The Rise of Libertarianism: From Colorado Springs to the American Political Landscape
The journey of modern libertarianism begins in a small home in Colorado Springs, Colorado, in 1971. Eight individuals gathered and among them was Tonie Nathan, the first woman to run for Vice President of the United States and the first to receive an electoral vote. This event was one of the catalysts for the rise of libertarian thought, which has since flourished in American and global politics.
Origins of Libertarian Thought
The roots of libertarianism, however, can be traced back to the late 17th century. The individualist refinements made to the Magna Carta's “British common law” by the British Levellers, John Lilburne, Richard Overton, and William Walwyn, laid the groundwork for what would later evolve into libertarian principles. In 1670, jury independence was re-established by Edward Bushell, further strengthening the idea that individuals have the right to be judged by a jury of their peers. This concept was a cornerstone of the later development of libertarianism.
Key Figures and Influences
John Locke's monumental works, "Two Treatises on Government," and Algernon Sidney's "Discourses Concerning Government," played pivotal roles in refining British common law, which eventually influenced the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Further evolution of these ideas can be seen through the works and actions of abolitionist founding fathers such as Tadeusz Kosciusko, Sam Adams, Thomas Paine, and abolitionists like Lysander Spooner, Henry David Thoreau, and Frederick Douglass. The ideas of these figures were continually expanded upon, contributing to the development of libertarian thought.
British writer G. K. Chesterton further refined classical liberalism, primarily through his opposition to prohibitionism. His work highlighted how prohibition was being used to harm black Americans and poor white Americans, thus strengthening the existing anti-prohibitionist movement. This intellectual movement was further bolstered by the teachings of Carl Menger, who later influenced Ludwig von Mises in Austria, and ultimately led to the development of Friedrich Hayek's multidisciplinary approach to economics and sociology.
The Founding of the Libertarian Party
The USA Libertarian Party was founded in 1971, setting the stage for a political movement that aimed to champion individual rights and limited government. However, the party's rapid infiltration by the U.S. intelligence community, including the CIA, FBI, and NSA, cast a shadow over its origins and intentions.
The party's early years were marked by debate over how best to navigate the political landscape. Clay Conrad, a prolific writer on jury independence, suggested that libertarian principles should be incorporated into both the Republican and Democratic parties. This advice stemmed from the belief that libertarians and classical liberals should work within existing political structures rather than trying to overhaul them.
The Central Bank and Its Impact
A key factor in the limitation of libertarian thought has been the establishment of the central banking system in the United States. The creation of the Federal Reserve Act of 1913, followed closely by the Harrison Narcotics Act of 1914, significantly enhanced government power and shifted the balance of economic control from the individual to the state. This transition has had far-reaching consequences, stifling what could have been an endlessly prosperous and libertarian society.
The central bank has been a major obstacle in achieving a society governed by the principles of libertarianism. By harnessing the productive power of the world's first classical liberal nation, the central bank has managed to stifle economic growth, stifle individual freedoms, and undermine prosperity.
Conclusion
Libertarianism, as a form of classical liberalism, is the natural information design for the legitimate parts of the United States. The Bill of Rights, with its libertarian limitations on government power, outlines a path to a society where government is minimal and wealth is abundant. However, the establishment of the central banking system has significantly impeded this process, rendering libertarianism an aspirational goal rather than a practical reality.
The journey of libertarian thought from Colorado Springs to the current American political landscape is a testament to the enduring power of individualism and the ongoing struggle for personal freedom and limited government.