Don't get me wrong, I understand perfectly well why people find Libertarianism a cold and harsh philosophy. It requires a massive amount of self-reliant behavior.
If I hadn't grown up in Seattle I might not be as receptive, the Emerald City was such an entrepreneurial state of mind. I didn't know anyone that worked or relied on the government. I suppose that's part of the reason today's climate appears so startling, to realize the number of people that rely on the government; as client, or employer, to intervene on their behalf, to take care of them.
Unfortunately, Authoritarianism looms large in such societies, it grows guys like Hitler so why not explore it's opposite ideology, Libertarianism.
A refreshing, albeit tricky sort of proposition. So....
...conveniently enough, while in Prague this past week on a project, just days after the death of Vaclav Havel, I was having coffee with a fellow expat and she surprised me by telling me she'd left San Fran for Washington DC in order to work on behalf of the Libertarian movement.
"I'd been self-sufficient, then relied on the government, lost almost all my confidence, then worked very hard to become self-sufficient again. I believe in Libertarianism but its tough because you'll need a couple of generations to adjust to it..."
How true. Originally from San Fran she now owns a company, lives alone in Prague, and appears exceptionally content and competent. Good on her. This is a woman who has experienced a few of life's cycles.
It's also true many Americans are ready for an independent party and yes, Ron Paul's platform appears radical and specifically too libertarian for many; abolishing the Federal Reserve, wishing to engage in honest money, withdrawing from all foreign entanglements, ending the war on drugs, this type of thing, again, too extreme for the masses, alas, this article suggests the size and character of his candidacy will continue right up until November. Good on him.
He's such a fascinating candidate to watch and just as fun to read about, especially when vindicated, as this article explains away the reality of Iran's nuclear inevitability: And, or course Iran deserves to have nuclear power.
Paul thinks deeply, he's consistent and most importantly, he can't be bought, hence the media blackout. It's inspiring to see his base expand beyond the 'techies' and 'cyber activists', a species I know well; somewhat anti-social, smarter than most, often very, very smart and very well versed in their favored philosophy; Libertarianism.
I got to know them by growing an IT consulting company from 2 employees and a dog to over 250 consultants and a large internal staff. My style was very specific in how to retain my 'resources'. I never worked less than 10-12 hours days, I think I went three years before taking a sick day and holiday was a ten day getaway to Europe at Christmas; it was boom time, insanely stressful but fun.
Clients were taken out for lunch and dinner but I really focused on my resources. I became their best advocate and friend, often visiting them on projects, hand delivering pay checks before automatic deposit came along. I was known for my personal touch, I knew their motivation, their concept of self-actualization. I liked them, they were fiercely independent, smart and deeply analytical.
I became well acquainted with their lives and what became increasingly clear to me was their desire and right to be left alone.
Civil liberties are absolutely key to Libertarianism and 'freedom' is not just a perspective; it's central to the man and his cause. I'm not necessarily surprised about Ron Paul's odyssey. News from across the pond remains alarming and depressing.
It invites nostalgia and when I hear the knock on my door I immediately allow entry.
Here's a picture of my mother (Muv, far left) and her sisters on the opening day of the Golden Gate, back when California was truly the pioneering state.
I may have grown up in Seattle but I was born in California, each summer and then some, spent flying or driving back and forth, for family, friends and sport.
I have this image, I'm 13, I can't take the needle off the record, I keep thinking of how we'd jump on the plane minutes before take off, how free everything seemed...not just my misspent youth, but everything about my country back then....
Each time I turn on Facebook and peruse for news, exchanging pictures and perspectives with friends from childhood, from my teens, twenties and onward, I'm now truly feeling the distance, the deep seated insularity. I felt it back in 2002 but now, it's really re-enforcing itself.
Thankfully Ron Paul is trying, he's trying really hard. I've read his book, I've spent time and effort getting my head wrapped around Libertarianism and sure, its harsh, but so is life. Life has a way of surprising each of our individual souls with its glaring reality.
Perhaps we just can't handle the truth.
