Independent political parties get a lot of bad press. Not enough turnout at the polls, underfunded campaigns, poorly planned policy agendas, and inconsistent platforms of “ideology.” It seems to many people that independents such as Libertarians are trying too hard for an unattainable utopia. Actually, the libertarian philosophy over the years has become more focused, even though this is not displayed by those running for office.
Libertarian political philosophy is based on one central idea: that what is best for one person is not best for all people. A government that has a highly complex and overbearing tax system, created by the elected or non-elected bureaucracy, fails to consider the freedoms of the individual.
Among young people today, movements such as Libertarianism are on the rise. Young people are fed up with the status quo, seeking to challenge embedded patriarchal governments. For youth who are paying attention, the freedoms to create social movements and create social impact are two main drivers of political economy.
The social movement space is crowded, especially among young people who are chasing after a rebellious dream online under the COVID lockdown restrictions. For Granby youth to truly be engaged, it can seem as if having a computer and internet access is the only prerequisite. It’s not. A global citizen seeks out knowledge and doesn’t let the circumstances of the instant dictate their destiny. It’s important to dream about the world, and moving out of your immediate comfort zone. Even if it means leaving behind some friends, it lets you take a more active role in your own life.
Footnote: This article is written partly in response to last month’s article, A Growing Population of Unaffiliated Voters in Connecticut.