It is Time for the Libertarians to Step Up

What if there were 100 Ron Paul’s?

“Politics is the art of the possible, the attainable — the art of the next best.”
― Otto von Bismarck

In one of my previous articles, Sausages, I argued that politics in Britain is fundamentally broken. But this isn’t just a British issue; there is a widespread failure across many Western democracies as political systems have shifted from serving the public to perpetuating a cycle of incompetence, corruption, and economic decline.

Responding to that article, someone asked me, “What’s the solution then?” It’s a fair question and I have spent a lot of time thinking about it, and I believe the answer is to bring practical libertarian principles into government. Libertarians need to step up; they need to act. With a focus on individual freedom, limited government, and economic prosperity, libertarianism holds the potential to unify us in a way that transcends party lines and ideological divides.

The Case for Practical Libertarianism

“Nothing is more certain than the indispensable necessity of government, and it is equally undeniable, that whenever and however it is instituted, the people must cede to it some of their natural rights in order to vest it with requisite powers.”
John Jay - The Federalist Papers No. 2

Imagine, for a moment, we could press a button and dismantle the state entirely. What would happen? Would true liberty arise, or would new hierarchies emerge to fill the power vacuum? I believe people would instinctively rebuild governance, as hierarchy and structure are natural to organised society. Communities would establish new systems to ensure security, stability, and cooperation—foundational elements that allow individuals to thrive. By addressing core needs for safety and order, governance creates a stable environment for personal growth and fulfilment, aligning with Maslow's hierarchy to support both individual and collective well-being.

For some readers, the idea of government involvement may seem like a betrayal of pure libertarian ideals, especially listeners of my podcast who are probably screaming “Statist Cuck”—so let me explain. I share your belief in natural rights and have been thinking deeply on how these rights are best protected. Like John Locke, I believe in a social contract: that at least a minimal state is essential to protect our natural rights—life, liberty, and property. In his Second Treatise of Government (1689), Locke argued that individuals consent to governance not to relinquish freedom but to secure it, creating a stable society that upholds and protects these fundamental rights.

Please note that I have also reviewed We Must Be “Opportunists” In Dismantling the State, and found it valuable in framing my arguments. While I've considered anarchism, I view governance as an emergent system and believe that minarchism is a more achievable ideal, but it is a trajectory. I also share the author's perspective on social welfare, acknowledging that eliminating these programs isn’t realistic in the near term. Instead, I agree that efforts should first focus on dismantling corporate welfare and crony capitalism as these are more attainable goals.

There is no agreed blueprint for an ideal libertarian society, as even libertarians differ on specifics. However, several core principles form the foundation of libertarian thought:

1. Limited Government

2. Economic Freedom

3. Individual Responsibility and Voluntarism

4. Non-Aggression Principle

5. Sound Money

I believe there is a case for practical libertarianism, which offers a way to reverse the decline we are in, where a streamlined government is dedicated to protecting freedoms without overreach, with the above principles at its core. This approach moves us away from an ever-expanding state, emphasising a government focused on its essential functions while allowing a gradual migration from state reliance. However, practical libertarianism will require some compromise on certain issues.

Prosperity Stems from Individual Liberty

To achieve meaningful change, I believe we must build sound economic policies. Research consistently shows that economic issues are at the top of public concerns, reflecting how financial insecurity affects well-being and productivity. When people face financial hardship, it impacts everything—from health to education to social cohesion.

Real-world success stories, such as Singapore and Switzerland, illustrate the benefits of economic freedom—though it’s important to acknowledge that both countries also have unique social structures and contexts that contribute to their success and aren’t themselves libertarian. Still, their examples demonstrate how lower taxes, streamlined regulations, and strong property rights can drive growth and innovation. For instance, Singapore’s pro-business policies have positioned it as a global financial hub, offering citizens high wages and a low cost of living. Beyond Singapore and Switzerland, other countries have also benefited from policies aligned with economic freedom and minimal government intervention. Ireland’s corporate tax policies, for example, have attracted global businesses and spurred growth, while Sweden’s economic reforms in the 1990s revitalised its economy without abandoning social welfare (a compromise Libertarians might have to accept, at least in the short term).

