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| WHAT LIBERTARIANS ARE TRYING TO DO |
| *I would like to form a Libertarian study or action circle or club in my country or community. LIO provides the following services: 1)The printable information sheet below and this informational and contact website. read everything in it. Also, 2)A model and guidance on how to do it, from growth stages to fundraising 3)An activist hotline and personal support 4)Free Website support 5)Contact with dynamic activists via e-group as appropriate 6)For advanced groups, a structured Libertarian management process and microgrants 7)A growing international archive-Library of over 10,000 items 8)Internship in USA for selected persons 9)Speakers at cost or free if a grant is available Please e-mail below to start of expand you group. It all starts with 5 people in a living room. COMMON QUESTIONS: *What do LIO and Libertarians stand for ? LIO is a TRANSNATIONAL Human Rights Cultural, volunteer and activist network. It also acts as a communication, mentoring and assistance group for Libertarians and those interested in Human Rights in over 100 countries. It educates on Libertarian approaches and promotes the use of Libertarian methods. Libertarians defend the rights of the individual, and facilitate a non-coercive atmosphere of cultural and personal growth worldwide through a complex, multi-generational and participative program of cultural, political and personal action and continuous improvement. *How are Libertarians in relation to political Left and Right? Right-wingers are Libertarian to the extent they promise economic freedom and eliminate government departments in favor of voluntary action; Left-wingers are Libertarian to the extent they promise social freedom and eliminate government control in those areas; Centrists, lacking a clear principle often make short-term compromises and call for strange mixtures of freedom and coercive regulation. Libertarians say why not freedom in all areas? Deliver all freedom, remove all coercive government for self-government. Libertarians joke a bird that leans to the right-wing, left-wing or center flies only in circles. *Are Libertarians anarchists? Yes, in the original sense. Anarchism originally meant private or personal rule, not no-rule as sometimes said. the upshot of either, however, is no coercive government. Previous, and some curren,t anarchist theories tended to prescribe communitarian solutions for all society, lacked a management theory, and often ended up advocating totalitarian government as a transition to anarchism. Today Libertarians realize it is up to each voluntary group to decide how to arrange their affairs, encourage non-authoritarian and self-directed management, and seek to surgically and peacefully dismantle all government while educating and creating voluntary alternatives. Libertarians see Libertarianism not so much as a social system but template for designing social systems correctly. As such, instead of prescribing for all societies, it provides a peaceful rights and liberty based method for voluntary groups to decide among themselves and interact with those with different solutions. Why do some Libertarians sound like advocates of smaller government only? Libertarians suggest several approaches for removing government. One is Minarchism, reduction of government to small communities of a few thousand with radical reduction of functions. Others suggest pure anarchism, with different agencies and communes people can choose. Others are incrementalists, calling for a step by step dismanting. Some synthesize these views, calling for establishment of Libertarian communities as zones of stable sanctary for freedom in the coercive world. this was the approach advocated by Thonmas Jefferson, who called for mini-governments of no more than a few hundred persons in size when "the time is ripe." Many Libertarians focus on limited government without going into the more evolved Libertarian proposals, noting there is quite a lot to do before these ultimate proposals come into play. Thus some Libertarians are more comfortable, especially when they have just joined, describing themselves as minimum government until they better understand the approach. This is appropriate as Libertarianism is also an educational and cultural movement. What is the Libertarian cultural approach? Culturally, Libertarians call for tolerance, respect for individual differences, and encouraging people to remove coercive habits and psychologies from their lives and focus on mutually productive action. Libertarians encourage people to sign the Libertarian pledge of non-coercion as a new social contract. Libertarians, however, work comfortably with all human rights movements from the leftist ACLU to the rightist NRA in advancing improvements in human rights and fighting misinformation. They encourage intentional communities of every kind. Libertarians are also building businesses and organizations that will supplant government functions, and some already have. *Are Libertarians specifically political? No. Most Libertarians focus on personal and cultural projects. The Libertarian political agenda is to de-politicize society by advocacy and example of voluntary living. Many Libertarians are focused on what they call counter-economics and creating demonstration projects and alternatives. *What is the pledge? While it varies, LIO notes the following common form: "I affirm or pledge that I will not advocate the initiation of force to solve moral, social, political, economic, cultural