How did you become a classical liberal?
I was introduced to my director when I was in my college days. Moreover, after I finished my bachelor’s degree, I was free at that time, Basanta had just started Bikalpa at that time. So I started coming to Bikalpa and started reading books back in 2015.
That was the point where Basanta proposed to me to attend the Asia Liberty Forum, which was held in Kathmandu, Nepal in 2015. As I came back from the Liberty forum, Basanta offered me to write a grant proposal and can do research on city rickshaw (electric three-wheeler).
As time passed, I studied books and attended conferences which have led me here.

What is your vision for “Students for Ideas”?
I see students for Ideas as a platform to popularize the idea of liberty. Where students can gather and form a network within themselves. Along with that, I see this platform for students to develop their leadership capabilities and values of freedom.

What is your plan to attain that vision?
We conduct monthly seminars and capacity building training in collaboration with like-minded organizations. In this way, we have been able to increase the network of classical liberals in our region.

What challenges do you face?
Since it’s a movement rather than an organization, there is a dearth of funding and workforce after a certain period. Since all our members are volunteers, and as they embark on their professional life, it is hard to devout time to the organization.
 
How can we help?
We would want to get connected with other classical liberals and learn from their experience. 

Daniel L Bishop

Principal Financial Planner at Black Swan Advisors LLC

Lives in McLeansboro, Illinois

JE: Many Libertarians in Mcleansboro, Illinois?

DB: Like 10.

JE: Is there a meeting where you guys get together?

DB: Not right now. maybe during this election.

JE: We have about 10 meet here in Brazos County, Texas. shh… it’s a secret!

DB: I won’t tell. 😉

JE: So, what are you guys up to?

DB: Almost nothing.

JE: What seems to be working there?

DB: Hard to tell. Education on a single topic, networking.

JE: Single topic?

DB: Like teaching on a single principle.

JE: An example?

DB: Nonaggression.

JE: So, you guys don’t get together, and one of you teaches about a topic like nonaggression?

DB: Teaching nonlibertarians, yes. But we have not gotten together for about 9 months.

JE: Ouch! because of COVID?

DB: Yeah.

JE: Where do you get non-libertarians?

DB: Making events that are fun for more people, like networking bowling.

JE: This is getting interesting…

DB: Doesn’t always work.

JE: So you invite people to an activity like bowling then, when there you talk about a specific topic?

DB: Mt Vernon put on a  charity for an animal shelter as a bowling competition.

JE: is that a mountain there?

DB: Same place as if you were selling something, but very short. No, just a city.

JE: So, the ten of you make yourselves available to charity events… and talk about libertarianism there?

DB: Well, you have to be the sponsor of the event, but basically.

JE: Is that expensive? how is the ROI?

DB: Like 1 to 2 k, hard to tell true ROI.  Trying to change minds.

JE: Reminds me of this one guy I talked to… he goes out with two buddies… and just talks libertarian… and people hear the conversation and get involved… I think like at a DairyQueen or something…

I think about doing that… So many questions to ask you… Your frame… what is that flag?

DB: Not a real flag, just a boogaloo joke. but I like the flower ring and fight for something.

JE: What is Black Swan Advisors LLC?

DB: My company.  We coordinate a client’s entire financial life; personal, family, business, and legacy.

JE: Wow, how do you do that?

DB: It is basically just life planning and project management.

JE: I keep hearing about project management…How can I learn it? Is there software to do it for me?

DB: Most people go to college for it, yes there are lots of dif platforms, and programs. But, it is not something a computer can do. It is not simple like trading, investments, or insurance.

JE: How did you become libertarian, Daniel?

DB: I am more of an objectivist, but wish to see 3 parties kept in check, rather than 2 in an authoritarian oligarchy. I suppose I became an independent in college after reading The fountainhead.

JE: I read the fountainhead also… How have you grown as an objectivist since college?

DB: Yes. without growing and integrating, I don’t even think one can be an objectivist. it is not static. I am slowly integrating more, and more.

JE: Integrating? Integrate what?

