In a perfect world, perhaps, voters would read
Ludwig Von Mises' Human Action -- not People magazine.
But (as you may have noticed!) we don't live in a perfect world.
Celebrities matter. Millions of Americans are interested in them. That's why
People magazine sells 3.6 million copies every week.
In politics, too, celebrities matter. That's why The West Wing's Martin
Sheen made headlines when he campaigned for Howard Dean. As did Madonna,
when she endorsed Westley Clark. And singer Carole King, when she appeared
at a rally for John Kerry.
No, celebrities are not a magic bullet. Just because, say, Drew Carey or
Dave Barry or Clint Eastwood announce that they're libertarians doesn't mean
their fans will rush out to vote for libertarian candidates, or support the
Advocates. We understand that.
But... the spotlight that shines on libertarian celebrities does reflect
light onto the *ideas* we share. That spotlight makes their fans a little
more willing to learn about -- and consider -- libertarianism.
And not just their fans. When Clint Eastwood is quoted in USA TODAY saying
"I like the libertarian view, which is to leave everyone alone. Even as a
kid, I was annoyed by people who wanted to tell everyone how to live."
(January 5, 2004), *millions* of people take note. It instantly becomes more
"respectable" to be a libertarian -- even cool. It "mainstreams" the word
and the ideas around it. Many people get curious to learn more.
theadvocates.org |