or other problems. " LIO activists also suggest this additional and entirely personal pledge: "I will personally work to remove coercion from my personal habits as best I am able, and respectfully educate others on the benefits of Libertarianism." *What is the Libertarian platform? While platforms differ due to local conditions, Libertarians call for people to learn to set their social arrangements by the principle of non-coercion (of not initiating force or fraud ) particularly through governmental or quasi-governmental (e.g. government monopolies or provileged organizations) means, or attempting to re-introduce it via peonage, debt-contracts and other such matters forbidden in common law. Libertarian thought is informed by a review of common law based on the principle of non-coercion, what is sometimes called natural law. A typical error of those who attack Libertarian views is to not realize the matter is answered in common law. More information on differing platforms may be obtained by returning to FAQS area. What is the Libertarian general program? Libertarians will: 1)Remove coercive government structures for voluntary ones 2)Mediate cultural and personal tolerance based on strict protection of individual and civil rights 3)Promote absolute freedom of assembly and of economic arrangements by mutual contract. While Libertarian proposals may at first seem strange or counter-intuitive ( privatizing roads, abolishing public schools to improve educations, lowering consent age ) they reflect the breadth of Libertarian information. All Libertarian proposals have been tried successfully to some degree somewhere, and it is important not to confuse local prejudices with an argument against Libertarianism. *How will they do this? 1)Radical Privatization: Libertarians promote private, low or no cost, and voluntary altrernatives to government 2)Secularization: Libertarians seek to remove all religious, ideological, favoritist and partisan influence from general social legislation, so the law is strictly protective of rights. 3)Transanational approach: libertarians are forming movements in all countries to defuse tensions and act to defend the rights of the individual in concert. *Are Libertarians economic Capitalists? Yet many of their social aims sound communist. While sometimes described as anarcho-capitalists, the main insight of modern Libertarians is that pure free enterprise follows from voluntary action, and it allows people to form whatever social arrangements make sense among them, or none at all. As such it creates a profound respect for traditional and also highly experimental cultures. Libertarians reject the current "capitalism" that is really a form of welfare fascism, where favored businesses (crony-capitalists) get special handouts from the government. * Some of the Libertarians I met don't seem very Libertarian. They are in good hands here. Libertarianism is a cultural and educational movement where the work is done by the membership. As such, you will find people at a wide area of personal evolution, and the Libertarian viewpoint is part of becoming a Libertarian facilitator is learning how to guide and educate people. *I am concerned about Libertarian views on the environment and the poor. Libertarians view these as problems created by coercive government and crony-capitalism. Measures advocated by those who would increase government willonly subtly deepen the problems as they always have by addressing symptoms. Libertarians believe is you remove the cause, you remove the problem. Strict enforcement of property rights would create powerful bulwarks of ecological protection. Historically, many current disasters--such as the MTBE crisis, air pollution, and toxic dumps--are the result of government ecological programs to begin with that transgressed private boundaries. In the World Action section you will see the many Libertarian programs already in effect to abolish poverty while others are devbating. *Libertarianism sounds utopian. Utopia sounds utopian until it is done. The Libertarian movement is ancient, and the liberalizing achievements of republican federal democracy and scientific progress are its epitaph. Today, with a nore tolerant and transnational environment, Libertarians have been powerfully influencing the culture for a generation. Libertarians played key roles in the downfall of communism and the right-wing dictators; in creating programs such as the EIC and personal pensions; Libertarian utopian proposals are now the gold-legalization, 200 cable channels, and cheap travel, postage and internet many enjoy today. Libertarians are the intellectual and moral leadership of the planet in more and more areas. People like the idea of a non-coercive society and trying out new things while preserving old ecologies, and realize that, because they are united by principle, Libertarians are not swayed by bribes or momentary panics but consistently deliver. * How does LIO work? LIO Activists, volunteers and supporters work on self-assigned projects to bring ideas into practice, protect individuals, and build local and transnational Libertarian community. LIO is managed by Libertarian self-assignment principles as a living training ground, laboratory and nucleus of positive Libertarian living, and assists all Libertarian groups. * Is LIO just for Libertarians? LIO works with all groups and all channels to be an important source and conduit of Libertarian ideas, information and action. *What are the global and community goals of Libertarians? While