DB: The integration of different principles, concepts, ideas, empirical data, etc., into a coherent non-contradictory whole. Without integrating the ideas into your worldview, and living the ideas out in action, you cannot access their full value.

JE: Got you… so, this is a conscious process? !am curious just how you go about it…

DB: You have to start with Epistemology.

https://atlassociety.org/objectivism/atlas-university/what-is-objectivism/objectivism-101-blog/3368-what-is-the-objectivist-theory-of-knowledge-epistemology

Basically, how do you know what you know? and are there any contradictions, biases, or logical fallacies that need to be corrected.

Here is a primer on objectivism and philosophy,

https://atlassociety.org/objectivism/atlas-university/what-is-objectivism

JE: Can you give me examples of your integration through the years?

DB: It is too complex for most examples I can think of without first getting your philosophical foundation firm. And that takes years. And I do much time, as I am at work. But… coming to the full realization that both the left and right can be authoritarian is an example many libertarians have of integrating an additional point of view.

But it can be hard to learn in your own blind spots. So often libertarians cognitively “learn” this, but it may take some time for the rest of their brain to fully accept the ramifications of this being true.

The cognitive dissonance is uncomfortable, and so it takes work to get through it, often many conflicts and conversations before they can go through the stage of grief and accept a new worldview.  

But it gets easier every time. You learn how to self correct your thinking.

LIBERTARIAN NORTHERN MICHIGAN: A PRIMER

OPINION

BY DONNA GUNDLE-KRIEG | MARCH 9, 2019

Many people in this country are fed up with the two-party system, and the division and problems that this system has created. Nothing ever seems to change.

Recently, two separate groups of people in northern Michigan decided to do something about this. Simultaneously, these two groups decided to form official affiliates for the Libertarian Party of Michigan. Bylaws were drawn up, officers were elected, and a few candidates ran in local elections with very good results. 

The energy has been contagious. With all of the interest we’ve found up here, I guarantee that you’ll be hearing a lot more from the libertarian Party — the third largest party since the 1980’s, and one that held primary party status at the last election.

Libertarian party principles revolve around freedom and limited government, both in terms of government power and government spending. Basically, this means that a Libertarian is someone who is fiscally conservative and socially liberal.

The first new northern Michigan Libertarian group to form is called the Straits Area Libertarian Party(SALP)and covers Cheboygan, Emmet, Otsego, and Presque Isle counties.

The second group, the Northwest Michigan Libertarian Party(NWMLP), covers Grand Traverse, Benzie, Leelanau, Kalkaska, Antrim, Charlevoix, Wexford, Manistee, and Missaukee counties.
Both affiliates have the purpose of nominating and campaigning for candidates for political office, initiating and/or supporting ballot proposals, lobbying elected officials, and engaging in educational and other informational activities.

The Libertarian party is growing quickly because young people and many others do not like what they see in the other two parties. Right now, our national debt is over $22 trillion, or $67,000 per person, according to the United States Treasury. Republicans, who used to boast about being financially conservative, are running up the debt more quickly than the Democrats.

Veterans also make up a large part of our membership. They have seen and experienced firsthand the destruction caused by our country’s foreign policies of interfering in other countries’ affairs and conflicts.

Libertarians sign an oath to the “Non-Aggression Principle.” Simply put, most people live their lives and follow the non-aggression principle in their interactions. Libertarians take this further, and apply this principle to group actions, including government and military actions. 
We are conservative fiscally, but liberal on most social issues. For example, our party’s platform states that “sexual orientation, preference, gender, or gender identity should have no impact on the government’s treatment of individuals, such as in current marriage, child custody, adoption, immigration, or military service laws.”

Local issues are very important to Libertarians, as citizens can often have more impact on local issues than they can on national issues. As a real estate broker in Mancelona, I run across many issues in northern Michigan involving property rights. I plan to expand on these issues in future columns.

