The article “Young Voters Will Transform Even the Reddest States” written by Ed Kilgore for the Intelligencer highlights the trend of younger generations moving more left of center and turning red states blue. While Kilgore’s analysis is certainly insightful, I don’t necessarily think that it’s realistic to put all younger voters in the left’s camp. The truth is that many young Americans are rejecting the traditional two-party system altogether and looking towards alternative political ideologies such as libertarianism.
The Libertarian Party is one of the fastest growing third parties in the country, with some of their state affiliates having major party status. Groups such as Young Americans for Liberty and Students for Liberty are bringing a classical liberal, libertarian view to an entire generation of young people, and it’s resonating. More and more, the younger generation, and even my generation, are getting tired of the two parties' constant partisan games. They’re tired of the rat race that’s the party system and are just interested in finding solutions to the issues. These kids and young adults also like their freedom, their liberty, and most importantly their individual rights.
Many of them are weary about trusting government, they see that both sides mismanage everything they touch, and both sides have piled mountains of national debt squarely on their shoulders to figure out. It’s no wonder a libertarian message is resonating. The Libertarian Party offers a different approach, focusing on smaller government, individual rights, and personal responsibility. This message is resonating with a younger demographic that is tired of being told what to do and how to live their lives by the government.
The sentiment expressed in the statement is reflective of a growing dissatisfaction among many people in the United States with the way that government operates. They are increasingly skeptical about the ability of government to manage the issues that affect their lives, and they see both major political parties as being responsible for the country's mounting national debt.
This sense of disillusionment has led to a growing interest in libertarianism, which advocates for smaller government and greater individual freedom. The Libertarian Party offers an alternative to the traditional political parties, with a focus on limiting the power of government and protecting individual rights.
Many younger Americans are particularly drawn to the libertarian message, as they are increasingly frustrated with being told what to do and how to live their lives by the government. They are looking for an approach that emphasizes personal responsibility and self-determination, rather than relying on government to solve their problems.
At the heart of the libertarian philosophy is a belief in individual freedom and autonomy. Libertarians believe that people should be free to make their own choices about how to live their lives, as long as they are not harming others. They argue that government should play a minimal role in people's lives, only intervening when necessary to protect individual rights.
In terms of policy, libertarians generally support limited government, lower taxes, and a free-market economy. They also support civil liberties, such as freedom of speech and privacy rights. They tend to be skeptical of government intervention in areas such as healthcare and education, preferring to leave these areas to the private sector.
In summary, the libertarian message is resonating with a growing number of Americans, particularly among younger generations who are tired of being told what to do by the government. The Libertarian Party offers an alternative approach that emphasizes personal responsibility, individual freedom, and limited government intervention.
To win over younger Americans, libertarians need to communicate their message of individual freedom and limited government in a way that resonates with their concerns and priorities. This means focusing on issues that are important to them, such as personal freedom, criminal justice reform, and the environment.
Personal freedom is a central tenet of libertarianism. Libertarians believe that individuals should be free to make their own choices about how to live their lives, as long as they are not harming others. This includes issues such as drug policy, where libertarians advocate for ending the war on drugs and treating drug use as a public health issue rather than a criminal justice issue.
Criminal justice reform resonates with younger Americans, many of whom are concerned about issues such as police brutality and mass incarceration. Libertarians advocate for reducing the size and scope of the criminal justice system, focusing on rehabilitation and restorative justice rather than punishment.
The environment is also an issue that is important to younger Americans, who are increasingly concerned about climate change and other environmental issues. Libertarians believe that the best way to address environmental problems is through market-based solutions, such as carbon pricing and property rights.
To reach younger voters, libertarians need to embrace social media and other digital platforms. Young Americans for Liberty (YAL) is a great example of an organization that has successfully used social media to connect with younger Americans. YAL has over 1,000 college students from around the country attending their annual convention, YAL Revolution, which features speakers, workshops, and networking opportunities.
If libertarians want to continue to grow and expand their movement, they need to make sure to include young Americans in their strategic planning. Young people are the future of this country, and if libertarians want to build a strong and lasting movement, they need to empower and engage with them.
One way to do this is by creating opportunities for young people to get involved in the political process. This can include things like internships, fellowships, and volunteer opportunities, as well as leadership development programs and training sessions. By providing these opportunities, libertarians can help young people develop the skills and knowledge they need to become effective advocates for freedom and limited government.
Another way to engage with young people is by using social media and other digital platforms to reach them where they are. This means creating content that is engaging and shareable, and using platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to get their message out. It also means being responsive to their concerns and engaging with them in a way that is respectful and inclusive.
In addition to engaging with young people, libertarians also need to listen to their perspectives and ideas. Young people have a unique perspective on the world, and they bring fresh ideas and energy to the political process. By including them in their strategic planning, libertarians can ensure that they are addressing the issues that are important to younger Americans and that their message is resonating with this demographic.
Ultimately, if libertarians want to build a strong and lasting movement, they need to empower young people and give them a voice in the political process. By doing so, they can ensure that they have a new generation of freedom fighters who are committed to the principles of individual freedom, limited government, and personal responsibility.
Written By: Stephen Despin Jr.
Stephen Despin is a libertarian-conservative, blogger, and grassroots organizer, who's worked extensively in grassroots advocacy, campaigns, and lobbying for the past 6 years. As the founder of Talk Policy, he's become a voice in libertarian-conservative politics and has helped to shape the conversation around a variety of issues. Stephen is highly skilled in digital organizing and social media management and has been recognized for his ability to build effective and engaging online communities. He's a tireless advocate for limited government, personal freedom, and individual responsibility, and will continue to play an important role in shaping the libertarian-conservative movement.
originally posted at: The Libertarian Solution: A Fresh Perspective for Young Americans in a Partisan World | Talk Policy
