THE LIBERATOR ONLINE
September 16, 1999
Vol. 4, No. 18
Circulation: 31,336 in 79 countries
Mailing list of the Advocates for Self-Government.
Created and edited by Paul Schmidt, mailto:paul@self-gov.org
Co-edited by James W. Harris, mailto:james@self-gov.org
If you wish to subscribe, unsubscribe, or change your address for
receiving the Liberator OnLine, visit:
http://www.self-gov.org/liberator/maintain.html
The Advocates for Self-Government is a non-profit educational
organization. Our purpose is to present the freedom philosophy
honestly and persuasively to opinion-makers so that they can
encounter, evaluate, and when ready, embrace the ideals of
self-government.
Contributions are tax deductible under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS
code. If you would like to support the Advocates, we *welcome* your
donation. To support the Advocates' work, see
http://www.reliablehost.com/self-gov/donate.html -- or give us a call
at 1-800-932-1776.
_________________________________________________________________
"The Advocates are for real. Libertarians who want to get real
should put into action what the Advocates teach."
-- Russell Means, American Indian activist, actor ("Last of the
Mohicans"), author ("Where White Men Fear to Tread"), singer,
libertarian.
_________________________________________________________________
CONTENTS
PRESIDENT'S CORNER
WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH THE ADVOCATES
GOOD NEWS, BAD NEWS, UNBELIEVABLE NEWS
* Should We Trust The Government?
* George Bush, Jr.: Did He Or Didn't He?
ON THE WEB
* Editor's Choices: Dumb Laws
ASK DR. RUWART
* "Deadbeat Dads" Revisited
* The Nanny State
COMMUNICATION POWER TIP
* Are you an Advocate or a Defender?
PRODUCT REVIEW
* "Hoodwinking the Nation"
_________________________________________________________________
PAID ADVERTISEMENT
+-------------- Fun & Amusements Via Email ---------------+
Visit ShagMail.com for Fun and Amusements delivered via email
See why everyone's talking about ShagMail.com
* Jokes * Horoscopes * Quotes * Brain Teasers * Sports
* Music * Dear Abby * Recipes * Bizarre News * Trivia
BONUS - FREE video drawing each week.
<a href=" http://www.shagmail.com/al/affiliates.cgi?478 ">Click Here</a>
+------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
PRESIDENT'S CORNER
Dear friends,
The Advocates for Self-Government is offering a special treat for
libertarian activists!
Libertarians who meet the criteria for our 1999 "Lights of Liberty"
awards will have their names placed in a drawing to win a great prize:
our Libertarian Presidential Library book collection.
The Libertarian Presidential Library is a collection of mostly
out-of-print campaign books (and one video tape) by Libertarian Party
presidential candidates - most *autographed.* The Advocates have a
*very limited number* of these sets, and normally we only give them
for donations of $250 or greater.
The Libertarian Presidential Library consists of:
"Libertarianism" by Dr. John Hospers, 1972 Libertarian Presidential
Candidate. Exclusive Advocates edition. Autographed.
"A New Dawn For America: The Libertarian Challenge" by Roger MacBride,
1976 Libertarian Presidential Candidate. Autographed by Ed Crane,
MacBride campaign manager.
"A New Beginning" by Ed Clark, 1980 Libertarian Presidential
Candidate. Autographed
"Libertarianism In One Lesson" by David Bergland, 1984 Libertarian
Party Presidential Candidate. Autographed.
"Liberty Reclaimed: A New Look At American Politics" by Jim Lewis,
1984 Libertarian Vice Presidential Candidate (with Jim Peron).
Autographed by Jim Lewis.
"Freedom Under Siege: The U.S. Constitution After 200 Years" by Ron
Paul, 1988 Libertarian Presidential Candidate. Autographed.
"Marrou in '92 Campaign Videotape" by Andre Marrou, 1992 Libertarian
Presidential Candidate.
"Why Government Doesn't Work" by Harry Browne, 1996 Libertarian Party
Presidential Candidate. Autographed.
This is a fantastic collection - and available ONLY from the
Advocates. It's a real piece of political history - not to mention
some great reading.
So how can you qualify for the Lights of Liberty Awards - and your
chance to win the Libertarian Presidential Library?
Simple. Accomplish ANY ONE of these three outreach activities:
1. Letters to the Editor: get three or more letters published in
newspapers or magazines that use the words "libertarian" or
"libertarianism" in a positive light.
2. Public Speaking: deliver three or more prepared speeches to a
predominately non-libertarian audience, using the words
"libertarian" or "libertarianism" in a positive light.
3. Operation Politically Homeless (OPH) Booth Outreach: Participate
in three or more OPH booths (or one OPH booth for 3 shifts of two
hours or more, on 3 different days). Operation Politically
Homeless is an Advocates outreach tool that is widely used by
libertarians to make outreach booths more effective.
Any of these activities done between January 1, 1999 and December 31,
1999 count - so there's still plenty of time to qualify.
Bonus: Everyone who accomplishes more than one of these activities, or
who qualifies more than once (for example, 6 letters to the editor)
will have their names added to the Libertarian Presidential Library
drawing for each accomplishment.
So you can greatly increase your odds of winning the Libertarian
Presidential Library. The more activism, the more chances of winning.
And remember, *everyone* who qualifies for the 1999 Lights of Liberty
Awards will receive:
* A handsome "Lights of Liberty" certificate, suitable for framing.
* Recognition and thanks by the Advocates in press releases sent to
your local libertarian organizations and in The Liberator, the
Advocates magazine.
* Your name posted on a Web page honoring your achievements. (You
can see last year's winners at:
http://www.self-gov.org/lights/winners.html.)
* A coupon worth 20% off purchases from the Advocates;
* A year's subscription to The Liberator.
* Entry into a second drawing for prizes including books, tapes and
other libertarian items.
Of course, the main reason for the Lights of Liberty Awards is to
reward people who are taking the message of liberty to the public -
and to encourage a lot more such efforts. Last year there were over
150 Lights of Liberty winners in 35 states. Their combined outreach
activities took the ideas of liberty to literally millions of
Americans in 1998.
This year we want to beat those numbers!
So, if you've already qualified, let us know.
If you haven't qualified, write those letters, work that extra OPH
booth, do that service club speech.
If you're a newsletter editor, chairperson, volunteer coordinator or
other leader in a libertarian organization, please tell your members
about this offer - you'll be encouraging vital libertarian activism
and helping your organization's volunteers receive the recognition
they deserve.
There's more information about the awards - including full rules - at:
http://www.self-gov.org/lights/
Or you can call or email us for more information.
And you can read more about the Libertarian Presidential Library
collection at http://www.reliablehost.com/self-gov/product31.html.
Thanks!
* *
C-SPAN is coming to the Advocates' 15th Anniversary Celebration. See
"What's Happening" below for more details. And remember, it's not too
late to join us for the Libetarian Event of the Year! Find out about
our conference - including speaker bios and full schedule - at
http://www.self-gov.org/event.html
This is the LAST Liberator Online you'll get before the conference. So
if you haven't registered, please do so now, so you can get our
"not-so-early-bird" discount rate of only $249. (Price at the door
will be $299.)
Call us if you have any questions.
Hope to see you there!
Enjoy this issue of the Liberator Online.
Sharon Harris, President
mailto:sharon@self-gov.org
PS: For decades, professional pessimists have warned us that the world
was doomed because of overpopulation and environmental catastrophe; or
that crime rates were rising and social ruin imminent; or that
forests, farmland and natural resources were vanishing... and so on,
and on, and on. No wonder so many people feel depressed and worried
about the future!
Almost alone, the late Julian Simon confronted the doomsayers - and
refuted their charges, time and time again. His last book,
"Hoodwinking the Nation," is now out. In just 140 fact-packed pages,
it blows apart some of the greatest and scariest fallacies of our age.
It's a great breath of fresh air and optimism - and you can get it
from us at a 27% savings! See our Product Review this issue for
details - and relax a little!
_________________________________________________________________
WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH THE ADVOCATES
* C-SPAN to be at Advocates Conference: We've just learned that C-SPAN
will be taping at least one of our conference speakers -- Jacob
Hornberger of the Future of Freedom Foundation, who'll be speaking on
immigration. We'll let you know the broadcast date as soon as we find
out. C-SPAN *won't,* however, be taping our whole convention. But
there's still time and space for you to be there and see it all. See
the next item below for details.
* The libertarian event of the year! The Advocates' 15th Anniversary
Celebration will be held September 24-26, 1999 in Atlanta, GA. We have
an *incredible* line-up of speakers. In alphabetical order: David
Bergland, Walter Block, Harry Browne, Doug Casey, Michael Cloud,
Marshall Fritz, Barbara Goushaw, Sharon Harris, Karl Hess Jr., Jacob
Hornberger, Vince Miller, Charles Murray, David Nolan, Congressman Ron
Paul, and Mary Ruwart.
There's still time to save big on your ticket price by registering
now. If you register by September 20, your ticket is only $249 for the
entire event, including speakers, meals, banquet, hospitality suites,
and more. That's a full $50 off the at-the-door price of $299.
Another benefit of early registration: we have reserved a limited
number of hotel rooms at bargain rates. These are going fast. Save
money by registering now!
Click here http://www.self-gov.org/event.html to go to a Web page
where you can learn more about our speakers and this event.
Or, call 1-800-932-1776 for more information. Hope to see you there!
* Free "Libertarian Clips": "Libertarian Clips" is our new email
publication. It's a daily (or weekly, if you prefer) clipping service
that brings you news stories from around the world that use the words
"libertarian" or "libertarianism." It's FREE, and subscribing is a
snap. Just click here: http://www.self-gov.org/clips/
* Latest "Liberator" still available: The summer issue of "The
Liberator," our print magazine, is crammed full of good news about
liberty. Topics include: growing acceptance of the World's Smallest
Political Quiz; the Quiz in Academia and on national television;
Lights of Liberty winners; OPH success in California; Operation
Persuasion update; and much more. We'll send you a FREE sample copy of
this magazine. Just click here: http://www.self-gov.org/request.html.
* LP's "Success '99" workshops: The Libertarian Party is presenting
its acclaimed "Success '99" libertarian leadership training workshops
in two dozen cities across America this year. Join libertarian
communication experts including Advocates President Sharon Harris, Dr.
Mary Ruwart, David Bergland, Michael Cloud, Bill Winter, Ron
Crickenberger, Steve Dasbach, Jim Lark, Barbara Goushaw, and others.
Upcoming "Success '99" events: Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota,
September 18-19; Kansas City, Kansas, October 9-10; Nashville,
Tennessee October 23-24; Augusta, Maine, November 6-7. For more
details, registration information, and a complete listing of the
cities, dates, and speakers for "Success '99," see:
http://www.self-gov.org/success99.html
* Communication Bargain of the Century: You can get the great 3-tape
audio course "The Essence of Political Persuasion" from us at the
*give-away* price of only $7.50 - that price includes handling and,
now, First Class mail. (Yes, we've previously offered it for $5.00 if
mailed by bulk mail, but we found that too slow - First Class will get
your order to you right away!) Libertarian Party Political Director
Ron Crickenberger says this Advocates offer is "...the greatest gift
the libertarian movement has received in years." Thanks to
"Persuasion" creator Michael Cloud for making this offer possible.
To order, see: http://www.reliablehost.com/self-gov/persuasion.html
This is a secure site, so you can order via credit card with
confidence. You can also call us or mail $7.50 to the Advocates. Our
phone number and address are at the end of this issue.
* 1999 Lights of Liberty Awards: You can win certificates, public
recognition, prizes and more for your vital activism for liberty.
Awards are given for: 3 libertarian letters to the editor; 3 sessions
working at an OPH booth; or 3 libertarian-oriented public speeches.
Click here http://www.self-gov.org/lights/ to learn more.
_________________________________________________________________
GOOD NEWS, BAD NEWS, UNBELIEVABLE NEWS
by James W. Harris
Should We Trust The Government?
From a recent column by World Nes Daily's Sara J. McCarthy:
Roger Waters, who wrote and sang most of Pink Floyd's best music --
"Another Brick in the Wall," "Welcome to the Machine," and other songs
that have been banned in totalitarian regimes throughout the world --
is touring the United States. In a line from the song "Mother" at Star
Lake Amphitheater near Pittsburgh this summer, the band roared,
"Mother, should I trust the government?"
"No," yelled the crowd of 15,000 mostly 20- and 0-something concert
goers.
(Source: World News Daily / J. Brit Miller)
George Bush, Jr.: Did He Or Didn't He?
George Bush Jr.'s refusal to confirm or deny rumors that he once used
cocaine has made for some fascinating political spectacles.
For one thing, it's amusing to see confirmed "lock 'em up and throw
away the key" Drug Warriors suddenly insisting that drug use is a
private matter - at least, if you're the millionaire son of an ex-US
president. Among the new converts to this way of thinking: Elizabeth
Dole, who has made alleged laxness by the Clinton Administration in
fighting the Drug War a central part of her campaign for president,
but who says that George W's prior drug use is a "personal" matter;
Senator John McCain (R-AZ), who said people deserve "privacy" on the
issue; and even Drug Czar Barry McCaffrey, who says the media should
stop "the game of 'gotcha'" (of course, McCaffrey won't stop playing
"gotcha" with the hundreds of thousands of peaceful users his Drug War
arrests every year).
In fact, notes the Libertarian Party in a news release on the subject,
"...the only Republican who appears to disagree with George W. Bush's
claim that drug use should be a private issue is...George W. Bush. As
Texas governor, Bush signed a law that toughened penalties for people
convicted of possessing less than a gram of cocaine."
Which leads Libertarian Party national director Steve Dasbach to make
this simple proposal: Before politicians are allowed to vote on any
Drug War legislation, they should agree to be subjected to the same
criminal penalties they would impose on others.
"It's quite simple," Dasbach says. "If Bush genuinely believes that
people who use cocaine belong in prison -- and if he has personally
used cocaine -- he should go to prison.
"Yes, our prisons are overcrowded because of the 1.5 million people
arrested on drug charges every year...but there's always room for one
more hypocritical politician who believes that what's good enough for
presidential candidates isn't good enough for ordinary Americans."
(Source: Libertarian Party media release / MSNBC)
William F. Buckley: Button A or Button B?
"Now the question has become less 'Did George W do it back then?'
than, 'Does George W's situation merit a re-examination of drug
policy?' Eighty million Americans have used illegal drugs.
...Conceive a fantasy: You are required to push the 'A' button or
the 'B' button. The 'A' button would instantly incarcerate all
illegal drug users. The 'B' button would drop charges against
illegal drug users. Which button would you depress? Does your
allegiance to law and order propel you to put millions of people in
jail? Or are you inclined to modify your opinion about what should
be a jailable offense?"
- conservative syndicated columnist William F. Buckley Jr.
_________________________________________________________________
ON THE WEB
Editor's Choices: Dumb Laws
The site http://www.dumblaws.com has a huge collection of the most
senseless laws in the United States. Many of these laws have been
verified but many were copied from sources which did not include the
law numbers. The laws have been taken from newsgroups, other web
sites, mayors, and visitors to the site.
Here are some samples:
Blythe, CA
* You are not permitted to wear cowboy boots unless you already own
at least two cows.
New York, New York
* Citizens may not greet each other by "putting one's thumb to the
nose and wiggling the fingers".
Georgia
* Members of the state assembly cannot be ticketed for speeding
while the state assembly is in session.
These laws are often humorous, but most do not have references, so
some may not be real. Although not for the serious researcher, these
pages offer an enjoyable diversion to the often too-serious business
of government.
_________________________________________________________________
ASK DR. RUWART
How can you answer difficult questions about libertarianism -- in
short, positive, persuasive soundbite-sized responses? It's a
challenge every libertarian communicator faces.
Dr. Mary Ruwart is a leading expert in libertarian communication and
author of the international bestseller "Healing Our World." Her new
book is "Short Answers to the Tough Questions." In this column she
provides Liberator Online readers with "Short Answers to the Tough
Questions" that libertarians are frequently asked.
If you'd like Dr. Ruwart to provide effective answers for YOUR "tough
questions" on libertarian issues, just email the questions to her at:
mailto:ruwart@self-gov.org. *Due to volume, Dr. Ruwart can't
personally answer or acknowledge all email queries.* But we'll run the
best questions -- and Dr. Ruwart's answers -- in upcoming issues.
Extra Tip: Dr. Ruwart suggests that answers are often best preceded by
a "Ransberger Pivot" statement, to establish common ground with the
questioner. (Example: "Like you, I too want to live in a world where
the environment is clean... Like you, I too want to see greater
abundance for all people...") For more on the Ransberger Pivot
communication technique, see previous issues, or contact the
Advocates.
Dr. Ruwart's past answers are archived in searchable form at the
http://www.self-gov.org/ruwart/
Short Answers to the Tough Questions:
by Dr. Mary Ruwart
"Deadbeat Dads" Revisited
Question:
"I think your answer to the child support/deadbeat dad question
(Liberator Online Vol. 4, No. 16, August 17, 1999) leaves something to
be desired.
"Even in a libertarian world some things are presumed. When you marry,
you promise to 'love, honor, and obey.' Well, so it's a bit vague, but
the parties agreed and, given the nature of the relationship, that
promise should be construed broadly. More to the point, however, when
the parties have children, they each, without a writing, agree to
support the child. This is presumed as a necessary and proper
consequence of the reproductive acts the parties took. Wouldn't you
agree? To suggest that nobody really knows what they are agreeing to
in a marriage is not a satisfactory libertarian position -- especially
when it comes to children.
My short answer:
"Yes, it IS unsatisfactory that no one really knows what they are
agreeing to when they marry. In a libertarian society, instead of a
one-size-fits-all marriage, defined after the fact, a marriage
contract could be individually tailored to a couple's needs.
"I use the phrase 'defined after the fact' because the jurisdiction in
which a couple divorces decides what couples actually agreed to when
they married. A divorcing couple is subject to the laws of the state
they divorce in, not the laws of the state that they marry in. In some
states, all separately wned property becomes joint after marriage; in
others, couples can retain property that is not subject to division
during a divorce. Some states rarely will give men custody of their
children; in others, they have equal footing with their spouses.
"State laws are themselves subject to judicial interpretation. Even if
the couple agrees between themselves what their commitment entails,
the law may tell them differently. The courts often disregard
prenuptial agreements instead of enforcing them.
"My divorce in the mid-70s illustrates this uncertainty. My
soon-to-be-ex and I agreed on a property settlement, hired a single
attorney, and asked the court to rubber-stamp our divorce. Instead,
the judge counseled my husband that the laws of the state entitled him
to alimony and encouraged him to sue for it! He never even asked my
husband if we had considered my higher income in our settlement!
"Since my husband was a man of integrity, he declined the judge's
invitation. However, the judge did not give up easily. He continued to
badger my husband, who gained my respect in his steadfast refusal to
substitute the state's agreement for our own.
"However, many couples in the throes of divorce find that legally
eviscerating their soon-to-be ex is an irresistible temptation. The
spouse on the receiving end feels betrayed and not morally obligated
to comply."
Follow-up question:
"Are you also meaning to say that, without a written contract, the guy
is of the hook for support? His act of having the child with his wife
(and vice-versa) is the same as a promise to support the child -- to
follow through with a responsibility that is presumed in the act of
reproducing children."
My short answer:
"I'm saying that without 'a writing,' misunderstandings about what has
been agreed to are almost inevitable. The subsequent arguments cause
animosity and often result in a refusal to abide by a court-ordered
settlement which is viewed as unfair. By having issues like custody,
support levels, etc. discussed and agreed to in writing *before
martial problems arise, the chances that the settlement will be viewed
as fair and binding are increased.
"We wouldn't dream of going into business with someone else without a
written partnership agreement, because we know that we'd be asking for
trouble. However, we enter into the more serious business of
procreating without even a word about supporting offspring, only a
promise 'to love, honor, and obey' our spouse. What has been promised
is strictly a matter of opinion."
The Nanny State
Question:
"It seems like most people want to live in a Nanny State today! How
can libertarians combat this apathy or laziness that permeates our
society?"
My short answer:
"Many people *are* abdicating responsibility to the Nanny State and
giving it power over their lives. However, others are actively
reclaiming their personal responsibility (e.g., New Agers, members of
the human potential movement, pacifists, etc.). These latter
individuals are very receptive to the libertarian message because they
are firm believers in non-aggression. When they understand that
taxation and regulation bring the guns of government to bear on
peaceful people, they become staunch libertarians. My personal
strategy is to go after the ripe fruit while allowing the rest to
mature through reaping as they sow."
Follow-up question:
"I know there are countries in Europe where taxes are extremely high
and socialism dominates. Are there any people in, maybe France, that
are upset by this? Are there libertarians in Europe?"
My short answer:
"Yes, the libertarian movement is worldwide! The International Society
for Individual Liberty (www.isil.org) networks with libertarians
throughout the world and has facilitated the publication of freedom
literature in dozens of different languages.
"Our last annual meeting (I say 'our' because I'm on the Board of
Directors) was in Costa Rica, where we had both English and Spanish
tracks. The Year 2000 conference is in London, Ontario in July. ISIL
publishes short pamphlets on a variety of issues that are handy and
inexpensive to distribute. Like the Advocates, ISIL is a great
resource for the libertarian wanting simple and effective ways to
communicate their love of liberty to friends and family."
* *
Dr. Ruwart's book "Healing Our World" features persuasive arguments
for liberty, backed with *over 500 references* showing how liberty
works. You can browse the entire book online at:
http://www.cyberpop.com/ebooks
You can order it at a special reduced price of only $12.95 (plus
shipping) from the Advocates. Check out our online catalog at:
http://www.reliablehost.com/self-gov/opp.html
Dr. Ruwart's newest book is "Short Answers to the Tough Questions,"
also available from the Advocates for $12.00 (plus shipping).
________________________________________________________________
COMMUNICATION POWER TIP #77
Are you an Advocate or a Defender?
by Michael Cloud
"Why are you against public schools? What's the matter with having
public schools?"
"If you wouldn't support this gun law, what would you do to make sure
we don't have another shooting like Columbine High School?"
"You're against the War on Drugs, but what would you do to keep drugs
out of the hands of school kids?"
Are you always on the defensive when you discuss politics and
government?
Do you constantly criticize, condemn, and complain about government?
It's an easy trap to fall into. We've all done it.
The solution is simple:
Stop defending liberty...Start advocating liberty.
What's the difference?
Defending liberty means we are reacting against government proposals
or programs.
Defending liberty means we are responding to government actions or
policies.
Defending liberty means we are opposing statist ideas.
Defending liberty means they act -- and we react.
Defending lets the Big Government crowd set the agenda and determine
the rules of engagement.
We must stop thinking like and acting like defenders.
We must think like and act like...and *become* Advocates.
We must seize the initiative. We must set the agenda.
We must pro-actively determine and define the issues.
We must provide and promote libertarian solutions to social and
economic problems.
We must lead, not follow. We must act, not react. We must make the
first move, not passively wait.
We must act first. We must be first to define the problem. We must be
first to create and put forth solutions. Libertarian solutions.
We must initiate and support, propose and promote, advocate and
advance.
We must be Prime Movers on issues and problems.
Don't passively wait for the Big Government backers to put forth their
solutions. Take the initiative. Define the problem, create a free
market, libertarian solution...and call it in to your favorite talk
radio NOW. Write it up and e-mail it to your favorite newspaper NOW.
We must demonstrate Leadership in the marketplace of ideas.
Start the conversation. Begin the discussion. Define the problem,
offer the Libertarian solution, sketch out 3 to 5 benefits that your
solution will produce....and ask the others what they like best about
your positive proposal.
Make the statists react to our solutions. Let them oppose and
criticize. Put them on the defensive.
Take the initiative. Plant the crops of liberty. Don't wait for the
weeds of statism.
Take the lead.
Stop defending liberty...
Start Advocating Liberty.
* *
Michael Cloud is the creator of the acclaimed tape set "The Essence of
Political Persuasion." In March of 1999, Libertarian State Chairs
voted him "the best speaker in the Libertarian Party." His speeches
have been described as "electrifying" and "unforgettable."
"The Essence of Political Persuasion" is available from the Advocates
for only $7.50 postpaid; see "What's Happening" in this issue.
_________________________________________________________________
PRODUCT REVIEW:
An amazing book that shatters lies and myths about the environment,
crime, overpopulation and much more, written by one of the master
thinkers of our time.
"Hoodwinking the Nation"
by Julian Simon. Foreword by Ben J. Wattenberg. 1999 hardcover, 140
pages.
From Penn Jillette (of Penn and Teller) about this book:
"[Julian Simon] changed the way I look at my whole world. I've
always been too much of an optimist for my looks, style and
profession, but after reading Julian, I got way Pollyanna, and --
to the irritation of almost everyone I talked to -- Mr. Simon
taught me to back up my sunshine with facts. Why did it take a man
with this much fighting spirit and goofy charisma to get me to
realize what now seems obvious? Well, this book is about just that.
