.
 
So they can be more worthy of being your friend.
 
So make up a list of your friends. Write out their New Year's Resolutions. The resolutions that put you first. The resolutions that make them better friends. Resolutions that let them live to give.
 
If they keep those resolutions, they'll become stronger and better.
 
If they fail to keep the New Year's Resolutions you wrote for them, they will feel frustrated. Guilty. They will suffer plummeting self-esteem.
 
Help your friends become better people. Write their New Year's Resolutions today.
 
Some day they'll thank you.

* * * * * * * *
Michael Cloud's latest book Unlocking More Secrets of Libertarian Persuasion is available exclusively from the Advocates, along with his acclaimed earlier book Secrets of Libertarian Persuasion.

In 2000, Michael was honored with the Thomas Paine Award as the Most Persuasive Libertarian Communicator in America.
Unlocking More Secrets of Libertarian Persuasion

Transform your libertarian outreach!

Click cover to see more and order.
 

Ask Dr. Ruwart

Dr. Mary Ruwart is a leading expert in libertarian communication. In this column she offers short answers to real questions about libertarianism. To submit questions to Dr. Ruwart, see end of column.

Should libertarians work within the Libertarian Party? 

QUESTION: I'm very disappointed in the Libertarian Party (LP). It doesn't elect many libertarians. Shouldn't we just try to take over the GOP and work within that party instead?

MY SHORT ANSWER: Some individuals feel called to do that, but it's tough. After Congressman Ron Paul qualified to be nominated for president in 2012, the GOP changed the rules at the last minute to exclude him. 

The LP has had great success at rolling back Big Government without electing anyone. When the city of Kalamazoo tried to take some land by eminent domain shortly after my run for city commission, an elderly gentleman came up to me and put $200 cash into my hand. 

"Dr. Ruwart," he said, "the city wants to take my bicycle shop. I know your employer, Upjohn, is going to benefit, but YOU are a Libertarian, so I know you are on my side. Take this money and fight them for me!" 

Clearly, I had a conflict of interest, but this gentleman trusted me because the LP candidates had made principle their campaign focal point. The local LP joined the fight — and stopped the land grab.  

This is what the LP does best. It stops eminent domain, tax hikes, etc. at the local level, even without ever electing anyone.

The LP does this at the state and national level too. LP member Steve Kubby and the California LP were key players in getting the first medical marijuana bill passed. Many states now have medical marijuana laws and a couple have decriminalized it.  Big Government was rolled back without ever electing anyone.  

About 80% of the visible critics of ClintonCare (myself included) were libertarians. Although Libertarians haven't taken credit for it, they were the prime movers in stopping ClintonCare. Big Government was thwarted — for a while, at least — without ever electing anyone.  

Maybe the LP should run candidates so that people know where to turn when Big Government comes knocking at their door. Rolling back Big Government is something the LP can do, whether or not it elects candidates. 

LEARN MORE: Suggested further reading from Liberator Online editor James W. Harris on this topic:

* "7 Vital Reasons to Join the Libertarian Party Now." In this short piece the Libertarian Party makes its case for why it is essential in the fight for liberty. 

* Libertarians Save Taxpayers Billions: "Libertarian Party Successes" by "Critto" is an informal forum post at the website of the Free State Project. It lists a number of major anti-tax efforts initiated by, led by, or joined by, the Libertarian Party. It argues persuasively that the Libertarian Party has helped save taxpayers literally billions of dollars. No doubt this list, which is ten years old, could be enormously expanded. Further, similar lists could be created showing how the LP has helped defeat other oppressive legislation. 

(Note, this information is provided for educational purposes. The Advocates does not, and cannot, endorse parties or candidates.)

* * * * * * * * * *
Got questions?  Dr. Ruwart has answers! If you'd like answers to YOUR tough questions on libertarian issues, email Dr. Ruwart
 
Due to volume, Dr. Ruwart can't personally acknowledge all emails. But we'll run the best questions and answers in upcoming issues.

Dr. Ruwart's previous Liberator Online answers are archived in searchable form.
 
Dr. Ruwart's latest book Short Answers to the Tough Questions, Expanded Edition is available from the Advocates, as is her acclaimed classic Healing Our World.
Click cover to check out Dr. Ruwart's latest book!

One-Minute Liberty Tip 

by Sharon Harris




The "Trickle Down Economics" Myth -- and How to Refute It

Economist and syndicated columnist Thomas Sowell begins a recent column this way:

"New York's new mayor, Bill de Blasio, in his inaugural speech, denounced people 'on the far right' who 'continue to preach the virtue of trickle-down economics.' According to Mayor de Blasio, 'They believe that the way to move forward is to give more to the most fortunate, and that somehow the benefits will work their way down to everyone else.'"

President Obama, the New York Times, the Washington Post, Paul Krugman and many other prominent persons and publications have similarly attacked "trickle-down economics."

There's just one problem, says Sowell. No economist in history has ever advocated such a policy. The phrase is pure propaganda; the alleged theory is a straw man. "Trickle-down economics" is a pejorative term made up by opponents of free enterprise to distort what genuine free market reform is all about and to demonize those who advocate free enterprise.