By creating conditions that foster business growth and personal freedom, libertarian economic principles lay the groundwork for individuals to thrive. Lower taxes and fewer bureaucratic obstacles mean people retain more of their earnings, gaining the freedom to make financial decisions and invest in their futures. This model contrasts sharply with high-tax, bureaucratic states, where heavy intervention stifles growth and limits innovation. In Estonia, for instance, rapid economic transformation came from policies that lowered tax burdens and simplified regulations, lifting the country from Soviet-era poverty to one of Europe’s tech-driven success stories.

At the core, economic freedom fosters independence, encourages entrepreneurship, and enables people to build wealth and security on their terms, underscoring the libertarian belief that true prosperity stems from individual liberty. Yet, a practical libertarian society balances the need for economic freedom with protections against inequality and monopolistic practices. Further, practical libertarianism does not ignore public welfare; instead, it supports it through measures that respect individual agency and minimise coercion.

These principles of economic freedom go hand in hand with broader libertarian values, such as free speech, which drives open debate and government accountability. The U.S. Constitution, understanding human fallibility, embeds checks and balances to prevent power abuse. In Federalist No. 10, James Madison addresses the issue of factionalism—the tendency of groups to pursue interests that conflict with the public good. Madison argued that a large, representative republic, like the one proposed in the Constitution, can effectively manage such factions, safeguarding individual rights and promoting the common good.

Finally, a sound money standard is critical for economic stability. History demonstrates that unrestrained money printing not only devalues currency but also erodes public trust and destabilises entire economies. Bitcoin or a return to some form of hard money could safeguard against these risks. Together, these principles—economic freedom, individual liberty, and sound money—form the bedrock of a prosperous and resilient society, providing a unifying vision that lifts us beyond today’s political and economic stagnation.

A Pragmatic Appeal to Libertarians

Bismarck’s words remind us that politics is the art of compromise and the achievable—not the pursuit of ideological purity. Many libertarians are understandably wary of the state, but history shows that working within existing structures can yield meaningful progress. Take Ron Paul, a libertarian who entered the system to challenge the Federal Reserve, advocate for a non-interventionist foreign policy, and defend civil liberties. By using the tools within the system, Paul achieved far more than debate alone ever could. Recently, Elon Musk even suggested appointing Ron Paul to lead a Department of Government Efficiency if Trump were to win the election—an indication of how libertarian principles can gain traction when channelled pragmatically.

Ron Paul is often hailed as a hero among libertarians, yet he made his impact from within the state apparatus, raising critical issues. Often as a lone voice, he consistently challenged the Federal Reserve and interventionist policies. But imagine if there were 100 Ron Pauls—how might policies shift? How much closer could we come to a government that genuinely serves the people? This is why libertarians must step up; endless debates and critiques on podcasts accomplish little alone. Real change demands direct action within the political sphere, and it's time for libertarians to take that step and make some compromises. What have you got to lose?

So my appeal to libertarians is this, I urge you to consider a pragmatic approach. Ideological end goals are all well and good, but they are often impractical in today’s complex world. Take healthcare as an example: many libertarians may argue against a socialised system like the NHS, but sensible regulations can still prevent abuse, as seen with big pharma in the U.S. A balanced model, like Australia’s, where private healthcare is incentivised for those who can afford it while maintaining a public safety net, offers a sustainable compromise. And, as prosperity grows, more people may opt for private healthcare, gradually reducing the strain on public resources.

Education, too, could adopt a hybrid model, offering public access while allowing private options to encourage quality and innovation. So let us focus on practical wins—such as lowering taxes, cutting back bureaucratic red tape, or expanding economic freedoms—which may seem incremental, but they are far from trivial. Each step builds momentum, creating a foundation for more ambitious reforms.

The True Cost of Big Government

In my last article, The Cost of Government, I highlighted the madness of modern government—ever-growing taxes and mounting debt that burden us all. A society without libertarian principles ultimately serves the state, not the people. Bloated governments breed inefficiency, lower productivity, and widen inequality.

