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.
Better late than never, right?
I applaud your self criticsim and willingness to put yourself out to what could possibly be a hostile crowd.
To answer your last question first, with election nearing: We Rothbardians certainly believe that we have the truth as it comes to morality and political economy, but I don't believe that we have a monopoly on stategy. After all, Rothbard was very active in politics. I personally don't vote except when there is that one particular candidate who both espouses and has a record of fighting government spending. (Lots of politicians speak out against taxes, deficits, and even sometimes Fed controlled inflation, but they never speak out against spending). And of course, by one particular candidate, I mean Ron Paul. I don't vote because I know that changing one person's mind from statism to liberty a year (just 1 a year) will do more good for the world than all of my votes (if I voted) in my entire life. To me, its not only a matter of principle, but of priority. By not voting on principle, we make a point to others.
As to your position as a firefighter: First of all, we need firefighters. It is tragic that the corrupt and inept government has taken over this vital sphere, but it has. If it is your calling to be a firefighter, then don't think about it as working for the government, instead work for the community (or if that's too collectivistic), the individuals that you serve. I believe that fiat money is not only worthless, but immoral, but I still use it. I still use government roads. I still call the police under dire circumstances. We can only do the best we can given the world as it is. Which brings me to my next point.
If I were you, I would not waste my time tring to change local politics, no matter how small. By all means, object to the statist measures. As I stressed in the paragraph on voting, work on the individuals. Try to find the next most liberty minded coworker and turn him onto the Libertarian greats. If he doesn't reach anarchism, but remains at a minarchist position, consider this an enormous victory and go from there.
This is a battle, not for America or even the market place, but for the minds of men, so start there.
NewFoundingFather: 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. "I justify my continued choice of career in that 1.) I am functioning as a protector of life and property (as a firefighter)" In some sense this is true but in another sense you gain from government theft in wages.personally I'd quit. "and 2.) I continue my affiliation with my Local branch of the IAFF in an effort to change it from within." Good plan.Nothing is inherently un-libertarian about unions except when they side with unions.As long as you aren't calling for state intervention. I'm not sure what else to advise.
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.
"I justify my continued choice of career in that 1.) I am functioning as a protector of life and property (as a firefighter)"
In some sense this is true but in another sense you gain from government theft in wages.personally I'd quit.
"and 2.) I continue my affiliation with my Local branch of the IAFF in an effort to change it from within."
Good plan.Nothing is inherently un-libertarian about unions except when they side with unions.As long as you aren't calling for state intervention.
I'm not sure what else to advise.
I don't really want to comment or read anything here.I have near zero in common with many of you.I may return periodically when there's something you need to know.
Near Mutualist/Libertarian Socialist.