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Civil Liberties
My Experience with Campus Climate at a Liberal Arts College
William F. Buckley famously authored God and Man at Yale in 1951. In it, he decried his alma mater’s overt efforts to undermine what he called good, American values such as faith, capitalism, and individualism. Today, I assert that institutions of higher schooling everywhere undermine — or fail to instill — other crucial values; values that underpin the very idea of higher education. In particular: appreciation for freedom of speech, academic freedom, open debate, and fearless, intellectual rigor. For more on freedom of speech, see Prof. Peter Jaworski’s Learn Liberty Video, The
History
Debunking Putin’s Alternative “History”
On February 24, 2022, Vladimir Putin commenced a brutal, full-scale invasion of neighboring Ukraine. Two years on from this calamity, let’s examine
Democracy and Voting
The Soviet Union’s terrible legacy on democracy and minority rights
From the series: Debunking Myths about the Soviet Union Since they first seized power, Soviet leaders have claimed their “democracy” to be
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Economics
Why trade wars are wars on the poor
In the not-so-distant past, political leaders from both sides of the aisle in the United States held a general consensus on the benefits of free trade.
During their presidential campaigns in 2000, Al Gore and George Bush, despite their differences, at least agreed on the merits of fostering open markets.
Fast forward to the present day and we find Joe Biden and Donald Trump endorsing staunchly protectionist policies.
Let’s explore what caused this complete 180 and who bears the brunt when trade is restricted.
Civil Liberties
Ohio voted to legalize marijuana: here’s what you need to know
On November 7, 2023, voters in Ohio approved the Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol initiative, listed on the ballot as Issue 2. With almost 57 percent of voters in favor, Ohio thus becomes the 24th state to legalize recreational marijuana. Now, let’s take a look at what happens next and what exactly the legalization of marijuana in Ohio will look like?
Economics
How tax reduction helps combat corruption: lessons from Georgia
The 2003 Rose Revolution marked a pivotal moment in Georgia’s political and economic history. Following new presidential and parliamentary elections, significant pro-market reforms were introduced to address the severe economic condition. The results were remarkable…
Government
Justin Amash: exposing America’s broken political system
A former U.S. Representative for Michigan’s 3rd congressional district, Justin Amash stood out for his commitment to upholding the Constitution and pro-liberty principles.
One of the most compelling aspects of Justin Amash’s political journey lies in his unapologetic exposure of the deeply flawed political system he witnessed firsthand.
Education
Why we need to deemphasize schooling in America
“The State shall make no law with respect to the establishment of education.” – Austrian philosopher Ivan Illich
Civil Liberties
This Halloween, let’s look back at 6 scary incidents created by the COVID lockdowns
This Halloween, let’s look back at some terrifying incidents from the recent past that should not be forgotten. For the best part of two years, beginning in March 2020, attempts to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic involved governments around the world seizing new powers and further expanding the scope of the state.
Ethics
Three pro-liberty perspectives on war
War, a tragic yet perennial facet of human history, has long been a subject of intense debate. Many philosophers and political thinkers have grappled with the ethical, moral, and strategic implications of war. Within this nuanced landscape, the perspectives of three influential thinkers offer a fascinating contrast…
Censorship
Remembering Ibrahim Qashoush: a brutal story of musical resistance and regime violence
Although highly unknown beyond the Free Syria movement, an often-forgotten cause, Ibrahim Qashoush was a popular singer during the beginning of the Syrian Revolution. He soon became one of the countless victims of the Assad regime’s brutality. This is his story.
Education
What explains the rise of antisemitism in American colleges?
In the past week, we have witnessed a wave of antisemitism and support for terrorism spreading in American universities. But why is this the case?
Free Markets and Capitalism
Grocery aisle garbage vs. free-market wellness: how food subsidies contribute to poor health
Time to peel back the oniony layers of the food industry according to free-market principles.
Our mission: to understand how market distortions such as food subsidies are contributing to poor health in America.
Economics
Socialism is immoral. This Soviet refugee tells us why
The most compelling case for why socialism is immoral comes from someone with first-hand experience. This is the story of a Soviet refugee, one whose experiences and insights lay bare a truth that challenges the very foundations of socialism.
