“In popular terminology, a libertarian is the opposite of an authoritarian. Strictly speaking, a libertarian is one who rejects the idea of using violence or the threat of violence—legal or illegal—to impose his will or viewpoint upon any peaceful person. Generally speaking, a libertarian is one who wants to be governed far less than he is today.”
– Milton Russell, “Who Is a Libertarian?” , The Freeman, May 1, 1955.
A growing number of pundits and politicians from across the political spectrum, favoring both economic and social liberty from government, are identifying themselves as libertarian. A growing, sizable number of students ‘lean’ libertarian, combining fiscal conservatism with social liberalism. Students for Liberty, still in its first decade, has organized on 1,300 campuses in the U.S. and around the world.…
“In the past ten years the world has added three-quarters of a billion people to the middle class. For more than two centuries the United States has helped lead many of these advancements by spreading our ideals of free markets, free trade, rule-of-law, and limited state involvement that allow private initiative to innovate and drive advances.”
Chevron CEO John Watson’s pro-energy emphasis in public forums has been featured at MasterResource before. His latest speech was made before the Economic Club of Minnesota in Minneapolis on September 16, 2014. It is reproduced (subtitles added) in its entirety.
Minnesota is home to so many great companies…3M, Target, General Mills, Cargill and others that play a very important role in our country’s economic growth. These companies and the other members of the Economic Club of Minnesota are providing jobs and opportunity for this community and serving as an example of leadership for the entire Midwest.…
“As governments consider far-reaching, costly policies to mitigate human contribution to global warming, Christian leaders need to become well informed of the scientific, economic, and ethical debates surrounding the issue.”
– Cornwall Alliance, “Protect the Poor: Ten Reasons to Oppose Harmful Climate Change Policies,” September 19, 2014.
The Cornwall Alliance’s recent release, “Protect the Poor: Ten Reasons to Oppose Harmful Climate Change Policies” (reproduced below)—signed by more than 140 scientists, economics, theologians, and philosophers—blends a good deal of climate realism and pro-poor public policies. Of the ten, #2 through #10 are science/intellectually based. Point #1, however, is partially faith- (not science-) based but can be easily fortified. As amended, the Cornwall release can appeal to secularists, not only evangelical Christians.
Restating Point #1
Point #1 reads as follows:
…As the product of infinitely wise design, omnipotent creation, and faithful sustaining (Genesis 1:1–31; 8:21–22), Earth is robust, resilient, self-regulating, and self-correcting.