I was intrigued by a recent manifesto here at the Libertarian Institute, “Libertarianism Requires a ‘Subjective Morality,’” by Sean Dolan. The author boldly denies that libertarianism is “an objective, universal code that dictates right from wrong.” I believe that I...
Libertarianism
TGIF: Immigration Control Threatens the Rule of Law
by Sheldon Richman | Aug 15, 2025 | Justice, Libertarianism, Politics, Sheldon Richman, TGIF
Immigration control strikes at the heart of the rule of law. That fact is badly unappreciated, even by some libertarians. If for no other reason, people who cherish individual liberty ought to be appalled by what the Trump administration is up to. Trump did not invent...
Immigration Control and the Rule of Law
by Sheldon Richman | Aug 9, 2025 | Blog, Justice, Libertarianism
If you think that immigration control does not strike at the heart of the rule of law, you need to listen to this: https://youtu.be/Ierrs3E3Qow?si=8Szi0YiuDfh7Xgte
TGIF: Socialist Confusion
by Sheldon Richman | Aug 8, 2025 | Economics, Featured Articles, Justice, Libertarianism, Sheldon Richman, TGIF
Recent polls indicate that many people under 30 view socialism and communism favorably. (For Marx, those words were synonyms.) It seems that socialism and communism are "in." What's going on? A self-described "democratic socialist," Zohran Mamdani, won the Democratic...
TGIF: By Right or Permission?
by Sheldon Richman | Aug 1, 2025 | Economics, Justice, Libertarianism, Politics, Sheldon Richman, TGIF
"Trump administration approves sale of CBS parent company Paramount after concessions" —NPR If the deal struck by Paramount and President Donald Trump sickens you, your intuitions and perhaps your principles are in good working order. Make no mistake about what's at...
TGIF: What Is Capitalism?
by Sheldon Richman | Jul 25, 2025 | Economics, History, Justice, Libertarianism, Politics, Sheldon Richman, TGIF
So, what is capitalism? The answer will depend on who's being asked. Language, like markets, basic law, and customs, is a spontaneous order. No one plans it. Words drift in their meaning in ways that probably can’t be fully explained. Language is a tool that people...

Don’t Trust the Voters
by Jeb Smith | Jul 21, 2025 | Featured Articles, Libertarianism, Politics
In Against Democracy, libertarian professor and political philosopher Jason Brennan argues voting is bad for most people. Based on sixty-five years of data, he shows how completely and efficiently the voting public is misinformed on vital issues each election. The...

TGIF: Immigration and Free Association
by Sheldon Richman | Jul 18, 2025 | Economics, Featured Articles, Justice, Libertarianism, Sheldon Richman, TGIF
Immigration. Despite other headline-grabbing news, this issue persists. How could it not? Trump's masked goon squad, ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), abducts peaceful people off the streets, from their workplaces, and from Home Depot parking lots, then...