• It's wrong for someone to confiscate your money, give it to someone else, and call that "compassion." – Harry Browne

A New Scheme for Libertarian Activism

Posted by Benjamin Marks on 17th September 2010 10:27am

At Economics.org.au I am trying to get a new scheme for libertarian activism running. Here is the draft press release:

Win money or holiday by showing why anarchocapitalism (the belief in self-ownership) is wrong and your ideal or adequate government is justified!

The only catch is that you must not merely state, for example, that you think we need government because of the public goods problem, you must also explain why you believe the criticism of the public goods problem as justification for government on Economics.org.au is incorrect.

To enter, simply see whether your criticism of anarchocapitalism is refuted on the middle and right columns of Economics.org.au or linked to there. Then fill in the forms on the website [not yet there, obviously] and, in less than 2,000 words, with no minimum word count, state how government is justified.

The prize is AUD$500 or an all-expenses-paid holiday to Auburn, Alabama in the U.S. to attend Mises University, a kind of Disneyland for adults, where you can share your criticism of anarchocapitalism with a willing audience. The winner can choose whichever he prefers.

As said in the fuller explanation here, if the middle and right columns on Economics.org.au are good enough, no money need be given out, and it is just the best possible advertising campaign for anarchocapitalism and Economics.org.au. We could ask for some information about each entrant, and if they meet certain prerequisites, give them a trip to Mises University anyway as a kind of consolation prize or encouragement award, since they would not have actually been able to provide any criticism of anarchocapitalism that has not been dealt with. Publicly giving out some prizes every now and then will lead to even more interest. The competition could have a deadline or go on indefinitely.

So, I like the idea, but no one else seems too sure. What do you think? Please comment here or there with your thoughts, as Neville Kennard wants to know what you think. Any suggestions are welcome.