New Libertarian: Union Member and Voting

NewFoundingFather — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 20:10:33 GMT

Like I said I am new, specifically to the Agorist Philosophy but fairly new to Mises and Libertarianism in general. I've always known that Liberty (capitalized on purpose) is a natural right for every man but also that it is the basis for any functioning society. For the better part of my formative years I considered myself a conservative and even a Republican (big R). But have found within the past 2 years that association to be incompatible with my core philosophy of Liberty; for reasons you all have known. Therefore, with my newly lossed Libertarian Virginity, please be gentle with me in your answers to my questions; I'm still learning. However, please be in depth in any response you may choose to give and notations and sources are welcome as I long for knowledge and further research opportunities. (I read 2-3 books a month and am always looking for my next "fix")

As some may sympathize with, I am struggling with my "new" identity as a Libertarian and searching for synthesis in my life. I work for the government and am a member of a union. Both, I realize, are in most respects anti-libertarian. I justify my continued choice of career in that 1.) I am functioning as a protector of life and property (as a firefighter) and 2.) I continue my affiliation with my Local branch of the IAFF in an effort to change it from within. My struggle continues, however, in an effort to reconcile the split personalities of Libertarian and Government Agent/Union Member; and so I turn to the brilliant libertarian minds here on Mises for understanding.

As I understand Agorism and most of Libertarian thought, there is no natural right or legitimacy for government to exist and that all services, even the one I am apart of, can and should be controlled and operated by the private sector. Personally, my financial life, thus my entire life, is tied directly to the continuation of my empoloyment with the fire department. I am working to create my own opportunities and business outside of that employment so that I will not be dependent on my government job and pension in the future. But nonetheless, I must maintain it for the time being. Bring on the condemnation, but also please advise as what I can do while I am here. What steps should I take to bring Libertarianism to the Fire Service? Is their any legitimate reconciliation to be had while I remain employed by the very government I look to dispense with (or at least limit)?

Secondly, I have remained a "non-active" member in my Local. I continue to pay my monthly dues and object to almost every action the Local and IAFF take. There is currently a mild upheaval in our Local and I see it as an opportunity, finally, to inject some libertarian reforms in the process. Without giving him too much credit, as I know a majority of his policies go against Libertarianism, Ronald Reagan was the president of the Screen Actors Guild and went on the become the only example of a (semi) free market president I've seen in my lifetime. Again, I understand the argument against participating in politics and the illegitimacy of government altogether. However, is there a place for me in the restructuring of my Local considering the viewpoints and libertarian ideas I posess? If so, what outline or guideline would you suggest I follow and what policies on a Local level should I endorse, encourage and battle for? My assumption is that Libertarianism and Agorism allow for the free association of people towards a common goal, thus the background of the union itself. Furthermore, I understand that that process has become perverted through government intervention and legislation. So how do I change it from within? Or is it even remotely possible?

Third, as I mentioned before, I understand the objection to involvement in politics to a certain extent. I understand that the undermining of government monopoly can be accomplished by focusing on "black market economics" and eventually private defense of the free-market economic system. (meaning a revolution, violent if necessary) I can't help but wonder, why not work both angles to achieve the end of anarchocapitalism? Wouldn't it be beneficial to have members, i.e. Ron Paul, in the government halls to defend liberty and peacably diminish the size of government to the point of non-existence?

I thank you all for your time and consideration of my predicament and for your thoughtful (thought provoking) answers to my questions. Please note I plan on submitiing this request for information in several different groups or forums, so please don't think badly of me for copying and pasting around this site, I am only looking for the most information and ideas as possible.

Libertarian Party

New Libertarian: Union Member and Voting