From Libertarian to a Latino Protectionist Neo-Liberal: A Reflection on Changing Ideals and Identity
Over the past few years, my views on taxation, neoliberalism, and libertarianism have shifted significantly. As some of you know, I grew up with strong libertarian leanings, but as I matured, my perspectives evolved dramatically over the past decade.
In my early years, I held libertarian beliefs that bordered on anarcho-capitalism. I believed that a free market could, and should, be the primary structure to run society. However, my stance changed as I began to recognize the cultural implications of a stateless, profit-driven society. This realization forced me to reflect on the moral challenges that arise in such a framework. Even in a stateless system, power dynamics would persist, and individuals who disagreed with the dominant moral consensus wouldn’t necessarily be free from societal pressures—or the risk of conflict.
As I moved away from pure libertarianism, I retained certain foundational principles, such as praxeology, the non-aggression principle, and support for free markets. However, my views gradually broadened to encompass cultural and economic protectionism. When Donald Trump rose to prominence in 2017, I wasn’t a supporter, but I noticed how the corporate establishment reacted to him. Their influence on the media and their efforts to vilify Trump and his supporters made me question libertarian ideals even further. This experience heightened my awareness of how powerful individuals and industries seek to maintain control, regardless of whether society operates under libertarian principles or not.
As my outlook matured, I also re-evaluated my place in the American socioeconomic structure. My family is comfortably middle-class, but I’ve remained in a lower-income bracket. I don’t harbor resentment toward the wealthy, but I’ve reassessed what’s essential for a stable and thriving society. This led me to rethink the role of government and social policy.
So, what do I believe American society should prioritize?
Basic healthcare and income: Citizens should have access to essential healthcare services. A safety net to support those in need and promote economic stability.
Prioritizing American citizens: Citizens should come before non-citizens, including visa holders and DACA recipients.
Protecting free speech and gun rights: These fundamental liberties must be preserved.
Financial education: Schools should mandate classes on financial responsibility to better prepare future generations.
Promoting moral values: Society should discourage extreme, irreversible decisions—such as body modifications—based solely on fleeting identity questions.
Immigration reform: We need a simpler, more efficient path to legal status, combined with incentives for undocumented migrants to regularize their status and stricter deportation policies for lawbreakers and subversive individuals.
In summary, my views have shifted from pure libertarianism to a more protectionist, neoliberal perspective that emphasizes both personal freedom and societal stability. While there’s more I could elaborate on, this evolution reflects my growing understanding of what’s needed for a stronger, more cohesive America.