New Years Resolutions

[slim]

I was wondering resolutions everyone is going to take on in the New Year?

I am going to attend more Liberty minded protests and do more to promote Liberty.

[Pat McCotter]

I resolve to make no resolutions.

[Braddogg]

I'd like to think that if I saw I was flawed, I'd try and fix it as soon as I saw it.  And real change probably can't be forced like they are in New Year's Resolutions.  Well, I should rephrase: it hasn't worked for me.  I suppose New Year's is a nice time to work on some introspection, but I think it's important not to expect changes right away.

[error]

I resolve to get over this cold!

[Friday]

A Libertarian's New Year's Resolutions

by Harry Browne

1. I resolve to sell liberty by appealing to the self-interest of each prospect, rather than preaching to people and expecting them to suddenly adopt my ideas of right and wrong.

2. I resolve to keep from being drawn into arguments or debates. My purpose is to inspire people to want liberty -- not to prove that they're wrong.

3. I resolve to listen when people tell me of their wants and needs, so I can help them see how a free society will satisfy those needs.

4. I resolve to identify myself, when appropriate, with the social goals someone may seek -- a cleaner environment, more help for the poor, a less divisive society -- and try to show him that those goals can never be achieved by government, but will be well served in a free society.

5. I resolve to be compassionate and respectful of the beliefs and needs that lead people to seek government help. I don't have to approve of their subsidies or policies -- but if I don't acknowledge their needs, I have no hope of helping them find a better way to solve their problem.

6. No matter what the issue, I resolve to keep returning to the central point: how much better off the individual will be in a free society.

7. I resolve to acknowledge my good fortune in having been born an American. Any plan for improvement must begin with a recognition of the good things we have. To speak only of America's defects will make me a tiresome crank.

8. I resolve to focus on the ways America could be so much better with a very small government -- not to dwell on all the wrongs that exist today.

9. I resolve to cleanse myself of hate, resentment, and bitterness. Such things steal time and attention from the work that must be done.

10. I resolve to speak, dress, and act in a respectable manner. I may be the first libertarian someone has encountered, and it's important that he get a good first impression. No one will hear the message if the messenger is unattractive.

11. I resolve to remind myself that someone's "stupid" opinion may be an opinion I once held. If I can grow, why can't I help him grow?

12. I resolve not to raise my voice in any discussion. In a shouting match, no one wins, no one changes his mind, and no one will be inspired to join our quest for a free society.

13. I resolve not to adopt the tactics of Republicans and Democrats. They use character assassination, evasions, and intimidation because they have no real benefits to offer Americans. We, on the other hand, are offering to set people free -- and so we can win simply by focusing on the better life our proposals will bring.

14. I resolve to be civil to my opponents and treat them with respect. However anyone chooses to treat me, it's important that I be a better person than my enemies.

* * *
I agree with almost all of these. It's funny, though, that the last time I saw Harry Browne, in a debate with D'nesh D'Souza, he totally lost his cool and behaved rudely, refusing to shake hands with his opponent.  Pobody's nerfect!

[KBCraig]

* * *
I agree with almost all of these. It's funny, though, that the last time I saw Harry Browne, in a debate with D'nesh D'Souza, he totally lost his cool and behaved rudely, refusing to shake hands with his opponent. 

Well, that is enough to test anyone's resolve.

[Pat K]

I heard MR. D'souza on the radio the other day.

I think a he needs a kick in the balls to improve his attitude.

Just saying..............

[Raineyrocks]

I don't have any New Year's resolutions, just a big butt list I've been working on recently . 

My sister's girlfriend told me while we were in Maryland to make a list of things I could actually do now no matter how small and a list of things I don't want to do anymore.   I have the list tacked to my desk and it's been really helping me snap out of my depression.