What We Are Aiming For
Amidst all the hoopla of the presidential race, those of us who want to experience what it’s like to live in a genuinely free society must continue focusing on what needs to be done to fulfill that objective. One thing is certain: whether Americans elect Donald Trump or Kamala Harris won’t matter one whit in terms of achieving the free society. That’s because both of them will continue the welfare-warfare state, regulated-managed economy way of life that needs to be dismantled if we are going to achieve a genuinely free society.
When it come to freedom, my favorite period in history is 1880-1910 America. Sure, the standard of living was lower than it is today. That’s to be expected given that they were building on what had been a relatively poor country — that is, one without a large capital base. But when it comes to the principles of a genuinely free society, there is no question but that the American people who lived during that 30-year period experienced a society that was closer to the libertarian ideal than anyone else has ever gotten. If they could do it, then why can’t we?
No, it wasn’t a perfect libertarian panacea, and so let’s set that point aside right away. There were tariffs. There were violations of women’s rights. There was the Chinese Exclusion Act, the first immigration-control act in U.S. history. There was the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890. There were subsidies to railroads. There were economic regulations at the state level. There was compulsory school attendance in Massachusetts. There was the Spanish-American War in 1898.
Now, let’s look at the positive, which is what is incredible:
No income tax or IRS. Americans were free to keep everything they earned — 100 percent — and there was nothing the federal government could do about it.
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Article from The Future of Freedom Foundation
The Future of Freedom Foundation (FFF) is a leading voice in libertarian thought, tirelessly advocating for individual liberty, free markets, and limited government. Established in 1989, the FFF is more than just a think tank; it’s a hub for intellectual exploration and policy advocacy that draws on the classical liberal tradition and Austrian economics. Through insightful articles, videos, and events featuring top libertarian minds, the organization provides a robust critique of mainstream politics and policies, championing instead the principles that underlie a truly free society. For anyone seeking a principled stand for freedom and limited government, the Future of Freedom Foundation serves as an invaluable resource and an inspiring beacon.