Matthew Arbos

Libertarianism in the Real World

May 15, 2012 at 4:13 PM

By Matthew Arbos

Recently I heard some critics of liberty dismiss the idea of libertarianism as idealistic and unreal. My fellow classmates said how the idea of maximizing liberty looks good on paper, but can not be done in everyday real life. This is the argument commonly given to communism when it says everyone is equal. (Of course, communism explicitly states the abolition of private property and ownership -- I have no idea how that looks good on paper.)

The idea of libertarianism, by contrast, maximizes freedom both personally and economically. It stresses the non-agression principle, which is to not initiate force against an individual or property of others. Indeed, this does look good on paper -- and it looks even better when applied to real world solutions.

Often times many people ask where are the real life examples of this theory being put into practice. Well, there are plenty of them, you just have to think critically.

1) