Liberty Report Classic: Against The Left Authoritarians -- With Lew Rockwell

Summary

In the Liberty Report, Lou Rockwell discusses his new book 'Against the Left,' which critiques leftist ideologies and their historical violence, contrasting them with the non-violent principles of liberty. Rockwell emphasizes the importance of traditional families, individualism, and the dangers of egalitarianism. He also touches on the influence of the left in education and politics, including figures like Bernie Sanders, and the potential for increased violence from leftist groups like Antifa. The conversation highlights the role of the Mises Institute in spreading libertarian ideas and the significance of voluntary cooperation in society.

Takeaways

• 📚 Lou Rockwell's new book, 'Against the Left', is available on L rockwell.com and discusses the cultural ideas of Mises and Rothbard, emphasizing the importance of traditional families and opposition to egalitarianism.
• 🏛️ Both Mises and Rothbard were proponents of traditional families, contrasting with the left's historical animosity towards them, as exemplified by Marx's desire to abolish the family unit.
• 🌎 The left's pursuit of egalitarianism is critiqued as not only impossible but also as a pretext for justifying their actions, which have historically been more violent and oppressive than those of the right.
• 🔥 The conversation highlights the left's role in promoting violence, referencing the 20th-century atrocities committed by communist and national socialist regimes, which were far more deadly than those of Genghis Khan.
• 🇫🇷 The French Revolution is pointed out as a significant event in spreading leftist ideas and is characterized as extremely violent, setting a precedent for the left's propensity for bloodshed.
• 🤝 The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the left as an enemy of liberty and the need to counter their promotion of the state, which is seen as the ultimate enemy.
• 🎓 The role of the Mises Institute in educating people on liberty and free-market principles is acknowledged, with a recognition of its global reach and influence in shaping minds against state control.
• 🏫 The presence of libertarians in state universities is seen as a positive development, as it allows them to influence others and counter the dominance of leftist ideologies in academic institutions.
• 🔍 The conversation touches on the potential for violence in the current political climate, with a concern that the left's endorsement of authoritarian principles could lead to civil unrest or even a coup.
• 🔒 The discussion concludes with a call for individuals to take responsibility for their own defense and well-being, emphasizing the importance of property rights and the potential of voluntary cooperation in fostering peace and prosperity.

Q & A

What is the title of Lou Rockwell's latest book mentioned in the transcript?

The title of Lou Rockwell's latest book is 'Against the Left'.

Who wrote the introduction for Lou Rockwell's book 'Against the Left'?

Hans Hermann Hoppe wrote the introduction for 'Against the Left'.

What cultural ideas of Mises and Rothbard does Lou Rockwell discuss in his book?

Lou Rockwell discusses the ideas of traditional families, egalitarianism, and the left's historical violence in his book.

How does Lou Rockwell view the left's approach to equality?

Lou Rockwell views the left's approach to equality as impossible to achieve, which gives them a blank check to do whatever they want.

What historical events does Lou Rockwell mention as examples of the left's violence?

Lou Rockwell mentions the French Revolution, communism, and national socialism as examples of the left's violence.

What is the name of Lou Rockwell's previous book discussed in the transcript?

Lou Rockwell's previous book is called 'Against the State'.

How does Lou Rockwell perceive the role of the Mises Institute in spreading libertarian ideas?

Lou Rockwell believes the Mises Institute plays a significant role in educating people about liberty and free market ideas.

What is the significance of the 20th anniversary of Rockwell.com mentioned in the transcript?

The 20th anniversary of Rockwell.com signifies the longevity and impact of the platform in directing political discussions and current events.

What does Lou Rockwell think about the potential for violence from the left in the current political climate?

Lou Rockwell expresses concern that the left is capable of committing more violence and that conditions could lead to a civil war.

How does Lou Rockwell view the role of government agencies in terms of armament?

Lou Rockwell questions the need for government agencies like the Social Security Administration to be heavily armed, suggesting it could be used against the people.

What is Lou Rockwell's stance on the importance of property rights in defending liberties?

Lou Rockwell emphasizes the importance of property rights as a fundamental aspect of liberty and a means to defend against authoritarianism.