These resolutions were originally developed by Harry Browne, one of the very influential persons (along with Ayn Rand) who introduced me to the ideas of this party, to which I try to adhere to today, and will continue to do so into the future. As many of you know, my party affiliations have run the gamut from a somewhat Liberal Democrat in and immediately following college to a brief stint as a Republican Dude in my late 20's. Now I believe that I feel most comfortable in the Party of Liberty (as a Libertarian). Therefore, I am going to make these my own for 2009.
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1. I resolve to *sell* liberty by appealing to the self-interest of each person, rather than *preaching* to people and expecting them to suddenly adopt my ideas of right and wrong. (my college profs were good at this)
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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. (to anyone who I've offended on this one, I hereby apologize)
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3. I resolve to *listen* when people tell me of their wants and needs, so that I can help them see how a free society will satisfy those needs. (Ron Paul is credited with further developing this idea)
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4. I resolve to identify myself, when appropriate, with the social goals that 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. (I thank Ms. Rand for this one)
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5. I resolve to be compassionate and respectful of the beliefs and needs that lead people to seek governmental 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. (my old Sunday school teacher's introduction of the Old Testament's Book of Samuel immediately came to mind on this one)
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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.
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7. I resolve to acknowledge my good fortune in having been born an American (corny but true). 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. (Amen to that !!)
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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.
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9. I resolve to cleanse myself of hate, resentment, and bitterness. Such things steal time and attention from the work that must be done.
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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.
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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/her* grow?
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12. I resolve not to raise my voice in any discussion. In a shouting match, no one wins, no one changes his/her mind, and no one will be inspired to join our quest for a free society.
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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.
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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.
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When I first read these, I thought that this guy was well ahead of his time. Then I remembered: this is very similar language to the very people who formed this country of ours... We apparently have lost our way and simply need to make a correction.
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Happy New Years Everybody !!
