I think labels are over-rated. I started out calling myself "libertarian", then started using the term "freedom outlaw" and its related term "firefly". Then "anarchist". Now, for purposes of writing for Examiner.com, I am calling myself "libertarian" again, since they didn't want an "Anarchy Examiner". My attitudes haven't changed throughout all this shuffling of labels.
MamaLiberty says she calls herself a "individual sovereign". I have always liked that term, although I think it has as much baggage attached to it as "anarchist", at least to those who know what it means.
I still think all these terms are different ways of expressing the same thing. As MamaLiberty explains it: "I take personal responsibility for my life, my property, my safety and my future. I don't willingly allow anyone to interfere with that and I do not aggress against anyone else. " That's all we're saying.
Yeah, I've struggled with the labels thing myself. Finally gave it up as a bad job. Call yourself a libertarian, and then spend your time explaining why you disdain the LP. "Anarchist" brings up images of smashed Starbucks windows. "Sovereign" has been swiped by wackos with home-made license plates and byzantine legal theories.
ReplyDeleteScrew it. I just call myself Joel.
Yeah, why wouldn't Examiner.com just let me be "Albuquerque Kent Examiner"?
ReplyDeleteI'll probably continue to use whichever label works best in each situation.