So, consider this: are we building a society where the state serves the people, or one where people serve the state? Without a commitment to libertarian principles, the state becomes a cancer, feeding off its citizens, eroding the wealth of the productive class through taxes and inflation. The question isn’t whether we need a state but rather how much power it should hold.

Why, then, doesn’t the state embrace libertarian principles? Because the current political system is designed to serve those in power, not the people. A government focused on control naturally gravitates toward more intervention, using its reach to entrench authority rather than protect individual freedoms. In many ways, we’ve normalised corruption, stripping away the checks that could curb poor decision-making and prevent state overreach. A government with unchecked power is incentivised to expand, valuing its own influence over the rights and prosperity of its citizens.

An educated and economically literate electorate is our best defence against government overreach and mismanagement. When people understand that liberty, free markets, and limited government drive true prosperity, they will begin to demand these principles from their leaders. The rise of Javier Milei in Argentina illustrates this shift—a growing public desire for policies that challenge state dominance. Milei’s journey is one to watch; it may reveal whether Argentina can pivot toward freedom and prosperity or if public impatience will lead it back to the familiar yet failed promises of socialism.

A Shared Vision of Prosperity and Freedom

Despite our political differences, I believe we can agree on fundamental goals for society—safety in our communities, the opportunity to prosper, an honest and transparent government, and quality healthcare and education. These common goals transcend party lines, yet political leaders often stir up divisive issues to distract from a shared vision. By focusing on cultural conflicts or ideological purity, they keep us locked in endless battles that fragment society, obscuring the fact that the vast majority of us ultimately want the same things.

These core desires—security, prosperity, integrity in government, and accessible healthcare and education—aren’t just lofty ideals; they’re practical objectives within reach. But to achieve them, we need sound economic policies that foster sustainable growth and empower citizens to lead fulfilling lives. A robust economy, driven by low taxes, free markets, and economic freedom, is the bedrock of a thriving society. When people are economically secure, they’re better able to focus on the essentials: supporting their families, contributing to their communities, and planning for the future.

A limited government, one that respects individual liberty, promotes cooperation and peaceful coexistence will defuse the cultural battles politicians often use to divide us. The politicians may not welcome this approach, as it threatens the structures that empower them—but it’s necessary to move past politics-as-usual. Alas, incumbent politicians will hate this, but honestly, fuck them!

Conclusion: The Need for Libertarian Leadership

Imagine a future where government serves the people, innovation thrives, and prosperity is within everyone’s reach. A society built on personal freedom and economic opportunity empowers all who embrace responsibility and ambition. This is the vision we should strive for—a society that respects our independence, empowers our ambitions, and creates a legacy of liberty for future generations. But to achieve this, politics needs more libertarians willing to step up and bring freedom and real economic opportunity back to the heart of governance.

To voters frustrated by broken promises, small business owners burdened by taxes, and individuals who believe in the power of self-reliance—it’s time to step forward. Libertarian principles offer a real, achievable way to reclaim personal agency, expand opportunities, and hold the government accountable. The task won’t be easy, but the rewards are great: a society that respects your independence, supports your ambitions, and safeguards your rights.

Let’s break free from the outdated left-right divide and recognise that libertarian principles are the real foundation of a secure, prosperous future. It’s time for libertarians to stop holding back, to stand up, and to drive the change we know is possible.

Freedom won’t defend itself—so let’s get out there and make it happen.

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Reading

These are the materials I have been reading which influenced this article:

• The Federalist Papers by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay Kindle Edition

• Bismarck: The Man & the Statesman, Vol. 1

• Bismarck: The Man & the Statesman, Vol. 2

• The First and Second Treatises of Government by John Locke

• The Law by Bastiat Frederic

• We Must Be “Opportunists” In Dismantling the State

• How and How Not to Desocialize

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Use of AI

I use ChatGPT for:

• Checking spelling, grammar and language

• Research

• Support in fact checking

I do not use AI to develop or write my arguments, these are all my own independent thoughts.

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