Classical Liberalism (It's a Good Thing!)

What is Classical Liberalism?

The objective of classical liberals is to free as many people as possible from the tyranny of others. Classical liberals believe this requires replacing public policies that limit individual freedom with policies that respect and expand individual rights and autonomy.

Modern classical liberalism, sometimes called the “freedom philosophy,” was articulated by prominent economists and political philosophers beginning in the 1930s and 1940s. That group included Gary Becker, Aaron Director, Milton Friedman, Baldy Harper, Friedrich Hayek, Henry Hazlitt, Frank Knight, Frank S. Meyer, Ludwig von Mises, Leonard Read, and George Stigler. (Source:  Joseph L. Bast, Heartland Institute)

Classical Liberalism vs. Statism

Classical Liberalism is best contrasted with its antithesis:  Statism.  Statism can take many forms: Democratic, totalitarian, monarchic, left, right, or centrist.

Classical Liberalism is: Free market capitalism vs. crony capitalism; A free people protected by a limited government vs. an unlimited government controlling every aspect of the peoples' lives.

Modern Day Liberals are Not Classical Liberals

There is no one more illiberal than a modern day liberal.  Today's liberals are rigid doctrinaires, clinging to Orthodoxy Which Shall Not Be Questioned.  There would be nothing wrong with this if they didn't hijack the government to impose this orthodoxy on us all, snuffing our liberty in the process.

Conservatives who want to use the coercive power of government to impose their morality on others make the same mistake.  The right answer is to stand for the constitution that protects the rights of all.

You are a True Classical Liberal...

...If you believe in limited government and believe people have the God-given right to liberty and freedom, even freedom to fail.

Further Reading
NCPA - What is Classical Liberalism?
Rockwell - American Classical Liberalism
Google Search: Classical Liberalism