“Free speech is tested when opinions differ.” In this episode of Libertarian Leadership Academy, veteran candidate Joe Hannoush speaks with C. Michael Pickens about the irony of being silenced in spaces that claim to champion democracy. They discuss how dissenting voices are often quickly removed from online groups for expressing unpopular opinions—highlighting the contradiction between professed democratic values and actual behavior. The conversation reinforces why defending free speech and open dialogue remains essential to real liberty. 🎯 Take the next step:👉 Join the Libertarian Leadership Academy and learn how to run for office:http://www.libertarianleadership.org/👉 Join a supportive community of different libertarian groups and activists:📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Libertarianleadershipacademy📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LibertarianLeadershipAcademy Leadership starts with understanding—and action.

So, at my work (I'm an accountant auditing public companies, and do my scribing on the side) we've been integrating Chat GPT. We actually have to use it a certain amount of times per day. Due to the seasonal fluxes, not long ago I found myself with some unassigned time, so I wrote (with Chat GPT's august help) a mini-book. The thought was something like this: I've read books which touch upon what makes a culture admirable, and books about what makes cultures durable. I've never really seen a heuristic which synthesizes the two. So, in this scheme, we have four variables, or dials. Any culture can "score" higher or lower in each of these, and there's a composite "grade." The four dials are: its treatment of vulnerable life, the degree of freedom it allows, the competence with which it conducts everyday affairs, and above all the moral ecology by which it forms human beings and transmits meaning across generations. By cranking this through various cultures today and throughout history, some interesting things emerged regarding what makes cultures flourish, what makes cultures admirable, and what makes cultures decline and collapse. It was great fun putting together. If anyone's interested, enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/nbwieSG_crs ( I recommend going to the channel that posted this and looking at other videos )

I’ve been thinking a lot about how much influence government should have in our day‑to‑day decisions. Some people argue for a minimal role to protect individual freedom, while others believe a more active government is necessary to ensure fairness and stability. I’m curious how everyone here sees it. Where’s the line between personal liberty and collective responsibility, and who should draw it? Looking forward to hearing different perspectives and keeping the conversation respectful and open.