Libertarian Consistency and “Binary do nothing, that sends shock waves through the typical line of thinking. Libertarianism, because of its core principles of self- Thinking” ownership, property rights, and the general competency of by Joe Roberts those who have “skin in the game” to make the best decisions for their own lives, is free to be more imaginative in its Well, 2020 has been quite the solutions, because it is not tethered to this binary thinking of dumpster fire so far, hasn’t “Government should do A or government should do B.” it? Pandemics, government lockdowns, brutality and murder by the police making headlines, riots and protests. In the midst of the unrest, we hear voices from the left and voices from the right shouting over each other and generally segregating across the party lines, as usual, presenting their takes on these situations. This binary rhetoric presents an opportunity for vocal libertarians to engage in dialogue and debate with those in the general public who cannot escape the A libertarian does not have to choose between declaring that binary thinking that results, hopefully providing a consistent the COVID-19 coronavirus is a medical issue to be taken “third way” based on the principles of liberty. seriously and understanding the devastating impact, including the human cost, of the government locking down the economy, putting 40 million people out of work, preventing the exercise of our civil liberties, and passing so-called “stimulus bills” with a price tag in the trillions of dollars. Instead, a libertarian can advocate for a third alternative, namely, all of us individually looking out for ourselves and each other. A libertarian can advocate the wearing of masks, while opposing a government mandate on them. A libertarian can protest for ending the lockdowns without insisting that a private establishment must allow customers in without taking lockdown precautions. A libertarian can cry To present a libertarian view means breaking through some out against the commonly-held beliefs by both Democrats and Republicans. violence of the police The main one is the idea that the government should be “doing against poor people something.” Those in the two major parties will differ on of color, while exactly what that “something” is, but when a libertarian pointing out that suggests that the government should withdraw and essentially destroying and looting private businesses is counterproductive Page 1 Libertarian Party of Dallas County, Texas June 2020 to getting justice and ending state oppression. A libertarian of Campaign Marketing During whatever race can genuinely listen to people of color, empathize with their fears, listen to their cries for justice, Quarantine believe them, and disagree with those who suggest that more by Amber Jewell government is a solution to a government problem involving individuals working for, and protected by, the government. We This election season has can advocate against aggression at the same time we become a unique encourage everyone of all races and economic backgrounds to experience, thanks to arm themselves and be prepared to resist and retaliate against COVID-19. The aggression. We can concede that there is actual racial and coronavirus has made social injustice in 2020, and understand that racial disharmony campaigning a more and class warfare distracts us from our more poignant, difficult task than ever common enemy: the tyrannical state. before. Government officials have pushed us to And, yes, “true libertarians” can disagree with other “true be locked inside our homes, libertarians” on what non-government solutions to all of these insisted on face masks, and problems might look like. In many cases, certain solutions will have tried to prevent us yield more positive results from face-to-face contact. These “requirements” have, in turn, in some instances than created a situation in which candidates can have minimal they would in other contact with the most important people for their campaigns: instances. We need to the voters. So how do we continue to get our names, and the guard ourselves against Libertarian Party, out to the public? “binary thinking” ourselves, and to give one another the freedom to differ on the best ways to establish a freer society in which citizens are able to pursue personal security and prosperity. As we spread the message of liberty and promote our candidates this election year, let’s constantly keep our focus on the “big picture”: things don’t have to be a tug-of-war between two parties, each of them pulling for one of two equally wrong government solutions to force on everyone else. Let’s present true liberty as the third, and best, most empowering way. Social media has become a top resource for people who are wanting to advertise anything during this time of isolation. LPDC Membership Program! Creating images, posting videos, and sharing pertinent information can be a great way to publicize to those who are Want to help out the LPDC and at the same time get some stuck at home on their computers for much of the day. For cool libertarian swag? Check out our contributor maximum exposure, marketing experts suggest posting all membership program! over various social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. Of course, ads on these mediums can also be beneficial. You can use these to reach a larger audience and get the most important information out for a longer period of exposure time. You may even consider starting your own blog. If you do, make sure that you share it on all of your social media, as well. Another fantastic way to market is through branded merchandise (also called promotional products). Did you Page 2 Libertarian Party of Dallas County, Texas June 2020 know that the first evidence of promo marketing in this Any COVID-19 Response Must Include country was a Colonial-era presidential campaign button? We keep using them because they work. Get your name on Mental Health Care anything that can be by Darren Hamilton seen over and over again by a high As the COVID-19 crisis number of people – continues, most people are buttons, hats, yard focused on its impact on the signs, and t-shirts, to economy, or worried about an name a few. There are older relative falling ill. But still folks who are there is another public health getting out and about crisis looming over all of us - during this time and one that will slowly ripple they need to be shown outward, but then hit us like a who you are. You can tsunami if we don't prepare also contact friends now, and it will come in the and family to share form of a mental health crisis. your products and Campaign Button for Roger spread the word. Stress, anxiety, and trauma - MacBride for President, Alaska the big three of mental health issues – are on the horizon. Remember: it’s not 1976 We've seen stress humorously commented about in our social just about selling media news feeds. We make light-hearted jokes about anxiety, yourself. If voters don’t understand why they should vote for then forget about it. Why? Because to acknowledge that it you, the political issues remain swept under the rug. Share truly exists is to give a sort of credibility that offends the infographics, statistics, and reliable links to show that you are sensibilities of most people. Those of us who have served in a expert in what you are discussing and promoting. The more the military, especially since the turn of the century, know people understand, the more likely they are to become about "post-traumatic stress disorder" or PTSD. Post-traumatic involved. stress is a real condition, and it doesn't require being in combat to develop it. Almost any traumatic situation can be a contributor. If you Political Operations Committee! believe that you are immune to its effects, Are you a gung-ho political activist who is interested then you are only specifically in local events and politics? Does the fooling yourself. "It incessant wasteful spending of the Dallas City Council cannot happen to me" really get on your nerves? Are you concerned about local was a phrase that I government corruption and want to help keep tabs on it? used to tell myself a lot until it came up to me, We're looking for more libertarians who are astutely bit me on the butt, and interested in being watchdogs for Dallas County politics. said, "I'm here, These people are in charge of identifying strikingly anti- Marine, so you'd better libertarian government action and forming political plans get with the effing program." to couteract it. Interested? Send an e-mail to the LPDC Chair! I read a story some years ago about an Army Sergeant Major who went to weekly sessions with the base psychologist. During these sessions, they would simply talk about general things - small talk about nothing specific, and nothing on the part of the Sergeant Major that would warrant a visit to a psychologist. After a few of these weekly sessions, the psychologist asked the Sergeant Major why he continued to schedule and attend these sessions if there was not an issue that he wished to discuss. "Quite simply," said the Sergeant Major, "I want my soldiers to see me doing it. They don't need to know why I do it, but if they see me, at my age and rank, coming in regularly to talk with a psychologist, then maybe Page 3 Libertarian Party of Dallas County, Texas June 2020 some of them who actually do have issues will not feel so stigmatized, and will feel like they can get the help that they We are already reeling with the aftermath of having our health need to get through their own issues." care system and disease prevention programs undermined.