Libertarian speaker David Boaz expresses optimism in Dole Institute talk
from the Lawrence Journal-World at www.ljworld.com
David Boaz doesn't think the United States is "going the way of Rome."
The notable Libertarian, who has made many appearances in national media and is the executive vice president of the Cato Institute think-tank, told a crowd of about 100 that he's optimistic about the direction his country is taking in terms of liberty.
He pointed to such things as the removal of certain New Deal regulations, a decrease in tax rates and reduction in racism and sexism as examples of citizens' improved autonomy from their government over the last several decades.
"We are still a dynamic society," Boaz said. "We are not going the way of Rome."
Nevertheless, he still had much to say and critique in a 90-minute talk at the Dole Institute of Politics Thursday night.
Boaz's appearance began with an introduction of sorts to his position on various contemporary issues. With moderator Bill Lacey, who is also the director of the Dole Institute, issuing the questions, Boaz touched education choice and marriage, among others.
He voiced support for school voucher programs that help children attend private schools, but said ideally, the school system would exist in a free market. He said if schools were placed in a more competitive atmosphere, it could lead to more innovation.
"The reason our cars are better than they used to be is because of a competitive market," Boaz said.
The government should also not be in the business of approving marriages, he said. Boaz argued marriages should be handled like private contracts, with the terms decided by the two parties while the government is only there to enforce it.
With this kind of system, individuals could marry regardless of one's sexual orientation, Boaz said, except for cases regarding close relatives.
"Why do you need the government to give you the license to marry someone you love?" he asked.
Boaz, seated on a stage in the Dole Institute's main exhibit hall, then fielded questions from the audience, who prodded him about the Cato Institute and other issues.
Before the talk began, more chairs had to be added in the hall to accommodate listeners.
Russell Falmer, a professor at Emporia State University, described himself as a libertarian and admirer of Boaz's work.
He called the talk, "excellent and thought-provoking."
The notable Libertarian, who has made many appearances in national media and is the executive vice president of the Cato Institute think-tank, told a crowd of about 100 that he's optimistic about the direction his country is taking in terms of liberty.
He pointed to such things as the removal of certain New Deal regulations, a decrease in tax rates and reduction in racism and sexism as examples of citizens' improved autonomy from their government over the last several decades.
"We are still a dynamic society," Boaz said. "We are not going the way of Rome."
Nevertheless, he still had much to say and critique in a 90-minute talk at the Dole Institute of Politics Thursday night.
Boaz's appearance began with an introduction of sorts to his position on various contemporary issues. With moderator Bill Lacey, who is also the director of the Dole Institute, issuing the questions, Boaz touched education choice and marriage, among others.
He voiced support for school voucher programs that help children attend private schools, but said ideally, the school system would exist in a free market. He said if schools were placed in a more competitive atmosphere, it could lead to more innovation.
"The reason our cars are better than they used to be is because of a competitive market," Boaz said.
The government should also not be in the business of approving marriages, he said. Boaz argued marriages should be handled like private contracts, with the terms decided by the two parties while the government is only there to enforce it.
With this kind of system, individuals could marry regardless of one's sexual orientation, Boaz said, except for cases regarding close relatives.
"Why do you need the government to give you the license to marry someone you love?" he asked.
Boaz, seated on a stage in the Dole Institute's main exhibit hall, then fielded questions from the audience, who prodded him about the Cato Institute and other issues.
Before the talk began, more chairs had to be added in the hall to accommodate listeners.
Russell Falmer, a professor at Emporia State University, described himself as a libertarian and admirer of Boaz's work.
He called the talk, "excellent and thought-provoking."
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