Liberty, this small little word is one that I believe is of the cornerstones of human existence. This word has caused great wars like the American Revolution to commence and it has caused intellectual arguments from thinkers like F.A. Hayek to Ayn Rand. To me, this simple word is the reason why I wake up every morning. I know that I can make a difference that may affect those around me who are suffering from the lack of this little word.
Often times, I spend my days feeling discouraged by the environment that I see our country slowly slipping into. However, after these four days spent at the Young Americans for Liberty National Conference, I cannot help but smile. Yes, I may have about six blisters scattered on my toes causing me pain. I may have only slept around five hours each night. Assurance from the events that have transpired, I know that I will #BeTheNext.
Liberty comes in many forms— individual rights, to the Non-Aggression Principle. In it’s simplest form as David Boaz, the Vice President of the Cato Institute, liberty is something along the lines of "1. Don't hit other people 2. Don't take their stuff 3. Keep your promises.” If we all followed these simple principles I feel like the world would be a so much better place to live in.
I heard and met people like Ron Paul, Justin Amash and even Judge Napalitano. I got to shake hands and take pictures with those who inspire me to make a difference. I screamed and hollered at Matt Kibbe as he discussed why “socialism kills.” My voice is scratchy and at the moment I cannot sing, it was worth it, though. The whole time I was completely inspired.
The feeling of connection and camaraderie with those that I spent these 96 hours with, is what is truly inspires me. Ron Paul started off his keynote speech with telling us that we “are the revolution.” The spark of social change was lit in everyone’s hearts that night. It bound us together right from the get-go. Creating one of the strongest connections-a connection founded on hope and passion. Being the social human being I am, I plopped myself in the middle of people that I had never met on the first day. Now I sit here, fidgeting in my comfortable bed, and wishing I saw these people every day. Never before had I experienced people getting my anarchy or statist jokes. Nor felt the instant bond of fighting for the same simple principle of liberty.
These individuals are a reminder of what it is to make a change in the world around me. They may come from all over the United States and go to school in different time zones, but they share the same values. The passion to be the difference and be the next person to change the world is what leaders like Rn Paul whispered in all of our ears. When things get tough in the future I will root myself in those who make jokes about Anarcho-Capitalism, always look back to this conference, and confide in the people that sad beside me.
Buzzing by my side, messages from my fellow lovers of liberty continue to show. The “dankest” memes and words of encouragement flood my notifications. I probably will not see these glorious humans for many moons but the bond is there and that is a bond that will continue to help our movement to grow. Having these friendships will push me to do my best when I find myself feeling alone on the other side of the country.
We all come from different backgrounds but everyone can make a difference in the world. Small or large, an individual’s sheer existence is proof of the difference that they make. Being a lover of liberty, I hope the difference I make will inspire the world to become a better place. So here's to my fellow lovers of liberty because we will #BeTheNext.
