Freedomain Radio

 Hi,

I'd like to collaborate with some Libertarians near to York, England. Yes, it would be nice to meet some other freedom-lovers, but I'm rather looking for some people who want to be a little more active in the field of Liberty.

I'm specifically looking for some willing hands to help me to create some Youtube material. I have all the tech equipment (I think!), but I have a "good face for radio".

Feel free to ask for specifics. Let's see whether we can co-operate.

If you're by the south coast some time, shoot me a message! There are quite a few freedom-loving folk down here. London/Brighton areas in particular. 

Also try Meetup.com. 

I actually live in York itself but there does't seem to be many of us in the area unfortunately. What sort of videos are you planning on making?

 Well, I've been struggling to identify some sort of unifying principle ... that would unite ordinary people. There are disparate groups, each suffering from the effects of Statism, but each seeing their own plight as being unique. I'm thinking that smokers, motorists, drug-users and a host of others, really do have a lot in common, if only they would recognise that fact.

ISTM that the basic principle of libertarianism might be just the thing ... "the prinicple of self-ownership".  Out on the street, you could ask anyone, "Who owns your body" and the answer is pretty much guaranteed. Well, from that simple recognition, flows the rest of libertarian philosophy.

So, I was planning a series of vox pop videos which build upon the basic priniciples. Once a man gets to looking throught the lens of "self-ownership", there is no stopping him. Maybe!

Anyway, that's the basic idea, at the moment. I'm sure that it can be improved upon.

ISTM that, if the philosophy once reaches a critical mass, then a shift will be inevitable. Lots of work to be done ... but, if not us, then who?

Actually, I live near to Market Weighton ... York postcode, though.

I live in York.

EDIT: Reading further into your posts i might as well be more specific, as I actually live in Market Weighton.

Speaking as someone who has gone through and is still going through many problems in life I'm a bit sceptical of your approach. Although I think philosophy is vital for social change the personal problems like you mention tend to come from being abused as children. Abuse can also effect our reasoning so you can't take it all down by logic in one go.

I think in order to succeed we need to work on the small scale first as there's already many philosophy youtube channels and FDR is a great resource.

This is just my opinion of course and I don't want to stop you working on this project.

 OK, this is a general reply.

Firstly, might I suggest that a meet-up would be useful?  Maybe in York; somewhere central; lunch, perhaps in the New Year. Even if you don't care for my ideas,  a meeting might be useful and enjoyable.

Secondly, if it's true that everyone would answer, "Well, I do, of course.", when asked "who owns your body?"  ... then everyone holds the core tenet of Libertarianism.  So, a short, structured interview could reveal a lot to the interviewee. So, our job would be to reveal the Libertarian in everyman.

I'm thinking that just a very few questions could take you from "Who owns your body" to a repudiation of taxation and a realisation that, "Hey, perhaps I'm a Libertarian."  The steps might be ... ownership of body > ownership of actions> ownership of labour> taxation is theft.

Yes, there are plenty of good sources on Youtube ... but few are English. ISTM that the political climate is ripening in this Country. It could be time to present alternatives to the State.

The video/presentation skills that I'm really seeking are two-fold ... firstly, someone who is attractive and can pull off a structured conversation with a stranger ... secondly, someone who has a talent for video editing.

I'm not interested in political parties and so forth. A pure "movement", with no money involved, could gain sufficient momentum to stimulate change.

ps North Newbald

Wow, three FDRers in York! I think I'm the only one here in Leeds!

I'm interested in your ideas bogbeagle. I was much more of an "activist" in the traditional sense when I was a sorta-Leftie and I've often wondered how the skills I've acquired could be used in the promotion of freedom. Plus I do miss the real-world community I was a part of back then and being part of some really creative work - even the "earnest but philosophically-dubious stuff" I did back then has at least as many positive memories as cringe-inducing ones.

Internet communities are great but you can't beat meeting up with like-minded people in real life and bouncing ideas and experiences off one other! 

I like your general outline although I am not generally a fan of agorism. I probably don't have much in the way of resources to provide for your project - I can write and, on a good day, think. Anyway, if you plan to have a meetup in the New Year, even though I am not too close to your area, I would be pleased to travel up there for the occasion if I can fit it into my work schedule and if you would indeed care to hear my perspective .

I don't actually live in York myself (London), although I have a good fdr friend that does. But I may well be on a contract near Darlington from the beginning of the New year until the end of March potentially. So it would be nice to meet up with some likeminds. I'll keep you posted.

 I had to look up "agorism"!  Yes, that's what it is.

I've come to Libertarianism via the RKBA debate and then through the work of Stefan. Oh, and there was that little business with the HMRC - which I'd rather not talk about. 

 I expect that each of you have your own tale to tell.  For me, the "revelation" that I own my body and actions was absolutely pivotal. In 45 years ... I'd never really considered that. There must be lots of people just like me.

Anyway, a social occasion looks promising. I expect that one of York's denizens can recommend a suitable venue, near to the transport hubs.

There may be a few refugees from the LPUK who are looking for something new, too. I never actually met any of them and don't have any firm contacts; though I can email Ken Ferguson, lately of the LPUK. I don't see any need to be raising funds. There is nothing that can't be done with goodwill and the tools to hand. Time, space and will.

Would one of you Yorkies care to suggest a venue and time that we might meet? I mean, you will know the area much better than I do.

Perhaps a Sunday lunch-time or a Saturday lunch-time would be best. Whaddya think?

I'm getting excited now by the prospect of meating like minded people and possibly organising something, I've spent too long with philosophy being my dirty secret.

How about the Punch Bowl since it's just around the corner from the station and has cheap food?

Looks like my Sunderland contract fell through.. But I have been offered another month In Edinburgh.. So I don't think I'll be able to make it now myself.. Which was a shame, since I wouldn't minded of meeting you guys.. Particularly DMH who have seen on the boards since I joined fdr.. Anyway, perhaps another time.. Have fun!

DMH:

I'm getting excited now by the prospect of meating like minded people and possibly organising something, I've spent too long with philosophy being my dirty secret.

How about the Punch Bowl since it's just around the corner from the station and has cheap food?

I was going to suggest this too! If any one eats meat, I am there every Tuesday for the unbelievably cheap Steak night already. It's a fantastic choice on a weekend also, down the road from the station, just as close to cheap parking, and not too expensive. Though from the many conversations I have heard there, it's clientele are the antithesis of Philosophy and Voluntaryism, but that's what I'd expect from anywhere.