-Caveat Lector- A Libertarian's New Year's Resolutions by Harry Browne 1. 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. 2. I resolve to keep from being drawn into arguments or debates. My purpose is to inspire people to want liberty -- not to prove that they're wrong. 3. 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. 4. 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. 5. I resolve to be compassionate and respectful of the beliefs and needs that lead people to seek government help. I don't have to approve of their subsidies or policies -- but if I don't acknowledge their needs, I have no hope of helping them find a better way to solve their problems. 6. 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. 7. 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 America's defects will make me a tiresome crank. 8. 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. 9. I resolve to cleanse myself of hate, resentment, and bitterness. Such things steal time and attention from the work that must be done. 10. I resolve to speak, dress, and act in a respectable manner. I may be the first Libertarian someone has encountered, and it's important that he get a good first impression. No one will hear the message if the messenger is unattractive. 11. I resolve to remind myself that someone's "stupid" opinion may be an opinion I once held. If _I_ can grow, why can't I help _him_ grow? 12. 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. 13. 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. 14. I resolve to be civil to my opponents and treat them with respect. However anyone chooses to treat me, it's important that I be a better person than my enemies. * * * Wow. Not only is that inspiring -- anyone who followed Harry's campaign knows that he actually *kept* his New Year's resolutions to a remarkable degree! If enough of us follow Harry's advice, we can make 2001 the best year yet for the libertarian movement -- and that's something to aspire to. <A HREF="http://www.ctrl.org/">www.ctrl.org</A> DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion & informational exchange list. Proselytizing propagandic screeds are unwelcomed. Substance—not soap-boxing—please! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory'—with its many half-truths, mis- directions and outright frauds—is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRLgives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. ======================================================================== Archives Available at: http://peach.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ctrl.html <A HREF="http://peach.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ctrl.html">Archives of [EMAIL PROTECTED]</A> http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ <A HREF="http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/">ctrl</A> ======================================================================== To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om