Once upon a time, the word "libertarian" was barely known. The ideas it represented had not yet gained common currency, let alone blossomed into political significance. But in the 1970's, a small group of libertarian filmmakers began producing educational films as a way to spread the word. They called themselves WRI Education (World Research Inc.). Their short films were like … [Read more...]
Not Yours To Give: Davy Crockett | Short Film
Congressman Davy Crockett is criticized by a wise constituent regarding his use of taxpayer money for charity. Based on a true story. [ Not Yours To Give: credits: Dir: Brad D. Fisk/ James Webb/ 17 min/ Short Film/ Libertarianism 101, Law & Liberty, Anti-Socialism/ 1982] This story about American icon Davy Crockett was originally published in Harper's Magazine in … [Read more...]
Great Moments In Unintended Consequences
Reason has released a terrific series of short films entitled Great Moments in Unintended Consequences. These relate examples of government failure, where seemingly well-intended laws have negative effects that are not predicted. They are also examples of what economist Friedrich Hayek called "the knowledge problem," that is, no central authority has complete knowledge of the … [Read more...]
How To Sell Libertarian Ideas (And How Not To)
First, how not to sell libertarian ideas... You've probably seen libertarian ideas marketed ineffectively--in this short comedy clip, Cathy Reisenwitz and Libertarian Girl demonstrate "how not to talk to people about liberty." [2 min/ Libertarianism 101] And second, the best advice... Don't be put off by the age of this recording, or that it is only an audio file. … [Read more...]
Derrick J’s Victimless Crime Spree (2012)
WINNER: TOP 25 LIBERTARIAN DOCUMENTARIES Libertarian activist Derrick J. Freeman chronicles his arrest and incarceration for five "crimes" -- videoing police, dancing in a public place, smoking cannabis, wearing a hat in court, and riding a bike -- in a civil disobedience spree that demonstrates just how petty and dangerous is our ever-expanding body of law. [ Derrick J's … [Read more...]
David Starkey’s Magna Carta (2015)
British constitutional historian David Starkey tells the story of Magna Carta -- the first legal charter in human history to grant individual liberties and restrain government power under rule of law. [ David Starkey's Magna Carta credits: Dir: Christopher Spencer/ David Starkey/ 60 min/ Documentary/ Law & the Individual, Libertarianism 101, Resistance to … [Read more...]
The Magna Carta: Libertarian Video Shorts
One-minute promo on the Magna Carta 800-year anniversary. [1 min] An excellent six-minute animated telling of the history of the Magna Carta. [6 min] A quick explanation of the document's importance as the original legal fountainhead of human liberty. [2 min] Comic telling of events at Runnymede, as told in rap. [3 min] Crude but … [Read more...]
Free to Choose (1980 & 1991)
WINNER: TOP 25 LIBERTARIAN DOCUMENTARIES In this landmark Free to Choose series, Nobel-Prize-winning economist Milton Friedman guides the viewer through eleven documentaries on the workings of the market and its relation to human liberty. [ Free to Choose credits: Executive Producer: Bob Chitester/ Journalist: Milton Friedman/ 50 min/ Documentary/ Libertarianism 101] Just … [Read more...]
Libertarian Video Shorts: The Non-Aggression Principle
Animated characters explain the libertarian non-aggression principle. [5 min] Ayn Rand explains the non-aggression principle to Phil Donahue. [2 min] This kid refused to beat a Spiderman pinata even though it was filled with candy; some are born with the non-aggression principle in their heart. [1 min] Adam Kokesh debates the non-aggression … [Read more...]
John Stossel’s Politically Incorrect Guide to Politics (2008)
John Stossel examines the limits of government power to do good and excessive public expectations of government. [ John Stossel's Politically Incorrect Guide to Politics credits: 42 min/ Documentary/ John Stossel, Libertarianism 101, Power Worship] How to See It Amazon (DVD) YouTube Video Search Google Video Search Links Google More Films About: John Stossel More … [Read more...]