Dear Friends, The below was written in 1998 by Harry Browne (June 17, 1933 - March 1, 2006). Browne was the Libertarian Party's presidential candidate in 1996 and 2000.
When you have a few moments, please stop by http://Contribute.LPVA.com and help *your* Libertarian Party prepare for an active 2013! ---------------------- Libertarian New Year's Resolutions by Harry Browne I resolve to sell liberty by appealing to the self-interest of each prospect, rather than preaching to people and expecting them to suddenly adopt my ideas of right and wrong. I resolve to keep from being drawn into arguments or debates. My purpose is to inspire people to want liberty not to prove that theyre wrong. I resolve to listen when people tell me of their wants and needs, so I can help them see how a free society will satisfy those needs. I resolve to identify myself, when appropriate, with the social goals someone may seek a cleaner environment, more help for the poor, a less divisive society and try to show him that those goals can never be achieved by government, but will be well served in a free society. I resolve to be compassionate and respectful of the beliefs and needs that lead people to seek government help. I dont have to approve of their subsidies or policies but if I dont acknowledge their needs, I have no hope of helping them find a better way to solve their problems. No matter what the issue, I resolve to keep returning to the central point: how much better off the individual will be in a free society. I resolve to acknowledge my good fortune in having been born an American. Any plan for improvement must begin with a recognition of the good things we have. To speak only of Americas defects will make me a tiresome crank. I resolve to focus on the ways America could be so much better with a very small government not to dwell on all the wrongs that exist today. I resolve to cleanse myself of hate, resentment, and bitterness. Such things steal time and attention from the work that must be done. I resolve to speak, dress, and act in a respectable manner. I may be the first Libertarian someone has encountered, and its important that he get a good first impression. No one will hear the message if the messenger is unattractive. I resolve to remind myself that someones stupid opinion may be an opinion I once held. If I can grow, why cant I help him grow? I resolve not to raise my voice in any discussion. In a shouting match, no one wins, no one changes his mind, and no one will be inspired to join our quest for a free society. I resolve not to adopt the tactics of Republicans and Democrats. They use character assassination, evasions, and intimidation because they have no real benefits to offer Americans. We, on the other hand, are offering to set people free and so we can win simply by focusing on the better life our proposals will bring. I resolve to be civil to my opponents, and treat them with respect. However anyone chooses to treat me, its important that I be a better person than my enemies. ---------------------- HAPPY LIBERTARIAN NEW YEAR! Check out the many excellent articles on his website; and "Like" his Facebook page (his widow Pamela updates it daily): http://www.facebook.com/pages/Harry-Browne/181095985238942 ############################################################# Have an announcement you'd like to post? SCC members & many committee heads are all authorized to post; or you may send your announcements to the List Master: <[email protected]> <mailto:[email protected]?subject=Announcement>. ############################################################# Unsubscribe: Send an email to [email protected] with no subject and "Unsubscribe Announce" as the text. ############################################################# Libertarian Party of Virginia http://www.LPVA.com Phone: 703-715-6230 ############################################################# Want to see past messages? Check the Archive: http://www.Mail-Archive.com/[email protected]/ #############################################################
