Podcaster Dave Smith joins Just Asking Questions to tackle the fundamental question of what is a libertarian. They discuss the principles of libertarianism, the libertarian viewpoint on state power and monopolies, limited government, the Mises caucus's strategy, government motivations, and the importance of individualism and accountability in libertarianism.
Libertarianism is defined by self-ownership, private property rights, and the non-aggression principle.
Disqualifying beliefs within libertarianism include inconsistent stances on drug legalization and support for war and aggressive military actions.
There is a need for a radical new way of thinking and inspiring enthusiasm for liberty among young people.
The disruption in information dissemination, disillusionment with wokeism, and potential for rational discourse create an optimistic future for libertarian ideas.
Deep dives
The Libertarian Party's Rebranding Effort as Just Asking Questions Podcast
The podcast episode discusses the rebranding of the ReasonTV show into its own separate podcast called Just Asking Questions. The hosts aim to bring long-form conversations on various topics with data, media clips, and guest speakers.
Defining Libertarianism: Self-Ownership, Property Rights, and Non-Aggression Principle
In the podcast, the guest, Dave Smith, defines libertarianism as the belief in self-ownership, private property rights, and the non-aggression principle. He argues that almost every libertarian position can be traced back to these core beliefs, although there may be debates about specific issues that may not align perfectly with the principles.
Disqualifying Beliefs for Libertarians and the Importance of War and Peace
Dave Smith discusses disqualifying beliefs within libertarianism, mentioning inconsistent stances on drug legalization and the importance of the war and peace issue. He argues that libertarians who support war and aggressive military actions cannot be considered true libertarians, as war violates freedom and creates the worst form of government policy.
The Role and Critique of Government in Achieving Liberty
The podcast delves into the role of government in achieving liberty and its limitations. While acknowledging the positive aspects of the US Constitution, such as the checks and balances and federalism, there is a critique that the government has grown too large and is not adequately protecting individual liberties. The discussion explores the need for a radical new way of thinking and a desire to inspire enthusiasm for liberty among young people.
The power of disrupting the information landscape
The monopoly of governments over the receiving of information has been broken, granting more access to dissident voices and alternative perspectives.
The fracturing of wokeness culture
The current fissures in wokeness culture reveal its false promises and inability to deliver on its claims, leading to disillusionment and a desire for more authentic expressions of individuality.
The unsustainability of wokeism
Wokeism's inherent misery and lack of redemption make it unsustainable in the long run, as people seek a more fulfilling and happy way of life.
Optimism for the future
Despite challenges, the white pills of disruption in information dissemination, disillusionment with wokeism, and the potential for a more rational discourse point to an optimistic future for libertarian ideas.
Just Asking Questions is a new Reason podcast hosted by Zach Weissmueller and Liz Wolfe. Each week they bring you long-form conversations diving deep into a single topic for an hour or more, with data, media clips, and guests who can teach, challenge, and have fun. To hear future episodes, subscribe to Just Asking Questions and watch video premieres on Reason's YouTube channel every Thursday.
In this inaugural episode of Just Asking Questions, podcaster Dave Smith joins the show to tackle a fundamental question: "What is a libertarian?"
Smith discusses what has recently transpired in the Libertarian Party; his past and present disagreements with Reason-style libertarians; whether politicians are incompetent, evil, or both; and his greatest libertarian "white pill" for the future.
