Vulgar libertarianism is a tendency in libertarians to debate and argue about politics, philosophy, economics and morality in a way that causes non-libertarians to write off libertarianism as a whole and is detrimental to furthering liberty and prosperity. I do not claim to be above this; I have only recognized these characteristics from mistakes I have made and a result of rebuke from libertarians and non-libertarians.
When we harp and belabor government encroachment in the economy, demand a massive reduction of social programs and a safety net and focus on gun rights and drug legalization with fanatical devotion, we harm ourselves in advancing our opinions and credibility. This is not to say that the claims are illegitimate; it is only to say there is a time and place for everything.
Entering a room and declaring Obama a socialist, the government is violating individual rights and the dollar is on the verge of collapse does not appeal to anyone who disagrees: it encourages them to write libertarians off as obnoxious, presumptuous and idealistic with no ideas.
Gun rights are important. Economic liberty is important. Legalization of drugs is important. When we enter discussions about these issues though, we must have tact.
"We often focus on the size of government, as measured in percentage of GDP taxed and spent by the government, which is an important and measurable concept. But our real concern is power. What kind of power does the government wield over the people? Powerful state institutions tend to be large, but that doesn't mean that a larger state is necessarily exercising more power....We should focus on what is actually important—the exercise of arbitrary power over others. And in that regard slavery and conscription, among other things that marred parts of our American past, loom very large."
Boaz is completely correct. And if we want to limit power, if we want to reach and persuade a broader audience of the superiority of a libertarian society, talking of the American Revolution, rugged individualism and the impending expansion of Leviathan will not further our goals. It may grab some old-style conservatives (who are more than welcome, of course), but it doesn't convince many of my peers and does not appeal to individuals who see government as a more benevolent force for positive social change.
The government is not evil. Bureaucrats are not sadistic. The government is pathetically incompetent. Bureaucrats and government employees are (vastly) honest, compassionate individuals who desire to help or improve their community. When libertarians talk of the immorality of an individual's mother, brother or son because they work for the Post Office or federal agency, people are (rightly) offended and carry a bias toward all libertarians.
If libertarians want to improve American society for liberty, equality and prosperity, we need to work on the public perception. We need to show that we are not crazy, we do not expect a transition to a libertarian utopia in a week and we have pragmatic ideas and policies that will improve society.
I want to make it certain to everyone reading this that I am not attempting to discredit or marginalize anyone. I think Cato, the Future of Freedom Foundation and Reason are great proponents of liberty and prosperity. I disagree with all of them on some issues and opinions, but I see no reason to ignore and attack any individual or group with whom I agree 95% of the time. Belittling them would be counterproductive and presumptuous, especially given my disparaging lack of knowledge and intellectual ability. I want to diminish arbitrary power and expand liberty, not offend the very people who inspire me.
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