For example, Libertarians believe that the ever-increasing number of zoning regulations are slowly eroding our freedoms. These restraints on land use stem from well-intentioned efforts to promote public safety, environmental objectives, and aesthetic goals for development. However, according to a study by the Cato Institute, in addition to taking away our liberties, “a major side effect of this growing volume of zoning rules has been to deter construction and reduce the supply of housing, including multifamily and low-income housing.”

Other local Libertarian issues involving property rights include vacation property rules, eminent domain, and the government benefitting from property tax foreclosures. Eminent domain in particular is currently being debated across the country, as Trump’s declaration of a so-called national emergency enables the government to take private property for the building of a wall.

In addition to real estate issues, Libertarians will also be watching other local issues, such as the proposed new Antrim County jail and similar expensive government projects. We will be watching how the state and local governments implement the new recreational marijuana law. We have already impacted changes in civil forfeiture, as it is wrong for the state to seize personal property before a person has been found guilty.  

In addition to affecting local policy, our new groups’ purposes involve running as many local candidates as possible in the upcoming elections. In the last election, local Libertarian candidates did very well. Robert Clark, who ran for Arcadia Township Supervisor, earned 47.2 percent of the vote, which is the highest ever for a Libertarian candidate in Michigan. 

David Holmer of Manistee and Dana Carver of Onaway also received respectable percentages as candidates in County Commissioner races. Holmer is the NWMLP’s new political director and is currently seeking Libertarians who want to help us run a full slate of local candidates in the 2020 election.

Donna Gundle-Krieg, owner and broker of DEK Realty, is the District 1 representative for the Libertarian Party for Michigan, and chairperson of the newly formed Northwest Michigan Libertarian Party (NWMLP). She writes from Mancelona. dokrieg@gmail.com

CENTER FOR ANTI-AUTHORITARIAN STUDIES (CAAS)

Belgrade, Serbia

Center for Anti-Authoritarian Studies is a non-profit organization aiming to promote and protect the unrestricted freedom of expression and empower young activists, journalists, and artists to promote classical liberal values.

Tell me about your team.

Our team is comprised mostly of sociologists from the University of Belgrade for whom individualism and viewing the world from the perspective of individual freedom and responsibility was always an intuitive and natural approach. That being said, classical liberal theory and the works of John Locke, David Hume, and Friedrich Hayek were always our favorites among the plethora of social and political thinkers we came across during our studies. 

What is the vision?

CAAS’ vision is a free and open Serbian society based on mutual respect, pluralism of opinions, rule of law and individual autonomy. 

What is your plan to realize that vision?

We are focusing on empowering young and talented journalists, artists, and entrepreneurs to excel in their profession while spreading the word of liberty. We understand our work within Hayek’s framework of empowering liberty-minded future opinion-makers that will create an authentic market need for politicians and political parties focusing on free-market policies and individual liberties.

What challenges do you face?

The biggest challenges that we are currently facing are strong media control imposed by the ruling coalition and the collectivist heritage of communist ex-Yugoslavia.

How can we help? 

Spread the word among your friends and colleagues!

Kerr County

Joshua Butler

830-370-2520

kerr@lptexas.org

Elected March 14, 2020

I’ve always had Libertarian values even before I could vote. I see the negativity and corruption we have in our current government and I think it is very important that everyone has the choice of true freedom. 

At 18, I was able to participate in the State and National conventions as a delegate and saw I had the potential to help the party, I wanted to contribute any way I could.

Our county has always been very open to change. The previous chair had suggested I pursue a position in the party, so when he stepped down and I had an interest in becoming chair it was unanimous. 

This year we helped a party member and former chair run for sheriff in our county, sadly he did not win the election. However, he was able to get his voice heard and open up new opportunities for future candidates for our party. 

When I became chair I set out with the goal to expand our party. It has been a little difficult with COVID-19 happening but I have successfully risen our population by 50%. I would also like to appoint a treasurer for our party and get some sort of revenue stream to better help future candidates.

If you have any ideas for the county to get a good financial start I’d love to hear about it! I’m open to any and all suggestions. 