Free Trade
In defense of globalization
What is globalization? Globalization is simply the process of the free movement of goods, capital, people, and ideas around the world and across borders.
Globalization is a great boon to the world. It means more specialization and division of labor, which are vital components of economic progress. It makes rich countries richer and brings poor countries out of crushing poverty.
It might just be the greatest achievement in human history, but people don’t know this!
Free Speech
A martyr for free speech: Helmuth Hübener
Today, 62% of Americans have political views they are afraid to share. Despite the extensive legal protections for freedom of speech in America, I worry the attitude and spirit of freedom will decay despite legal guarantees. To remedy this, I believe it is important to learn about the example of Helmuth Hübener, a German teenager who defied the Nazi regime and became a martyr for freedom.
Democracy and Voting
Javier Milei: a new era for Argentina?
On October 22, Argentina is poised to hold the first round of the 2023 Presidential Elections, determining the successor to the Peronist Alberto Fernandez. Following the primaries, Javier Milei, who describes himself as an anarcho-capitalist, emerged as the frontrunner. Could Argentina be set to embark on a radical new journey?
Education
Think school choice mainly benefits rich families? Think again
In the debate about school choice, one argument pops up again and again from those who oppose it: that school choice primarily benefits more affluent families, leaving working-class and lower-income families behind. But this argument neglects the advantages that school choice offers to those who need it most. Here are seven ways school choice benefits poorer students…
Civil Liberties
Why freedom matters more than safety
Safety is, of course, to be valued, but some important questions do arise, particularly in the context of our 21st-century challenges: Are we sacrificing too much freedom in the pursuit of safety? Is freedom more important than safety, and if so, why?
Free Markets and Capitalism
The case for Liberland
Along the Danube River in South-Central Europe lies a distinctive parcel of land between Croatia and Serbia. In 2015, Vit Jedlička and a few others proclaimed the territory as the Free Republic of Liberland. But can and should Liberland become an internationally-recognized, sovereign nation?
Economics
What would Adam Smith write about now?
In the pantheon of economic thought, Adam Smith stands as a colossus, a philosopher whose seminal work, The Wealth of Nations, fundamentally shaped our understanding of free markets and the power of individual self-interest to fuel societal progress. But what would he write about today’s issues?
Censorship
Branded as traitors: why activism in Bosnia and Herzegovina is not for the fainthearted
Right now, activists in Bosnia and Herzegovina, specifically within the region of Republika Srpska, are bracing themselves for an array of new challenges as the government plans to enact a law that will impose strict oversight and intense scrutiny of non-governmental organizations. Those receiving funding from abroad will be required to register as “foreign agents.”
Free Markets and Capitalism
Ludwig von Mises: an economist for freedom and free enterprise
Today would have been Ludwig von Mises’ 135th birthday. Here we reflect on the profound contribution he made to economics.
Censorship
Bill C-11: how Canada’s algorithm power play stifles free speech online
For the Canadian Government, Bill C-11 heralds a fresh avenue for regulation and control. It is a mechanism for both reprimanding adversaries and rewarding lobbyists. Naturally, this government dominance over media comes at the cost of freedom and diversity of content online. Here’s what’s at stake…
Free Will and Moral Responsibility
7 controversial life lessons that shouldn’t be controversial
Intrigued about a fresh take on personal growth and self-discovery that emphasizes individualism, liberty, and rational self-interest? Let’s take a look at 7 controversial life lessons that really shouldn’t be controversial at all…
Civil Liberties
Why is communism still a thing in Portugal?
On March 6, 2021, the streets of several Portuguese cities were adorned with communist flags and other decorations. These scenes looked like they were straight out of the Soviet Union or perhaps a present-day communist country. In reality, though, we’re talking about cities like Lisbon or Porto. But why is communism still a thing in Portugal?
Free Speech
Defending liberty in the digital age: how useful is social media activism?
The power of information dissemination through social media networks is remarkable, with messages often going viral within seconds. Yet, it is essential to acknowledge that social media activism has its limitations.