In an effort to explain the difficulty encountered in promoting the concept and benefits of freedom, a past issue of Toward Liberty quoted the late Leonard E. Read's observation that 'ours is a learning problem and not a selling problem'. While Mr. Read's astute observation is undeniably true, let us not lose our perspective by assuming that 'selling' freedom is not an important function.

That freedom and liberty are so widely misunderstood and misrepresented is certainly evidence of a general failure to 'teach and learn'. But that freedom and liberty are so seldom even discussed as the issue of our day is evidence of a failure to sell. Whereas the process of teaching and learning belongs to the realm of philosophy, the process of 'selling' is what the political movement is all about.

Selllng FREEDOM is what Freedom Party is all about.

In keeping with this primary objective, we have, of course, already adopted our new identity: (the) Freedom Party of Ontario. The name change is a political, not a philosophical tactic. Not only does the word 'freedom' identify our ultimate political objective, it also objectivises our product --- makes it marketable.

Do not make the mistake of assuming that the adoption of a sales approach to marketing freedom implies a separation of our philosophy from our politics. They remain as inseparable as the word 'freedom' is indivisible. Unquestionably, our philosophy is part of the product we're selling. But for the purpose of setting political objectives, it is indeed most necessary to distinguish between the two; a failure to do so will lead to unrealistic expectations, expectations which when unfulfilled lead to the unfortunate consequences of frustration and most critically, inaction.

Action is what selling and politics is all about --- specifically --- physical action. It is the type of action that must be directed toward the purpose of promoting and exposing the principles of freedom to the general public through concrete means, not towards philosophizing itself. If it's only your mouth that's moving, then you're engaged in philosophy. Bu if it's your finger moving on a pen, typewriter, wallet, chequebook, or telephone dial, then you're engaged in political activity.

Political activity involves physical action that yields physical results in the form of printed literature, promotional items, book distribution, money, members, supporters, activists, events. And it is physical results of this sort that will be the mainstay of Freedom Party's short-term political objectives and it is against such results that our progress must be measured.

Specifically, our current short-term goals can be divided into three basic categories:

In this area, our emphasis must be radically altered. There is a theory that basically states: 'A very small number of events --- 10% - 20% at most --- account for 90% of all results, whereas the great majority of events account for 10% or less of the results'.

In our first year of operation as an Unparty constituency in London, we found that this rule held surprisingly true. A review of our cash contributions received revealed that 18% of our members contributed 82% of those contributions. Thus, our major effort will be to involve and communicate with that 18%, who, because of misdirected efforts to simply increase 'support' through the 'numbers game', have been largely und unfairly ignored.

Like the Freedom! pamphlet included with this issue, we intend to create a series of such pamphlets on various subjects which appeal to various interest groups. The important thing about consistently issuing new 'position papers' is that they will eventually become the most tangible evidence of the existence of the party. Naturally, this is a critical element of our third political priority:

It is not our intention to engage in 'political activity' by means of public protest, picketing, etc. If anything, this type of activity (so faithfully pursued by special-interest groups) will create more negative perceptions of our party than positive ones.

Rather, preferred forums of promoting ourselves (in addition to our literature), will include public meetings, debates, 'access' shows, interviews, talk shows, etc., wherever opportunities present themselves. Not only do such forums generate the greatest amount of attention (despite the usual small number of people involved), but they are also the least expensive, and they serve to maximize political results in proportion to effort (time & money) expended.

Our political efforts should be concentrated on goals with immediate objectives and immediate results. We should not be expending direct effort trying to 'convert' people --- that's the purpose of philosophical efforts. Our political priority is to seek out those who are basically already in agreement with us, and to make ourselves known to them. People don't join political parties to become converted. They only join after they have decided that they are in agreement and only if they feel that there is a viable return on their contributions and effort. Unrealistic expectations can destroy a political movement, leaving members and supporters with no objective way of measuring their progress.

Remember that political power is not our long term objective --- political representation is. And before we can ever expect to be political representatives, those whom we purport to represent must share our philosophy and ideals. By maintaining a constant awareness that our political success is entirely dependent upon a preceeding acceptance of our philosophy, we can avoid the pitfalls of unrealistic expectations and thus achieve true and measurable progress.

e-mail

Page last updated on April 28, 2002