TLDR (Summary)
We are counter-cultural, because we defend freedom of speech, expression, and religion. Even when we disagree! Further: we don’t treat opposing opinions as acts of aggression! Speech is not aggression, even if you find it offensive!
Motivation
In the Libertarian Party of Warren County, Ohio, we recognize that many people have NO IDEA what libertarian philosophy is, much less what policies the Libertarian Party uses to address the issues that the world is presented with today. In this series, we are walking through libertarian philosophy by examining the national Libertarian Party’s platform and discussing what it contains. This is the second post in this series, so be sure to check out our previous post on the topic.
1.2 Expression and Communication
The LP Platform’s Statement
Section 1.2 of the platform reads:
We support full freedom of expression and oppose government censorship, regulation, or control of communications media and technology. Language that is perceived to be offensive to certain groups or individuals is not a cause for any legal action. Speech that is not literally a threat of aggression or violence is not in itself aggression or violence and can never be used to justify aggression or violence. Individuals are responsible for their own reactions to speech. We favor the freedom to engage in or abstain from any religious activities that do not violate the rights of others. We oppose government actions that either aid or attack any religion.
https://www.lp.org/platform/
The 1st Amendment is Similar
Part of this plank reads as an appropriate interpretation of the US Constitution’s First Amendment, which begins the Bill of Rights, saying (in its entirety):
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/bill-of-rights-transcript
Freedom of Speech — Even if they don’t like it!
First, by saying that we “oppose government censorship, regulation, or control of communications media and technology,” we are echoing the 1st Amendment’s statement that the US Government cannot be “prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press.” Note that modern media and technology is simply an extension of free speech and the press. The founders didn’t have to anticipate modern technology for their ideas to extend into this domain. In fact, they would have been pleased to see that every American has the ability to operate their own press and that so many varied opinions can be published today.
However, the powers-that-be, especially the current administration, have no respect for the 1st Amendment and have worked with Big Tech to shadow-ban, demonetize, cancel, and vilify dissenting opinions on a large variety of issues. We should be supporting platforms that encourage free speech, whether it’s through philosophical means or using decentralized mechanisms that make censorship difficult or even impossible. This is the opposite approach of cultural Marxists who pursue anybody with an opinion that isn’t either “politically correct,” or, in today’s language, “woke.” This is because their ideas are weak and won’t stand up to any level of argumentation.
Speech is Not Aggression
By saying “Speech that is not literally a threat of aggression or violence is not in itself aggression or violence and can never be used to justify aggression or violence,” we oppose riots that have been perpetrated because of mere statements that were not acts of aggression, even if those statements are racist or otherwise socially-unacceptable. Simply disagreeing with somebody’s opinion is no reason to burn a city, even though wokesters in today’s society believe that it is justified. Like everybody else, these “Individuals are responsible for their own reactions to speech,” and their concepts of “social justice,” “microaggressions,” and appropriate responses are not held with any degree of reasoning. Further, the concept of free speech wasn’t created just for the expression of opinions that were never controversial or even “offensive.” If that was the case, no recognition of such a right would have been documented by the US’ founders.
Freedom of Religion, and to Disagree!
When we say “We favor the freedom to engage in or abstain from any religious activities that do not violate the rights of others,” we are advocating for peaceful coexistence. Many of us (myself included) hold our own strong religious views, but it’s inappropriate to force them on anybody else. We actually wish to KEEP the government away from “helping” our religions, or they’ll twist and adulterate them! If somebody’s exercise of religion crosses the line into an act of genuine aggression, that is unacceptable. Religion can’t be used as an excuse for aggression.
The final statement that “We oppose government actions that either aid or attack any religion,” is another reflection of the bill of rights. It is certainly true that religious sentiments will be reflected in how people vote on issues and candidates, and we wouldn’t wish to stop such activities, as long as the results are constitutional. That means that people can certainly use religious views to steer government, but the government needs to stay the hell out of the topic. Meanwhile, there are efforts underway that do favor some religions over others, especially wokesters in positions of power who favor anything but traditional religions held by many Americans. Opposing such efforts shouldn’t be seen as a right-wing, reactionary, or even racist perspective, provided that we are pushing back against the policies, rather than attacking religions simply because favorable treatment they have received.
What Do We Do?
I believe it’s very simple. As individuals, libertarians should:
- Respect that opinions on matters of religion differ, and that coercion should not be used to convert somebody to our point of view. Arguments will happen, however and they are perfectly acceptable, winning somebody over using reason and influence is perfectly acceptable. Escalating to violence is not. In keeping with the freedom of speech, individuals retain the right to criticize religions, and that right shall be protected.
- When disagreeing, do so in a peaceful manner. Don’t confuse opposing views with acts of aggression.
- Oppose acts of aggression against people for their opinions or religion — even when we disagree with them.
As an affiliate of the Libertarian Party:
- We defend freedom of speech, expression, and religion. Even when we disagree.
- We look at arguments as a matter of discourse and do not overreact to call an argument an act of aggression.
- Speech can’t be aggressions, provided that it is not directing or threatening an act of aggression.
- We oppose aggression, regardless of who the perpetrator is. Even if they are members of a “protected class.” This includes the wearing of special insignia or shiny badges, which do not endow anybody with a special right to aggress against others.
Get Involved!
As a county affiliate of the Libertarian Party, our goal is to make Warren County the freest county in Ohio! When we pull that off, then we can go viral and infect the rest of the state with liberty. Please consider the following actions:
- Come to our meetings. We meet at Doc’s in Lebanon on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00 pm (though our February 2024 business meeting is at the Coffee Social date / time / location). We complete our business meetings quickly (30-60 minutes), and move onto the truly important business of our social. It’s a great time for open discussion on issues and to meet with like-minded people.
- Join for our Coffee Socials. We meet at Kala Coffeehouse in Mason on the third Friday of each month at 2:30 pm. The gathering for these is generally quite small and it’s a great opportunity for small, casual discussions with people who want to explore getting involved.
- Share your talents and interests! Let us know what you can do and what interests you. Your unique capabilities can enhance liberty, whether you are out in front of the public or in the background making things work.
- Donate to the Libertarian Party of Warren County
- Join the Libertarian Party of Ohio
- Join the national Libertarian Party