Libertarians in each country and even community set their platforms, in general many Libertarians advance a conception of a United Nations that is not a United Coercive Governments as seems to be the intent of the present United Nations structure. Since Libertarians advocate the removal of conflict-causing tariffs, emigration restrictions, travel restrictions, buth with voluntary restoration of sanctuaries and cultural zones, it is difficult to imagine a dis-united nations in the world as Libertarians grow in influence. *Libertarians do not seem to advocate increased power for themselves as they come to influence. Libertarian goals and action are designed to be of specific result and self-sustaining duration. Libertarians seek to restructure political relations by and on the evolving of general understanding of Human Rights, and individual practice and confidence in the Liberty to use those rights. They have no desire, as goals are achieved, to create new crises, and establish new platforms, to artificially alarm different groups and insure a perpetual grip on coercive political office. Libertarians are an educational community to remove coercive structures and achieve positive results by voluntary means. Libertarians engage in political action strictly to undermine and dissolve coercive governments, the coercive habits that call such governments into being, and the false panics they create to justify themselves. A society that fails these Libertarian goals and criteria is unjust, and in need of Libertarian cultural, social and political action. * How do Libertarians work as activists? Libertarians use their principles to permanently dissolve community, environmental,diplomatic,poverty, management, budgetary and cultural problems through positive solutions. Libertarians in your community seek to avoid initiating force,and in over 100 countries personally vow not advocate coercion as a social policy or tool. *I had no idea there was an extensive Libertarian movement worldwide. Libertarianism is a worldwide moral movement based on a consistent use of human rights to help humanity evolve into a non-coercive way of living, and with totally voluntary institutions. There is a regular Libertarian presence in over 80 countries and Libertarians are in 102. In some countries there are large and influential movements, in some small study cicles. Current Libertarianism took full form as transcending Left-Right politics in the USA in 1971 and rallying support from the main behind-the-scenes leaders of the old, communitarian Libertarians that had been strong in Latin countries. It has been spreading since that time. *Are Libertarians a moral movement? Yes, in the sense of understanding that a coercively imposed morality is itself evil. Many Libertarians avoid traditional political action. Much of the Libertarian movement is moral and cultural, combining people studying new life-styles, preserving old ones, and applying Libertarian ideas in every field. Libertarianism is a philosophical revolution, and an applied way of voluntary and harmonious living. *How? --In Venezuela, Libertarians are providing economic improvement courses. --In Serbia, they have organized Consumer Unions. --In the US, they are running summer camps for the young in Philosophy. Libertarians have devised successful alternatives to protect the ecology, voluntarily feed the poor while encouraging volunteerism, privatize social security and pensions, and develop new management techniques. Libertarians played a critical role in preventing the Communist counter-coup in Russia, cutting taxes in different countries and developing civil liberties. Libertarians are at the forefront of science and culture in many places. It is no surprise that US newscaster and social commentator Hugh Downs of ABC, voted one of the journalists of the century, stated, " It seems that all the good ideas are coming from Libertarians...if Lincoln were alive today, he would be studying Libertarianism..." *Is LIO the only Libertarian International Group? Most Libertarians like choice. LIO is one of several international Libertarian groups. It focuses on development and advocacy where a global or UN perspective is required. It thinks local, but acts global, very differently from most groups. *How did LIO begin? In 1979, LIO began as a contact group among USA, Canadian, Spanish and Namibian activists, and government officials sympathetic to Libertarianism who wished to work behind the scenes. It soon received input from the "old" Libertarian International (Now ISIL) Co-Founder Bruce Evoy, Libertarian economic philosopher Murray Rothbard and others. |
| More about LIO |
| *What is LIO about now? LIO has evolved into an experiment and nucleus in constructive, non-authoritarian, specifically Libertarian activism, cultural development,trans-cultural assimilation, and discussion. In 1998 it separated operations from the De Lemos trust and set about concentrating on developing Libertarian philosophy, management and social process, especially by encouraging activist to activist contact and bringing together people with similar ideas. It interacts with Libertarians of every background,acting as proactive matchmakers to far-flung Libertarians with common interests or complementary resources. *Does LIO duplicate the work of other Libertarian groups? No. It is an assistance and fellowship organization, and, if anything focuses on piloting new projects and getting around communication barriers that sometimes afflict Libertarians due to the old authoritarian thinking. As an