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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 and debunk some of the bogus justifications put forth by the fascist regime in Moscow and Putin’s alternative “history” that he uses in his attempts to delegitimize the Ukrainian nation. The two main reasons for the war are plain to see: An authoritarian dictator, facing numerous domestic issues, sought to unify the Russian public against the imaginary threat of a belligerent, Western-backed, “Nazi” regime on their doorstep. The
Civil Liberties
What the world can learn from Argentina’s liberty movement
A version of this article, 'What Europe can learn from Argentina's liberty movement,' was originally published in July 2023 on Speak Freely, the European
Civil Liberties
Why freedom matters more than safety
In an age consumed by concerns for safety and security, many of us have been quick to embrace unprecedented safety measures, surveillance, and expanding
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Education
Meet the fearless middle schooler who dared to wear the Gadsden flag in class
In late August 2023, middle schooler, Jaiden Rodriguez, was removed from class over a Gadsden flag patch on his backpack.
This was in defiance of the First Amendment’s protection of free speech, which has long been deemed fully applicable to publicly funded schools by the U.S. Supreme Court.
But First Amendment rights did not mean this was the end of the story.
Basic Economics
This Christmas, blame supply and demand for your expensive gifts
Even Santa’s elves can’t repeal the laws of supply and demand.
Civil Liberties
Dr. Tom G. Palmer on responsibility and freedom
Responsibility: For some the word conjures up images of old people lecturing young people about sitting up straight, doing their homework, and writing thank-you notes to elderly aunts.
Unsurprisingly, we’re expected to think it’s boring, tedious, a diversion from our enjoyment of our freedom. The goal of freedom, the images suggest, is to escape responsibilities.
In fact, embracing responsibility is neither boring, nor tedious, nor a diversion from freedom.
Blockchain
If you care about liberty, beware of CBDCs
In recent years, the concept of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) has gained increasing traction across the globe, with proponents lauding the potential benefits of a digitized monetary system.
However, when we explore the real-life implications of CBDCs, it becomes increasingly clear that the rush toward digital currencies controlled by central banks poses a significant threat to individual liberty.
Civil Liberties
The Iranian dictatorship does not deserve to chair the Human Rights Council
A government that quashes open discourse and stifles diverse perspectives — as the Iranian dictatorship does — is completely ill-suited to lead discussions on social issues and human rights on the international stage.
Free Markets and Capitalism
Why we should celebrate capitalism and consumerism, at Christmas and all year
Last Christmas, Pope Francis criticized holiday consumerism, saying that ours is “a society often intoxicated by consumerism … wealth and extravagance.”
To understand why this sort of critique is mistaken, and why consumerism and capitalism deserve our love at Christmastime and throughout the year, we need to go back to basics.
Basic Economics
How minimum wage laws harm and exclude
Instead of elevating living standards and safeguarding workers from poor conditions and low pay, minimum wage laws lead to unemployment and limit job opportunities. Let’s look at how…
Environment
Here’s the reason mainstream environmentalist groups hate nuclear energy: they’re paid to
For decades, nuclear power has been shunned by mainstream environmentalism.
However, the Natural Resources Defense Council, a prominent environmentalist nonprofit, recently shut down its longstanding program dedicated to opposing the nuclear industry — and they’re not alone in this switch of priorities.
So, what is causing environmentalist groups to run out of steam in their anti-nuclear campaigns? Is mainstream environmentalism about to finally embrace nuclear power?
Civil Liberties
What the world can learn from Argentina’s liberty movement
The liberty movement’s success in Argentina serves as an inspiration to similar movements worldwide. It showcases the power of grassroots organizing and the impact that passionate individuals can have when they come together around a common cause.
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…