Don't Hurt People and Don't Take Their Stuff: A Libertarian Manifesto

Don’t Hurt People and Don’t Take Their Stuff: A Libertarian Manifesto, by Matt Kibbe, is an excellent introduction to Libertarian philosophy and politics. The back cover of Kibbe’s book gives his “six rules of liberty” which he expands on in his book.1. Don’t hurt people. Free people just want to be left alone, not hassled or harmed by someone else’s agenda or designs on their life and property.2. Don’t take people’s stuff. America’s founders fought to ensure property rights and our individual right to the fruits of our labors.3. Take responsibility. Liberty means responsibility. Don’t sit around waiting for someone else to solve your problems.4. Work for it. For every action there is and equal reaction. Work hard and you’ll be rewarded.5. Mind your own business. Free people live and let live.6. Fight the power. Take a stand against corrupt authority.Kibbe flushes out these “rules” showing that that United STATES of America oughthave a very small federal government – the state government should also be small but larger than the federal. Here, I would put for that, biblically, government exists for two reasons – to protect her citizens and to punish evil. Of course, there can be massive difference in what that all includes based on the person and philosophy that is being employed. The limited government system that he describes sounds in line with our founding documents and with biblical understandings. However, the desire for power and more power is enticing, so I doubt the massive Republican and Democratic machines will ever subside to levels that show true care for all people. There is also something of a naiveite about the goodness of human nature which makes Libertarianism even less likely to supplant “the two parties.” Humans, in my understanding, are basically evil – basically self-centered. That being said, I would continue to argue for a “secular” state which does not interfere with the practice of my religion. Thus, I can accept that the state allows for the marriage of practicing homosexuals, for example, while, by virtue of my religion (not to mention, philosophical integrity), I cannot approve of practicing homosexual unions. Still, I take no action to support or thwart them. And so, I highly recommend this book to help one understand Libertarianism. And, I recommend the philosophy of Libertarianism as good. [This review appears on my blog, Amazon.com, and Goodreads.com.]

If you operate under the premise that either the Democratic or Republican Party represents the best interests of this country or its citizens, you probably shouldn't buy this book. As a libertarian myself, I'm often asked to explain my political philosophy in a short phrase, and I've generally gone with, "More Freedom, Less Government," but this book provides a more detailed approach that is also accessible. Those enamored with the power of the State will trash this book without having read it (see the 1 Star reviews), but it's actually a cogent argument for freedom and individualism as a solution to the problems our country is facing today. It is concise, well-written and engaging. Read it with an open mind and it will be a great use of your time.

This is more of a collection of retrospective stories about how the authors habit of listening to Rush (the band) now fits into his political ideology than something you can chew mentally on. Pick up declaration of independents or anything by Nick Gillespie, Matt Welch or, of course, Ron Paul. I didn't expect Murray Rothbard depth but I am not sure who the audience Matt Kibbe was shooting for on this one. I offered it to a friend who was interested in the concepts before I read it myself.... but now I imagine it just confused him.

Matt Kibbe has put the hundreds of volumes of rules, put together by politicians, into 8 words. "Don't hurt people and don't take their stuff". He is into the high tech era of smart phones and PC's as a means of wide communication. I'm still behind the curve. If we ever intend to slow down the political onrush to socialism and communism you had better read this book. He actually has some reasonable methods of defeating this madness. Kibbe has a solution. We need men and women in public office who understand the Constitution and wish to strictly adhere to it. Right now all of our politicians seem eager to embrace socialism. Socialism has failed in every country where its been tried. Yet each new politician believes it failed only because "he/she" wasn't in charge of it. Capitalism succeeds every time its tried. Obama is going to ensure that our country is equal to others. He means equally poor and miserable. He punishes success.Matt Kibbe offers a solution. So do a few other other authors. We must get back to our roots. Benjamin Franklin said it best. "We must hang together, or surely, we shall hang separately". We must be united American's to oust our entrenched politicians who are leading the country into chaos, and replace them with strict Constitutionalists. 545 people are responsible for every single problem this country faces, from Obamacare to obesity. The Congress, the Senate, the President and the Supreme Court. None of the rest of us have much of a say.

Although a libertarian very disappointed with the book.Understand the point Kibbe is making about the rock group Rush but he spends far too long on the subject

A Libertarian Manifesto MUST READ !Fabulous book.