Making Libertarianism a Brand Name

McDonald's doesn't sell hamburgers. It sells Big Macs. Coca-Cola doesn't sell cola drinks. It sells Cokes.

These companies want you to think of *their* stores and *their* products when you are ready to buy. And they want you to come back. Again and again.

For the same reason, when you are talking or writing about libertarian ideas, use the words "libertarian" or "libertarianism."

This accomplishes two vital things.

1) It helps people become aware of those words. It helps them understand that libertarianism is a distinctive political philosophy -- a political "brand."

2) Unless you brand your idea as libertarian, your letter to the editor or your conversation may become an "ad" for conservatism or liberalism instead of libertarianism.

For example, a letter to the editor against gun control that fails to mention the word "libertarian" will, by default, be seen by virtually all readers as a conservative letter. Similarly, a speech opposing the War on Drugs will be understood by many listeners to be a liberal speech -- unless the word "libertarian" is used in it.

When you get hungry for a burger, McDonald's wants you to think of them. When people get hungry for solutions to political problems, we want them to think of libertarians. A letter or conversation that brands solutions as "libertarian" will send customers to the libertarian "store" -- where they can sample our other "products," that is, other libertarian positions and the libertarian ideology.

Unless you brand your ideas as libertarian, people will miss the opportunity to learn about our movement that is devoted to liberty on every issue -- and to become a part of it!