Sheldon Richman on Why He Can't Help But Be a Libertarian
It's not easy being a libertarian, writes Sheldon Richman. He maintain that, like other freedom advocates he knows, he can't help but be a libertarian. His understanding of what it means to be human, of the conditions under which reason-bearing, language-using social animals can flourish, of the nature of violence, and of the essence of the state all lead him to conclude that individuals should be free of aggression, essentially the initiation of physical force. And that means all persons should be unmolested as they peacefully go about their lives, formulating plans and aspirations, justly acquiring possessions and engaging in voluntary cooperation with other persons.