Tag: civil liberties
280 years later, here’s how Thomas Jefferson is still shaping our society
April 13, 2023 | Post
As we commemorate Thomas Jefferson’s 273rd birthday (he was born on April 13th, 1743) we could certainly remember him for more than one accomplishment. But one contribution in particular really does stand out.
A legacy of liberty: the Portuguese Liberal Revolution of 1820
March 29, 2023 | Post
Many are familiar with Portugal’s Carnation Revolution that brought an end to the authoritarian Estado Novo regime in 1974 and paved the way for democracy. Still, perhaps fewer are aware of the fascinating circumstances around the country’s Liberal Revolution, which took place just over 200 years ago.
Should India repeal the Armed Forces Special Powers Act in the North East?
March 15, 2023 | Post
The Armed Forces Special Powers Act gives sweeping powers to members of the Indian armed forces to make arrests without a warrant on the basis of mere suspicion and in some cases even to open fire. New Delhi is keen on a phased, cautious repeal of AFSPA in India’s North East Region, but more can definitely be done.
Born from dissent: social movements and the case of Georgia
March 9, 2023 | Post
In Georgia, social movements have always been a means to democratically express discontent with the status quo. This is true once again in light of the new “foreign agents law”
Georgia’s foreign agent law casts an ominous shadow on its European aspirations
March 8, 2023 | Post
The “foreign agent law” is perilous for all of Georgian society and will derail future progress in many areas, including human rights and anti-corruption. The Georgian people will do everything to make their voices heard and defend the national and European ideals that promise us a better future.
Women’s History Month: Meet 12 women who’ve contributed to a freer future
March 8, 2023 | Post
This Women’s History Month, let’s take a look back at 12 remarkable women who’ve paved the way for individual liberty and a freer future.
The KGB still runs Russia and always has
January 18, 2023 | Post
The KGB still runs Russia. In its structure of power, the same organization that inflicted terror in Soviet times is still calling the shots.
National Security Law: the crackdown on democracy and freedom in Hong Kong
January 5, 2023 | Post
China’s National Security Law has reduced Hong Kong’s autonomy and made it easier for the CCP regime to punish pro-democracy activists.
What’s happening in China: is the communist regime in trouble?
December 1, 2022 | Post
At present, whenever the world’s attention is not on the controversial Qatar World Cup, it is firmly on what is happening in China. The authoritarian, communist regime, ruled with an iron fist by Xi Jinping for the past decade, is seeing protests on a scale not seen in generations. As more cracks appear, will China’s illiberal model prove unsustainable?
Why do you need a gun?
September 26, 2022 | Post
On the surface, a sensible person could be forgiven for accepting the idea that making guns hard or impossible to get will produce less violent crime. They could also be forgiven for believing the idea that if you have a room full of children who are throwing rocks at each other, the sensible thing to do is remove the rocks. But this assumes society is made up of children to admonish.
You can be pro-freedom and a royalist
September 9, 2022 | Post
The United Kingdom has been plunged into a period of national heartbreak. Whether it be on social media, in people’s homes, or on the streets, British citizens everywhere have voiced their grief and condolences at the news. And yet outsiders, especially libertarians, seem puzzled by this ostensibly bizarre, sentimental attachment the British have towards their ruler. How can a nation be so enamored with someone above their station?
The Gadsden flag: a historic symbol rooted in classical liberalism
July 29, 2022 | Post
Those who care about the ideas of liberty represented by the Gadsden flag must resist its co-option by forces that are completely at odds with what it stands for. The truth about its classical liberal origins must prevail.
People say Putin is pragmatic; here is why they are wrong
June 23, 2022 | Post
Students For Liberty’s Director of Alumni Programs, Jorge Jraissati, gives his thoughts on the ideology of Vladimir Putin, its history, and its ongoing effects.
LGBTQ+ rights in Ireland: a redemption arc
June 22, 2022 | Post
The redemption arc around LGBTQ+ rights in Ireland shows the possibility of rapid social change in favor of greater liberty.
The U.S. Constitution and the right to privacy
May 17, 2022 | Post
The right to privacy and freedom of contract are not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution but are essential to our personal privacy and dignity
Freedom Convoy: Justin Trudeau chooses repression over removing mandates
February 19, 2022 | Post
In response to the Freedom Convoy, Justin Tudeau’s government has invoked new powers with extremely serious implications.
Why free speech is good ― in 300 words
February 18, 2022 | Post
Is free expression only an instrumental good, i.e., good because it results in good consequences? Or is it intrinsically good, in and of itself? The answer is both.
The fight for freedom in Cuba
July 29, 2021 | Post
Recently, Cuba has seen an unprecedented wave of protests against the ruling communist regime. Could freedom be on the horizon for Cuba?
Let’s take back the meaning of “pro-choice”
April 12, 2017 | Post
Truly supporting choice means supporting the right of individuals to choose.
Anne Hutchinson: The spirit of religious liberty
March 27, 2017 | Post
Opinions of Anne Hutchinson have, shall we say, covered the waterfront. In his masterful tome, Conceived in Liberty, 20th-century economist and libertarian historian Murray Rothbard cast her as a staunch individualist and the greatest threat to the “despotic Puritanical theocracy of Massachusetts Bay.” John Winthrop, the 2nd, 6th, 9th, and 12th governor of the Massachusetts […]
It’s Your Right to Burn the Flag
December 23, 2016 | Post
The Founders understood the incentive faced by Congress and the president to exceed the constitutional limits on their power.
11 key facts about Americans’ attitudes toward the Police
December 20, 2016 | Post
The Cato Institute has released Policing in America—an extensive national public opinion report that explores Americans’ attitudes toward the police based on an original Cato Institute/YouGov national survey of 2,000 Americans.
‘I am a Liberal’: How one man brought down Britain’s national ID system
December 10, 2016 | Post
In 1950, a British dry cleaner refused to show his papers and brought down the whole system of national identity registration.
Star Trek Is Far from Libertarian — Here’s Why
July 22, 2016 | Post
At least from a libertarian perspective, the otherwise appealing ideological vision of Star Trek is compromised by its commitment to socialism.