Prince Kyabaggu Hamidu

Buganda Kingdom, Uganda

Hi, My name is John Elkins, I work with a group of Self-Determination Advocates. We help de-facto nations, unrepresented peoples, and secession movements gain self-governance through nonviolent means. I am interested in learning about the Buganda movement.

PH: How can I help you, Sir?

JE: Wikipedia says that Buganda is a de-facto nation within Uganda… what is your vision for the future of Buganda?

PH: Yes it’s very true. Buganda is my origin and it’s my kingdom. It’s the major and most powerful kingdom in UGANDA and its highly demanding for Federal and I am sure it will get it. It will almost take over the whole of UGANDA if at all UGANDA gets a President that is a Muganda (from Baganda kingdom).

JE: What can I do to help you in your move to secession?

PH: Where are you from Mr. John Elkins.

JE: I live in North America. Can I ask about the Buganda attitude toward a free market?

PH: I would love to welcome you to Buganda

JE: Yes, I want to visit, and maybe live there.

PH: Yes for sure

JE: I want to know what your vision for Buganda is; what will you do once you become an independent country, and how will you go about attaining self-governance.

PH: To be with the best-performing economy based on agriculture and tourism as the backbone.

Patrick Bowersox

Secretary at Wake County Libertarian Party, Produce Department Manager at Lowes Foods and National Vice Chair at Outright Libertarians

Lives in Holly Springs, North Carolina

JE: Many libertarians there in NC?

PB: Yes quite a few. Raleigh Durham has roughly 6800 registered Libertarians.

JE: They have a monthly meeting there? What’s going on there?

PB: Only California has more.

JE: You guys are punching above your weight; how do you attribute your success?

PB: Wake county has weekly and Durham county has monthly. Definitely going after younger voters, and pushing local issues.

JE: how do you go after the younger voters?

PB: Stuff like equality, school choice,  and affordable housing.

JE: Equality before the law, like police and court reform?

PB: Yes and LGBTQ as well.

JE: How do you pitch affordable housing? Much success in the LGBTQ community?

PB: Allow for the removal of certain local restrictions.

JE: Housing is expensive there?

PB: Yes I’m very close with the directors of several groups

JE: What groups?

PB: Lgbt center, glaad, HRC. Housing can be in Raleigh. Most folks are out in the burbs particularly younger.

JE: How would I approach those types of Groups?

PB: Table at pride, go to open houses, build relationships with local groups. GOP and Democrat groups usually only go election years. 

JE: Hit them between election years?

PB: That’s what we do

JE: Good idea, I was the chair here in Brazos co, Texas, just looking for what works, and what doesn’t.

PB: And we go election years as well. You will find younger LGBTQ folks are not fans of the democrats overall.

JE: But feel forced into that tent?

PB: Not necessarily, They just want options And the libertarians offer that.

JE: You present an option to the Democrats?

PB: We have beaten them on equality since 1971

JE: So, they don’t want special consideration, and are comfortable with libertarianism?

PB: Put it this way. The govt has no business in anyone’s personal relationship

JE: You know, I agree with that! How did you become libertarian, Patrick?

PB: I grew up in Connecticut and got involved with Gary’s campaign in 2012 here. The GOP in NC is uber-conservative; the social agenda was not my style either.

JE: How did you get involved with Gary? Why so long in the GOP?

PB: Most Connecticut Republicans are very libertarian. And libertarians weren’t active in CT.

JE: So Gary’s 2012 was when libertarians came to CT?

PB: No I’ve been in NC since 2001. Grew up in CT; been in NC since 2001.

JE: So you knew about the party, but didn’t get involved until 2012?

PB: Wasnt really active always voted libertarian

JE: You always voted libertarian even while in the GOP?

PB: Yup at least federally, haven’t voted for a GOP or dem since 2000.

JE: Wow!

PB: But the Dem I voted for might as well have been a Libertarian.

JE: Who was that?

PB: Hmm, I’ll have to look it was a primary for a state rep. Many moons ago my friend

JE: So, what are your recommendations for a new Libertarian, or the curious?

PB: Well, be open to folks coming from the left or right. Some people come for the fiscal some come for social issues. And don’t litmus test folks.

