LETTERS 12/13

FREEDOM HIGHEST GOOD

I'd like to thank Alan Brooks (Letters, December 10) for pointing out that libertarianism cannot be classified as a Right-wing ideology. But he should realize that libertarianism is neither Left nor Right Wing. Both Right wing and Left wing ideologues are Authoritarians: they regard individuals as simply a means to achieve what they call the "greater good", or the "good of society," or "progress," and grant people freedom when it's convenient for their political ends. For libertarians, progress is not making laws to force people do what you want; instead, progress means more individual freedom.

By freedom, libertarians mean that all human relationships should be voluntary. Whether money changes hands is irrelevant. No one, not even elected officials, has the right to forbid voluntary associations among people (for example, sex between consenting adults and funding private charities), or to create involuntary relationships (for example, rape and slavery).

As Lord Acton wrote: "Liberty is not the means to a higher political end. It is itself the highest political end."

Brian Schwartz

Minister of Propaganda

Campus Libertarians at CU

CLARIFYING LIBERTARIANISM

Libertarianism is often identified with conservatism but a few examples can show that libertarianism is not limited to right wing, conservative ideologues. Many libertarians wish to end the Drug War and the Selective Service, but those two items, along with others, will not be seen on the agenda of many conservatives.

The broader difference between libertarianism and other political philosophies is libertarians believe every relationship individuals take part in should be voluntary. Every person should be free to pursue his or her own values (commercial, social, or otherwise) while keeping in mind that when seeking values one may not coerce others to act against their own personal judgment. This applies not only for personal choices but also for economic or commercial choices. True "progressive" libertarianism does not seek to grant people a few select freedoms, but it seeks to free every individual from coercion of any form.

Matthew Zenthoefer

Campus Libertarians, Treasurer

Boulder