It's Julian Simon looking for the answer to why I (and you, and
just about everyone else) lived in this happy, healthy world, and
still kept thinking it was trashed and getting worse. I'm glad we
have this book. I wish we still had Julian." -- Penn Jillette, who
bills himself as "the larger, louder half of rip-off artistes Penn
& Teller."
From the Publisher:
Most people in the United States believe that our environment is
getting dirtier, we are running out of natural resources, and
population growth in the world is a burden and a threat. These
beliefs, according to Simon, are entirely wrong. Why do the media
report so much false bad news about the environment, resources, and
population? And why do we believe it? These are the questions Simon
sets out to answer in "Hoodwinking the Nation."
The opening chapter of this, Simon's last book, discusses facts about
population growth, natural resources, and the environment, and
presents survey evidence of the public's view of these topics. The
discrepancy between the facts and public beliefs sets up the puzzle
that the remaining chapters attempt to explain. Simon explores how and
why false bad news is produced, citing government reports as often
being the basis for environmental news scams and doomsday analyses.
Simon examines the intellectual bases of concepts that lead to scares
about resource depletion and population growth, and why biologists, in
particular, tend to become overly alarmed about mythical environmental
scares. Simon follows with an explanation of how the false bad news is
disseminated. He notes that journalists know little about statistics
and science and thus gather data in ways that lead to inaccurate
conclusions, and politicians may misuse statistics in the service of
their own policy and political goals. Simon contends that
psychological and cultural mechanisms make people receptive to bad
rather than good news and that most people have a too positive view of
the past and a too negative view of the future.
The purpose of this book is not to preach but to examine. Most
importantly, it aims to consider whether institutional structures can
be changed in a way that would allow more sanctions against
undesirable practices and unethical behavior.
* *
"For thirty years, Julian Simon has proven himself to be the nation's
premier slayer of myths." --Stephen Moore, Cato Institute
* *
SPECIAL DISCOUNT PRICE AND FREE GIFT
We are pleased to offer "Hoodwinking the Nation" to our readers for
only $21.95 (plus shipping). *That's a whopping 27% savings over the
cover price of 29.95!
Plus...
FREE BONUS BOOK: With every order you'll also get a copy of
"Stranglehold: How Union Bosses Have Hijacked Our Government." This
little book, published by the National Right to Work Legal Foundation,
tells an astonishing and little-understood story. Union membership has
been falling for decades - except in government. With millions of
public employees beholden to union officials' self-serving demands,
Americans have gotten higher taxes, bloated bureaucracies, and radical
union bosses in charge of our schools and government services. This
book tells how it happened, how much it costs you, and what can be
done about it. Yours FREE with every order, as long as supplies last.
(If we run out, we'll substitute a gift of equivalent value.)
To order on the Web, via credit card, simply click here:
http://laissezfaire.org/cu8060.cfm?AssociateID=SG
This will take you to a site at the Laissez Faire Books catalog.
Laissez Faire Books is the world's largest sellers of books on
liberty, and we are pleased to be able to offer this book in
partnership with them.
Fast shipping - most orders sent within 24 hours of receipt. And FREE
shipping on orders of $100 or more.
While placing your order for "Hoodwinking the Nation" be sure to
browse their wonderful selection of other essential libertarian books.
The site is credit card secure -- you can order with the same
confidence you'd feel at your local department store.
You can also, of course, place your order to the Advocates by phone,
mail or fax. Call us at 1-800-932-1776, or see below for further
contact information.
Thank you!
_________________________________________________________________
See you in two weeks! You can contact the Advocates at:
* Snail Mail:
Advocates for Self Government
1202 N. Tennessee St. Suite 202
Cartersville, GA 30120
* Phone: 770-386-8372; for orders, 800-932-1776
* Fax: 770-386-8373
* Email: mailto:advocates@self-gov.org
* WWW: http://www.self-gov.org/
You can see back issues of the Liberator OnLine on the Advocates' web
site: http://www.self-gov.org/liberator/
"May it be to the world... to assume the blessings and security of
self-government." -- Thomas Jefferson