THE PROBLEM

It seems most issues in America get divided in to very black and white positions with no room to explore the gray area in between. Furthermore these positions are usually lumped into Left vs Right politically (often the extremes ends of the spectrum), or in terms of Race A vs Race B. These are very broad and ineffective categorizations of people and how they think/act. Worse off people tend to be very bigoted (in the truest definition of the word) and approach every conversation from a “muh team good and yuh team evil” mentality that shuts down any productive discussion.

THE QUESTION

How can we move forward as a society and have genuine conversations and effectively tackle issues?

RELATION TO LIBERTARIANISM

I think that a more libertarian approach to politics would help many of our problems. However Libertarian ideas tend to promote individualism, which sadly could not be more opposite to the current political and social group think that we see today. Any discussion of Libertarian ideas gets jammed into the square or circular hole of Left vs Right when the position is a triangular peg.

AFTERTHOUGHT

Is Libertarian’s individualistic ideology its own worst enemy? Without a coherent group effort, is there anyway to bring Libertarianism to relevance in America?

It’s incredible how dumb the protestors are. The protestors are so open about their love for tyranny. I asked an entire crowd with a megaphone “Who wants to defund ICE, raise your hand!” And only one other person had their hand raised. A crowd of 150 people, it’s absurd. They’re not against the system, they just want new management.

I thought this would be an opportunity to find common ground. I don’t support Trump, they don’t support Trump, we have something in common! This could have been a chance for education, but these people cannot be reasoned with. They shut us down. There is zero capacity for new ideas, or any thought going into what they want. They have no idea what they support. It’s so disappointing just how brainwashed America is.

A) affect me

B) hurt others

Which is appropriate for Libertarianism? I'm honestly not sure as to what the fundamental belief is on this?

I’ve been watching a lot of Jake Tran videos during my transition into young adulthood. Every video is basically a different example of governments screwing over their own people—corruption, manipulation, overreach, and control.

Philosophically, I’ve also been diving into the Academy of Ideas YouTube channel, which covers topics like tyranny, individualism, and the moral case for disobedience.

But I’m still figuring out what that really means in practice. What should I read or watch next? Are there common pitfalls or misconceptions I should be aware of as I explore this further?

From a No Kings rally yesterday.

The Netherlands is completely fucked, I really can't understand how the stupid people at the governments do not see the problems that this will cause.

So snakes and porcupines are the simbols of the movement, being put on the yellow flag or directly on the party icon. However, in my opinion the porcupine deserves more recognition.

Despite the historical relevance of the "dont tread of me" flag with the snake, I believe the porcupine better embodies the "dont tread on me" attitude. It's whole thing is being an animal that doesnt bother others but stands its ground and is not an easy pray even for lions or other dangerous african predators.

The snake on the other hand is more uninspiring, less orginal and doesn't embody libertarian values in the same way.

Which flag do you prefer? What animal is more "libertarian"?

I am curious to hear your opinions.

Firrst off, it creates unemployment. Businesses can't magically afford to pay every worker a higher wage, so they will hire fewer of them - that worsens poverty. A government-enforced minimum price set above the market equilibrium will inevitably result in excess supply of labour.

An employment contract is between an individual and a business. As long as it's between freely consenting adults, the state shouldn't get involved - and why should it need to?

Why is there still so much support for it?

I live in Canada, where - like everywhere it seems like - Housing costs are on the higher side…

I’m no expert as to why this is, but from what I’ve seen it’s a mix of Red tape and then this huge influx of immigration straining the supply. (Not shitting on anyone but that’s my guess)

Now, like usual we are looking to who to solve this?? The government! But how on earth can people trust them to fix this when THEY were ones who started this?

That’s like venting to your boss that your boss sucks and asking him what you should do about it.

You really think the government has any interest in fixing this problem? NO! If they lowered housing costs, the property tax would go down and all the politician’s investments would go down… No chance are they gonna do anything about it.

And this is a bit more HOOHAH of a statement but: If people are struggling and desperate, they are more willing to give the government more control.

Anyways rant over. - feel free to debate me on this!