example, where other Libertarian groups use large conventions, LIO has piloted working, low-budget mini-conferences and presentations. *Does LIO speak for Libertarians? Libertarians speak for Libertarians. However, LIO groups will suggest ideas, express a consensus and there is work on a model platform/statement of principles incorporating international perspectives. Senior LIO activists will write letters to public officials on request of Libertarian groups expressing basic Libertarian ideas to increase awareness that Libertarians work together in all countries. Where there is no consensus LIO will note the differing views as a matter for further study. *I have tried several groups and they won't help. As its resources allow, LIO speaks promptly on behalf of the defense of Libertarians and any person whose rights have been afflicted where it can, but not instead of them. *What is its activist structure? Can I become a member? See below for our Newsletter. LIO rejects the parliamentary structure. It is a typically Libertarian "un-organization" and several and sometimes conflicting things are tried.It is a network, a store, what in Spanish is called a cortes, catalyzed by its activists. If you want to try something, go ahead, we'll help and advise as we can. *Does LIO require money or donations? No. To minimize untoward interference,LIO directly handles no funds, but guides them to its projects, the activists in question,Libertarian groups, which are meant to become self-funding. Contributions to LIO are handed directly to concerned project activists.If you take the Libertarian vow, and wish to be active in LIO, LIO will work with you, because it is nothing but the good sense and participation of its activists and interested Libertarians. To this end LIO is in the process of making its formal legal structure a private Research institute advising or advised by various trusts for the long-term benefit of Libertarians, with a conjoint fellowship and mutual aid facilitation ociety. *I don't understand the LIO Board. The Advisors are senior,dedicated,or gifted activists and thinkers, many known for their calm temper and are self selecting, with a demonstrated interest in International matters and who care to work with LIO, and who wish to take on the task of helping and facilitating other activists work as a team bring their projects to light. Resource persons have specific projects they are helping along or provide useful resources to activists, or advise on specific issues. Contact persons liaison between their groups and other groups of LIO that may be of interest. Observers are interested in what Libertarians or LIO are doing and work closely with LIO. Anyone with a project they believe will help Libertarianism, or who is just happy to be alive and would like to observe, may join upon voucher of 2 members or the Co-ordinator, exactly as it began. The Board sets no policies but encourages experimentation. Their informal motto is Heinlein's "run it up the flagpole and see who salutes." *How can LIO help my group? LIO helps any group seeking to advance human rights, though it focuses on Libertarian projects. LIO volunteers by nature are experienced in working with local groups and have a transnational perspective. Major projects include: *THE LIO IMPROVEMENT MANAGEMENT PROCESS to help Libertarian groups develop a truly Libertarian social process. It involves looking at best practices,getting all plans out in the open, creating a strategic 5 year plan, and a management by exception system, while working on better communication and tolerance for different styles. *THE SISTER PARTY PROGRAM to help State LP's in the US to adopt "sister parties" and movements in foreign countries. *READY CONTACT with persons with similar problems or interests around the Globe. *THE SAW, 24 hour confidential phone or E-Mail support by sound-boarding your ideas. *INTERNATIONAL HOST PROGRAM co-sponsored with the Florida LP where international activists may visit the US and work side-by-side with US Libertarians for 1 to 4 weeks. LIO provides a dedicated apartment with board and a modest stipend, individual FLP activists commit to the work with the visitor, and the sponsoring group at home must arrange transport. *WEBSITE AND E-MAIL to assist communication, and by website to provide a handy place for International Libertarians to access concrete activist information helps, such as organizing manuals and checklists, current and tested ideas, and informative links to their fellow Libertarians around everywhere. *IDEANET and constant communication with Libertarians to develop ideas, get them assimilated, and translater them into Libertarian solutions. *LIBERTARIAN E-Mail newsletter to go to every legislator and major policymaker on an occassional basis. *LINKS to Libertarians in totalitarian regimes. *HARMONIOUS ACTION to maintain the multi-cultural, secular and scientific character of libertarian principles and public policy and prevent their being overwhelmed by the old thinking of new entrants in the movement. *An International Police and Prison Communication Project to study alternatives and whose members are police, prisoners and others in several countries. *Is LIO a good source of information? Yes. LIO's constant work is to promote Libertarian ideas and facilitate networking among Libertarians. Libertarians are helping people around the world, and LIO is honored to keep the public informed of this great movement for a voluntary and peaceful society. |
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