If you are 85% libertarian but 15% democrat; You are a libertarian to me. I figure no matter what your problem we have a solution. less government, more freedom, self-government.

Emmanuel Acquah CMgr MCMI
Co-founder/CEO ACEYE
P: 0276911271
E: eacquah154@gmail.com
A: info@aceye.org

How did you become a classical liberal?
The journey began with the books I read from childhood. I grew up with less of what a child could play with but I did have books. Most of these books were about leadership, history, religion, and civil liberty.

If I grew stronger and tougher after a family breakdown, these books played a role. What I did not know was how it was tied to my destiny. The programs my Dad and Mum allowed me to watch even after they went their separate ways were mostly dominated by education and politics.

I remember I used to question authority and oppression during my childhood. Most often, this landed me in trouble. Those in authority would say, traditionally, it is not right for a child to be the victor in a debate with an adult.

There were costs but I knew the way to win over oppression was not to be silent about freedom. Not that I am without blemish but I question why a mortal should exercise control over another mortal.

As the years passed, my path became narrower. Everything I am becoming; I have fought for. In 2014, I had to drop out of the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) because I had no money to pay for my fees.
It was a difficult moment for me.

That difficulty has proven to be one of my greatest blessings. I went to people for support but there was none. Those who were willing to help did not have the means.

Before I left GIJ, I remember a course on entrepreneurship. That was the first but last time I saw the entrepreneurship lecturer. He looked at me from afar and while the class waited patiently for him to speak, he said “You are going to be a wealthy person.”

Deep inside, I felt this man did not mean it but he kept saying it louder for about three times. So, I said to myself, “if I would not be a part of the class next time, I have to put my destiny in my hands.”

There was a second lecturer called Mrs. Belinda Glover. Almost every time I met her, she reminded me that I never belonged to GIJ. She would say, “Emma, you have a greater task. I like GIJ but GIJ is not your home.”

Soon my colleagues learned that Mrs. Glover did not lecture in my absence. That was the extent she cared about my intellectual development.

The day I arrived home, I remember my friend-Baba Jnr Awuni-Salifu whom I had known as a brother said to me: Why are you worried? You already have a Ph.D. in life.

Here I had to make meaning out of life. I set a 5-year goal. I challenged myself to be an improved version of myself before the time my colleagues’ graduated. I set as a target and read 1000 books.

During this time Felix Dade felt I was too intelligent to be home so he shared with me opportunities that came his way. One was the Students and Young Professionals Africa Liberty Academy (SYPALA 2016) by IMANI Centre for Policy and Education now known as IMANI Africa.

I learned a lot. The first presentation I attended was on “The Evolution of SYPALA, the need for economic freedom, and the proven principles of sound public policy” delivered by Franklin Cudjoe, CEO of IMANI.
This presentation got me thinking. I delved deeper from there by reading, watching videos, and listening to podcasts. Another opportunity came knocking through Felix, yet again, this time, the opportunity landed the then 21-year-old Emmanuel on an ambitious consultancy project with International Service.

In a team of 10 with two leaders, we worked with 1500 women who were into Shea butter production and processing. I felt I was poor but when I discovered people were poorer in the Northern Region of Ghana while a few of the political class and cronies lived lavishly, I grew more stubborn in the cause. I knew it was purposeful.

Later, I applied and joined Challenges Worldwide as a Business Support Associate. From there I moved on to other institutions all in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. I must admit and be thankful to all the people and institutions that came my way.

I saw and understood the problems hindering prosperity better than before. I felt the best way to solve this was through a political position, but Atlas gave me a reason why this is false.

David Shellenberger, a professional coach shared with me a useful nugget one night which has impacted me. Everything that has happened to me made me understand and appreciate the value of classical liberalism.

Having worked with 2824 entrepreneurs through state and private vehicles has given me insights into how some governments especially here in Africa create a vicious cycle of poverty through their actions and inaction’s.

This is what birthed Africa Centre for Entrepreneurship and Youth Empowerment (ACEYE) with my co-founder who has the other side of his story to share someday.

