After the 2006 National Convention, where the Libertarian Party Platform was
greatly reduced (some would say hijacked), the National Party started promoting
a simple slogan: “Smaller government Lower taxes More freedom.” I applaud this
simplification. However, it does not seem to have the promotion necessary to
embed it into the minds and “mouths” of Libertarians.
Please note that if we had a smaller government, it would mean lower taxes and
more freedom. If we had lower taxes, it would precipitate a smaller government
and more freedom. Lastly, smaller government and lower taxes would precede more
freedom. I am not suggesting we change the slogan. I think it will serve us
well if we apply it.
That brings me to my resolutions. I see the Libertarian Party as the foot
soldiers of the Libertarian Movement, they supply the information, and we hit
the Front Lines. It is the party’s job to take the messages of the Libertarian
Movement to non-libertarians. This brings me to Resolution #1) Spend less time talking with other
libertarians. Spend more time talking to non-Libertarians. We have the most
sellable product in the world, "more liberty." Take our message to
non-libertarians.
To take our message to non-libertarians effectively requires STUDY,
yes, study, and then more study. This brings me to Resolution #2) READ,
read more, then read what you read, then reread it, then reread what you
read. Let me remind you here that sloganeering is not enough, no matter how
clever the slogan. You must know your subject. I believe that Party members need to actively engage in
advocacy. An advocacy possible only by being better prepared. Party members can
be effective only if and when they can and will present their position confidently, cogently,
and constantly.
A subset of this resolution is to pick a
subject, any subject, and prepare yourself so that you can speak persuasively in
a discussion about that subject with 90% of the people with whom you come into
contact. This will make talk-show hosts easy to handle. However, if we try
to be all things to all people, we will get our heads handed to us in
discussions with others. Nothing will silence a Libertarian more quickly than
to be out-done by someone who is better prepared. READ READ READ being informed
requires real work; osmosis will not do it. Let me paraphrase Dale Carnegie in
a public speaking lesson. He said you should have 10 times the information you plan to present, and then the 10% that you do present will be more
convincing because of your visible confidence.
Some good choices of subjects are the 10 covered on the “World’s Smallest
Political Quiz”. There are dozens of others from which to choose. Pick one, two, or even three. Study them thoroughly. Keep your eyes open for news and
commentaries about your chosen subjects so you can stay current with your
knowledge base.
Resolution #3) once you have chosen a few subjects and are working on your
basic knowledge, let other libertarians
know your interest. Invite them to send you news and commentary articles on subjects
of your choice. Let them know you would be willing to help them if they have
questions about your subjects. Find out what their subjects are so you can
send them news and commentaries on their subjects. If this program gathers any
momentum, the LPOC Webpage could be an important clearinghouse for info.
Resolution #4) Some of the more knowledgeable Libertarians could do some
reading in the area of Media Relations,
writing news releases, putting
together Media Packets, establishing some Media contacts and
compiling a list of media outlets.
Resolution #5) Two or three members could get together to activate dormant members and contacting people that have expressed an
interest in Liberty. Compile an email list to shoot the latest news about your
selected subjects to your list.
Resolution #6) A few members with just the right temperament (this right
temperament might be discovered during Resolution #5 activity.) might get
together to make fundraising calls and putting together fundraising
campaigns. Be prepared to convey success in the recent past.
Resolution #7) there need to be some recruiting efforts among College and High
School students. One only needs to look around at a local meeting to realize that
we are youth member challenged.
Resolution #7a. Women, we need women. They are the hardest workers.
Resolution #8) with all the time you save by not talking your time away with
other libertarians could be spent developing some speaking skills. We could
begin to provide speakers, not only for our own educational meetings but also for
surrounding counties. Additionally, many non-Libertarian organizations are hungry for
speakers for their Educational Meetings. After a few months (months that you may have
already invested.), you will be ready for your first speaking engagement.
Resolution #9) We need to activate a group of Libertarians in every City in
Orange County gathers in lieu of Signatures for our candidates, so they do
not have to buy their way onto the ballot. And these City Groups could keep County Level Leaders informed about City issues.
Resolution #10) this one will take care of itself. When the other Resolutions
are adopted, the resulting activity will identify
leadership skills. Then elections to the Exec Committee will be hotly contested
by eager members with new ideas about future Liberty.
Last and most important, Resolution #11, make some resolutions of your own. There is nothing like setting a target and hitting it ahead of schedule.
