-Caveat Lector-
A Libertarian's New Year's Resolutions
by Harry Browne
1. I resolve to _sell_ liberty by appealing to the
self-interest of each prospect, rather than _preaching_
to people and expecting them to suddenly adopt my ideas
of right and wrong.
2. I resolve to keep from being drawn into arguments or
debates. My purpose is to inspire people to want liberty
-- not to prove that they're wrong.
3. I resolve to _listen_ when people tell me of their wants
and needs, so I can help them see how a free society will
satisfy those needs.
4. I resolve to identify myself, when appropriate, with the
social goals someone may seek -- a cleaner environment,
more help for the poor, a less divisive society -- and
try to show him that those goals can never be achieved by
government, but will be well served in a free society.
5. I resolve to be compassionate and respectful of the
beliefs and needs that lead people to seek government
help. I don't have to approve of their subsidies or
policies -- but if I don't acknowledge their needs, I
have no hope of helping them find a better way to solve
their problems.
6. No matter what the issue, I resolve to keep returning to
the central point: how much better off the individual
will be in a free society.
7. I resolve to acknowledge my good fortune in having been
born an American. Any plan for improvement must begin
with a recognition of the good things we have. To speak
only of America's defects will make me a tiresome crank.
8. I resolve to focus on the ways America could be so much
better with a very small government -- not to dwell on
all the wrongs that exist today.
9. I resolve to cleanse myself of hate, resentment, and
bitterness. Such things steal time and attention from the
work that must be done.
10. I resolve to speak, dress, and act in a respectable
manner. I may be the first Libertarian someone has
encountered, and it's important that he get a good first
impression. No one will hear the message if the messenger
is unattractive.
11. I resolve to remind myself that someone's "stupid"
opinion may be an opinion I once held. If _I_ can grow,
why can't I help _him_ grow?
12. I resolve not to raise my voice in any discussion. In a
shouting match, no one wins, no one changes his mind, and
no one will be inspired to join our quest for a free
society.
13. I resolve not to adopt the tactics of Republicans and
Democrats. They use character assassination, evasions,
and intimidation because they have no real benefits to
offer Americans. We, on the other hand, are offering to
set people free -- and so we can win simply by focusing
on the better life our proposals will bring.
14. I resolve to be civil to my opponents and treat them with
respect. However anyone chooses to treat me, it's
important that I be a better person than my enemies.
* * *
Wow. Not only is that inspiring -- anyone who followed
Harry's campaign knows that he actually *kept* his New Year's
resolutions to a remarkable degree! If enough of us follow
Harry's advice, we can make 2001 the best year yet for the
libertarian movement -- and that's something to aspire to.
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