We must spend our resources fighting the left/right, not each other

[klamath]

As much as I like the concept I am afraid it will never happen because these forums don't really have common directions, goals or principles. There are many factions that are pitted against each other on many principles. At one time the common goal was the election of RP however now that isn't even a common goal.

 

[mczerone]

I agree not to be divisive, but I can't promise not to debate the underpinning philosophy of liberty.

I'm very open to persuasion, but ultimately I view one purpose of the forums to help hash out what a proper "liberty" platform consists of through the argumentation process.

We can't be unified on "we need something different" without also being unified on what those goals are. To this end, we need more goal-seeking and coalition building: to sponsor and direct efforts to those projects that are part of a general liberty platform, and which may also be part of a "liberal" or "conservative" platform.

A highly effective tactic for defeating the status quo is to divide and conquer: and the left/right divide is already set for us to pounce upon. Both sides have issues where they wish to see less state involvement, and we need to convince them that we are allies towards those goals.

Pointing out what we need to avoid is good, but we need positive, active goals to unite behind - which is why there was so much more action when RP was running a national campaign than there is now.

So what are some big, national or larger, goals to unite behind? Auditing and ending the Fed, abolishing the slave-taxes (i.e. income, sales, and property taxes), and Promoting Peace between all humans are just a few. Let's choose some project that incorporates these goals, and pledge to help it.

 

[mczerone]

At one time the common goal was the election of RP however now that isn't even a common goal.

Do you mean because he isn't running at the moment, or because some people don't want him elected? If the latter, do you mind sharing their names so that I may add them to my ignore list?

 

[malkusm]

I agree not to be divisive, but I can't promise not to debate the underpinning philosophy of liberty.

I'm very open to persuasion, but ultimately I view one purpose of the forums to help hash out what a proper "liberty" platform consists of through the argumentation process.

We can't be unified on "we need something different" without also being unified on what those goals are. To this end, we need more goal-seeking and coalition building: to sponsor and direct efforts to those projects that are part of a general liberty platform, and which may also be part of a "liberal" or "conservative" platform.

A highly effective tactic for defeating the status quo is to divide and conquer: and the left/right divide is already set for us to pounce upon. Both sides have issues where they wish to see less state involvement, and we need to convince them that we are allies towards those goals.

Pointing out what we need to avoid is good, but we need positive, active goals to unite behind - which is why there was so much more action when RP was running a national campaign than there is now.

So what are some big, national or larger, goals to unite behind? Auditing and ending the Fed, abolishing the slave-taxes (i.e. income, sales, and property taxes), and Promoting Peace between all humans are just a few. Let's choose some project that incorporates these goals, and pledge to help it.

I agree with this, and I think that there are plenty of positive goals out there: the election of the liberty candidates who are running, winning the straw poll for Ron Paul at CPAC 2010, staging war and tax protests, promoting the education of liberty in all forums that we can, and getting involved with our own governments locally. They aren't as big and unifying as a presidential race, but are crucial to winning the ideological battle that we face against the proponents of big government, who seemingly have unending resources (propaganda included).

 

[LittleLightShining]

I agree with this, and I think that there are plenty of positive goals out there: the election of the liberty candidates who are running, winning the straw poll for Ron Paul at CPAC 2010, staging war and tax protests, promoting the education of liberty in all forums that we can, and getting involved with our own governments locally. They aren't as big and unifying as a presidential race, but are crucial to winning the ideological battle that we face against the proponents of big government, who seemingly have unending resources (propaganda included).

Absolutely!

 

[revolutionary8]

Thank you for the thread Malk, and I'm in.

I have a tendency to forget sometimes, so I don't mind a reminder either.

 

[CaseyJones]

woot more signatures

 

[dr. hfn]

bump

 

[Natalie]

Signed

 

[CaseyJones]

woohoo one more signature

 

[mugwop2008]

I agree! GOD GIVEN FREE WILL!

 

[mugwop2008]

the radio and tv are history!

 

[wizardwatson]

Works for me. Of course if someone is a obvious dumbfuck, I reserve the right to point out it out.

Herein lies my problem. There are just so many obvious dumbfucks poisoning the minds of others with their lack of ability to think in general.

Sure, if someone says something that is blatantly anti-liberty, we have an obligation to hammer them on it.

That being said, we shouldn't be hammering each other for thinking that roads should be privatized vs. thinking that it's fine to keep roads in the hands of the state. There are MUCH bigger issues to take care of, and we should be spending our time talking about the big issues with others, not talking about the small issues amongst ourselves.

I appreciate your attempt to forge solidarity, and I actually believe a sort of "pledge" is necessary. But there's no accountability in it and the boundary conditions are unsatisfactory for the thought-demons that prowl these boards.

Internal movement destruction "is" the big issue. Lack of awareness of this fact is exacerbating the problem.

I can't sign your pledge but I do wish to help with the underlying problem in whatever way I can.

 

[georgiaboy]

Thanks for putting this in your sig, malkusm.

Signed.
To Liberty, Peace, and Prosperity!

annnd, bump.

 

[nayjevin]

To that end, I formally pledge right now that I will not post on the forums in order to attack the specifics of another member's specific views. I will recognize that, despite our differences, we can agree that liberty is a noble political goal to pursue, that smaller government is a unifying theme between us, and I will work with that person to bring the message of liberty to others. While I will continue to read and to educate myself, and may develop opinions that clash with other forum members, I recognize that wasting my effort in a vain attempt to convince other well-read individuals with strong convictions in their beliefs is not the most efficient use of my energy. Instead, I will do more outside of the forums to convince people of the "big things": that big government always interferes with markets and is inefficient, that the Fed creates boom and bust cycles, that the left and the right are both big government, that wars are hurting our national security rather than helping.

This is very nearly my aim. Thanks for writing it. I hope to continue to improve in my ability to focus on the relevant issues, with necessary critique being diplomatic. And I hope to take criticism better as well.

 

[BuddyRey]

Signed, with gusto!!!

 

[Thomas]

bump!