Indeed, writes Sowell: "If there is ever a contest for the biggest lie in politics, this one should be a top contender. While there have been all too many lies told in politics, most have some little tiny fraction of truth in them, to make them seem plausible. But the 'trickle-down' lie is 100 percent lie."

Sowell argues, in his book Basic Economics: A Citizen's Guide to the Economy, in papers, and in several columns, that no economist in history has ever advocated a "trickle-down" economic theory, i.e., giving tax breaks, regulatory breaks, and other advantages overwhelmingly to the wealthy, in the belief that some crumbs from this will eventually fall to the poor.

"Years ago, this column challenged anybody to quote any economist outside of an insane asylum who had ever advocated this 'trickle-down' theory. Some readers said that somebody said that somebody else had advocated a 'trickle-down' policy. But they could never name that somebody else and quote them."

Further, Sowell notes: "The 'trickle-down' theory cannot be found in even the most voluminous scholarly studies of economic theories — including J.A. Schumpeter's monumental History of Economic Analysis, more than a thousand pages long and printed in very small type."

In short, the phrase "trickle-down economics" is a slur, a weapon used to attack free market advocates by distorting what they actually believe.

If you hear the phrase "trickle down economics" used to describe what you believe or what free enterprise reform is concerned with, don't accept it. Don't allow it to define what we believe. Politely but firmly reject it, as we've done above.

Say instead that what you favor is genuine free enterprise. Libertarians believe free enterprise benefits everyone, especially the disadvantaged, and we want to bring those benefits to everyone — rich, middle class, and poor alike.

Then make a persuasive case that free market small-government reforms will immediately benefit the poor. Point out how government policies destroy jobs and keep skilled but unlicensed entrepreneurs from starting businesses. How the government education monopoly harms poor children. How minimum wage laws, high taxes, convoluted tax laws, regulations, corporate subsidies, drug laws and so many other government policies hurt poor families and deny them opportunity.

There's not room to cover these issues in this column, of course. As we've noted in previous columns, these are the kinds of questions libertarians are frequently asked, and you should have soundbite answers and up-to-date facts at your fingertips.

Finally, when choosing the phrase to describe the economic system of liberty, consider alternatives to "laissez faire capitalism," which provokes a negative response from many people. By far the most positive such phrase, according to recent Gallup polls, is "free enterprise." You can read more about this in my column here.

Help the truth about this too-often-heard propaganda phrase "trickle down" to fellow freedom fighters. Pass the word on to other free enterprise advocates.

* * * * * *
Sharon Harris is president of the Advocates for Self-Government.   
 
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What's Happening with the Advocates


NEWS AND UPCOMING EVENTS

ADVOCATES LIBERTARIAN COMMUNICATION EVENTS: Advocates President Sharon Harris will be conducting libertarian communication workshops or giving speeches at these upcoming events:
 
March: Sharon Harris will be speaking at the Libertarian Party of Colorado on Saturday, March 29, and conducting a communication workshop on Sunday, March 30
April: Sharon Harris will be the banquet speaker at the Libertarian Party of Maryland convention on April 5th
June: Libertarian Party National Convention, June 26-29. The Advocates will have a booth and Sharon Harris will be speaking. 

Attendees will learn how to dramatically increase their effectiveness at communicating the ideas of liberty. 

Email us now if you'd like us to send you further information on these events. 

Email Sharon to find out how you can have a communication event near you.
 
ONGOING

FREE OPH KITS FOR LIBERTARIAN STUDENT GROUPS: Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we're giving our acclaimed OPH (Operation Political Homeless) outreach kits to libertarian student groups FREE — if they simply promise to use them a minimum of three times a year and send us photos documenting their OPH activity. OPH — praised as the best recruiting tool in the libertarian movement -- normally sells for $50.00.
If you're in a student libertarian group, click here for more information on getting your free OPH kit.

JOIN US ON TWITTER: Twitter is the first place to learn about breaking Advocates and liberty movement news, expert communications tips, and exclusive Advocates discounts and specials. (And don't worry — we won't bombard you with tweets. We're keeping it fun, fast, and useful.)
 
Go to the Advocates Twitter account and click the "follow" button below our picture. Thanks!

JOIN THE ADVOCATES ON FACEBOOK: The Advocates Facebook page offers you a chance to share your ideas on liberty, meet some great people and show your support for the Advocates for Self-Government and liberty. Join us and you'll receive regular Facebook updates on Advocates news, communication tips, and special offers for our Facebook friends.

2014 FREEDOM CRUISES: Advocates Board member and long-time libertarian leader Dr. Ken Bisson invites you to join him for a Freedom Cruise. Enjoy a wonderful trip on a luxury cruiser — at a bargain rate! Great food and fine company. Non-libertarians welcome! On January 26, 2014 the 17th Annual Freedom Cruise embarks: a 7-day Holland America voyage to excellent snorkeling destinations Grand Cayman and Cozumel, with visits to Key West and Half Moon Cay as well, all on Holland America's newest cruise ship! (These aren't Advocates events, but libertarians who have been on past cruises rave about them.) Ken offers two other February 2014 cruises as well. For photos and more details — or to sign up for free, no-pressure, no-commitment email updates — visit Freedom Cruises.
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