Event: The Prospects and Ethics of Political Reform

What: As we near election time, candidates for office will inevitably present themselves as an alternative to the status quo that plagues us. But what types of reform in practice, if any, are consistent with a libertarian political philosophy?

The first article we will study is Ron Paul’s “My Plan for a Freedom President: How I would put the Constitution back in the Oval Office.” In it, Paul talks about some of the current challenges a president who supports constitutionally limited government might face.

The second essay is by prolific libertarian philosopher Roderick T. Long. His is a four-part series concerning the ethics and efficacy of reformist politics. It is mostly his third and fourth essays that will be of most interest since they address the pragmatic challenges of libertarian political action. The first in the series of essays can be found here.

They should take about 30 minutes to read.

Where: In the past we have used Skype for the online discussion. Instead, we can use a more user-friendly online application called Tinychat. No download or registration is required, but the call is limited to 12 “broadcasters,” though more may listen in if they like. The URL chosen at random for this chat is http://tinychat.com/uieni83284908.

If someone would like to arrange a meeting place, that would be great too.

When: Monday, Oct. 18, at 7:15 p.m.

[Note: This event is being organized in conjuction with the Campaign for Liberty — Tarrant County.]