My experience with pain and poverty is what drives me. My passion to see others prosperous and at liberty is what gets me out of bed.

What is your vision for “Africa Centre for Entrepreneurship & Youth Empowerment (ACEYE)”?
My vision is for ACEYE to become the leading think tank of in entrepreneurial policy analysis, training, education, policy advocacy.

Effectively utilizing Africa’s youthful population to engender sustainably effective and efficient entrepreneurial growth within the context of free markets and libertarian values.

What is your plan to attain that vision?
I am working with the team to promote entrepreneurship and free markets by influencing policies on the back of research, professional analysis, nurturing, tutoring, advocacy, and advisory services.

This year and next year, for example, our activities will focus on influencing and initiating major polices to increase the ease of doing business in Africa (beginning with Ghana), tackling graduate unemployment, providing investment opportunities for investors, and shaping national, regional, and global conversation on the best way to advance society through the free market.

This is achievable with a seed fund of $10000, a motivated staff, resources, strong online presence, effective cooperation, and an efficient monitoring and evaluation mechanism.
What challenges do you face?

Funds to execute ACEYE’s activities is a major challenge. As an institution, we have maximized impact with few funds. May I use this opportunity to also thank everyone who has supported this journey.

I am confident in our ability to achieve the most with more funding.
Our doors are open to 3 years or more of institutional funding.

How can we help?
We are looking for individuals and institutions who share our vision to partner with us. Through your outfit, I hope Self Determination Advocates could help us (ACEYE) raise this amount. I hope you can help promote our work to attract other partners including media, investors, etc.

How did you become libertarian, Chris

I have always been pushed toward independent candidates and the libertarian platform.

Why run for office?

I run for office because I am tired of the theft of service provided by the city which could be seen as a monopoly. All they do is allow the environment to be torn up and panic peddles people from area to area.

What do you see as the issues?

I see so many issues that need to be addressed with the city. Two would be corruption and inequality.

What would you like to accomplish?

I hope to restore public faith in our local government.

How can we help?

I’m not sure how I could use help. I enjoy door knocking personally.

Danyal Suhail

Alternate Solutions Institute, Pakistan

How did you become a classical liberal?

I became a Classical Liberal when I was an Intern at Pakistan’s leading free-market think tank Policy Research Institute of Market Economy (PRIME), Islamabad. There I learned the exact meaning of classical liberalism. 

The more I studied and worked there the more I realized about the free-market economy and the hold of government. Later on, after completing my degree in Economics, I joined Alternate solutions Institute (AS Institute is Pakistan’s first Free Market think Tank) as a Training Coordinator, where I learned a lot about classical liberalism. 

I thank Mr. Ali Salman, Dr. Khalil, and Dr. Raza Ullah with whom I worked closely for developing an interest in me regarding classical liberalism.

 What is the vision for the “Alternate Solutions Institute”?

ASI’s vision is to promote a limited responsible government that protects liberty, life, and the property of the citizens of Pakistan under the rule of law.

What is the plan to attain that vision?

To achieve these ends, A. S. Institute

• engages in the translation and publishing of relevant texts from other languages into Urdu;
• prepares original texts based on research suggesting particular solutions to particular challenges;
• and conducts seminars, workshops, and conferences to educate interested students, teachers, and journalists in the principles of classical liberalism.

 What challenges do you face?

The main challenge that I face is; most of the citizens lack awareness of classical liberalism’s ability to bring political and social change. The second challenge is finding research topics that take into account the concerns of the citizens. Citizens need to understand the research.  Barriers to research include socio-cultural barriers and limited available funds to do surveys. 

How can we help?

You can promote my work in classical liberalism by sharing my writing. 

The links follow:

1.  https://www.aidiaasia.org/research-article/entrepreneurship-and-economic-growth

2.  https://www.aidiaasia.org/research-article/importance-of-political-freedom-and-economic-freedom-is-there-any-correlation-between-political-freedom-and-economic-freedom

3.https://www.aidiaasia.org/research-article/economic-theories-and-world-economy