Without a presidential campaign and a leader to rally behind, the freedom movement may lose its spontaneity. This is unlikely to happen if organization remains competitive and enjoyable. Individuals devoted to the Revolution must enjoy discussing liberty and have the intellectual prowess to combat the statists' accusations. Engaging with strangers is a fun, enjoyable experience for these individuals.
Competitive organization is effective organization, especially where donors money is involved. A thriving movement must not limit itself to the federal government monopoly, all aspects of civil life must be penetrated. That is not to say people should run for office in municipal or state governments. This Revolution must not limit itself to state apparatuses.
But can a revolution be created by market means alone? Can intellectuals successfully change the hearts, minds and actions of millions of individuals through voluntary means? Or must "we" occupy the state apparatus with intent of phasing it out and abolishing it altogether?
Even if Ron Paul was dictator of the world, I can't see the last option working out too well for the liberty movement. As Butler Shaffer writes in "Where Do We Go From Here?",
I have long been of the view that trying to reform the political system, or running for political office, is counter-productive. I continue to hold to this view even as I greatly admire what Ron Paul has been able to accomplish within the political system. His accomplishments, however, are to be found in helping to raise the conscious awareness of millions of people to see the state for the vicious racket that it is. It must also be noted that Ron is a very exceptional case: he understands the problems of statism with an intellectual depth few others share. [Emphasis mine.]
For the individual, Shaffer recommends devoting the time and energy it takes to expand ones awareness and knowledge of everything. Not just in economics but, "history, psychology, philosophy, religion, the genuine sciences (e.g., physics, biology, chemistry, brain/mind studies, geology)." It's not about getting answers; it's about knowing how to ask the right questions.
Lead by example, Shaffer suggests, "live the centered life; to live with integrity; without contradiction between your ideas and your actions."
I'm positive liberty lovers will bring the Revolution to the market. It won't resemble traditional revolutions with their war and vanguards. In fact I don't know how it'll work, or who will carry it out - but that's the point. It's like Lenin said,
(I am the Walrus) It is impossible to predict the time and progress of revolution. It is governed by its own more or less mysterious laws.
These mysterious laws are not so mysterious when one throws out Marx for Mises, Keynes for Rothbard and Noam Chomsky for Butler Shaffer.
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