College Libertarians form chapter on campus
A group of students formed the new College Libertarians Club in December, which is now recognized as an official organization on campus.
The club was formed by four students – Justin Hinh, Chelan Rogers, Jared Arnell and Justin Jerez – who aspired to create an organization which allowed them to meet with other people who share their political views, and to inform the community of the true value of libertarianism.
Their mission, as stated by club president Justin Hinh, is “to allow (students) to truly embrace what true liberty is in this country and … to be aware that true liberty is for all.”
“(The Libertarian Party) is the only political organization which respects you as a unique and competent individual,” states the official Libertarian Party website, www.lp.org.
Rather than being anti-government, as some would mistakenly view the movement, they would claim that they are pro-liberty, and are indeed in support of the U.S. constitution, Hinh said. The main element that sets them apart from the Republican and Democratic parties is their charge to minimize the government by emphasizing the Bill of Rights. Some of their core beliefs include limiting the government in all aspects of life, reliance upon personal responsibility, the support of limited and responsible government spending and the opposition of irresponsible wars.
Although their core principles are shared by Republicans and Democrats alike, many people have a skewed image of this “cool older brother” approach to government, Jerez said.
Hinh said, “People get the image that we are an extremist party – we’re not. We take both sides of the legal spectrum and choose the best positions.”
Each week, the club meets at various locations to discuss the current issues the country is facing in light of the core values of libertarianism. These issues include immigration laws, privacy rights, government spending, foreign policy and many more.
Along with discussing current issues, the club meets together to plan and execute projects that allow them to share their opinions with the community. For one of its projects, the club created a life-size Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security scanner out of cardboard complete with printouts of images comparable to those that would be seen by an agent at an airport. The model was then displayed on campus and brochures were passed out to illustrate the club’s disapproval of the TSA’s privacy and financial policies.
Regarding their events, Hinh said: “Our goal … is to have fun. We’re not affiliated with Democrats or Republicans so we have absolutely no restrictions on what we can do- only what the school gives us. That TSA event, Democrats and Republicans may not have done that because that may have put their party in a bad light. We’re the Libertarian party. We are known for doing that. So we do it. That’s the biggest goal that I have for the club, to have fun, and everyone gains by learning what true freedom really is.”
The next event is planned for Thursday, Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. at the Quadside Cafe.
The club meets at least once a week and currently comprises about 15 students, whose majors range anywhere from Engineering to Political Science.
Hinh said, “Our ultimate goal is essentially to have students recognize that liberty is for all and freedom is the ultimate battle, and we hope to inscribe that within our members.”
Those who are interested in getting involved with the College Libertarians Club can e-mail Hinh at usulibertarians@gmail.com to be added to a weekly e-mail list. The club is also in the process of creating an official website, which will be completed in the near future.
– kevin.mitchell@aggiemail.usu.edu