What: Libertarianism v. Conservatism Debate
When: Wednesday, July 14, 6:30pm-8:00pm
Where: Cato Institute, 1000 Massachusetts Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=132056110150040
Co-sponsored as part of America’s Future Foundation’s Monthly Roundtables and Students For Liberty’s Summer Debate Series, this event will pit vying political philosophies against each other: conservatives vs. libertarians. While they have stood side by side in the past, this debate will cover the differences between the two positions on a range of issues ranging from, individual rights to the promotion of economic growth.
Gene Healy (Vice President of the Cato Institute) will moderate a 2 on 2 debate between DC interns from libertarian and conservative think tanks. The interns have been hand picked by their respective sides. Come out to participate in and listen to the debate that will attempt to clarify the ultimate question: is conservatism or libertarianism a more desirable political philosophy?
This Debate will take place Wednesday, July 14th at the Cato Institute (1000 Massachusetts Ave NW). Drinks at 6:30 followed by the debate beginning at 7pm. AFF Roundtables are free for AFF members, and $5 for nonmembers. The event will also offer free admission to interns coming to cheer on the debaters.
So come on out to cheer on liberty!
The fact that a picture of Palin represents the conservatism side tells me that the libertarians have already won.
Will the debate be viewable later online for those outside of D.C.?
Yes! We will be recording the debate so those not in the area can watch too. Keep an eye out for the video!
I like the idea of this debate except that it seems to imply that these are rival viewpoints. I define myself as a fundamentally radical liberal conservative politically; by this I mean that at my foundation (fundament) I get to the root (radical) of any movement, law, idea, happening, etc., and then give or change as freely (liberally) as needed or possible or wise while at the same time keeping (conserving) whatever is good and not wasting time, energy, or people in any cause. This is my political (how to live in the city) religion (rule, standard by which to live) as well as my duty as a civilian (member of my city, township, county, state, and country, as well as world and church). Live free or die is a great motto, as long as we remember that true freedom comes in fully giving ourselves back to the one who could take us anytime; For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain… For Christ is in God reconciling all to Himself.. The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof… Test everything, hold on to the good… For now we see/know in part, but the we shall see/know fully, even as we are fully seen/known!
I actually agree with Ken that the two philosophies don’t necessarily oppose each other, though I’d argue his definition of conservatism is closer to christian communitarianism.
If you look at Meyerian Fusionism or the voluntary supplementation of a free society framework with a citizenry inspired to carry on Burkean traditionalism, there’s actually very little conflict. Even Rothbard admitted he felt a kinship with the paleoconservatives, and he fought with just about everyone.
I also strongly object to conservatism being represented by Palin. I recognize that many now associate the label with her, but there’s more to a philosophy than its most prominent advocate and his/her flaws. Libertarianism isn’t bound to conspiracy theorist nonsense just because Jesse Ventura made a bad decision about which tv show to host.
In the end, it will not be the best philosophy that rules the day. It will simply be liberty that we each uphold… liberty in her truest sense.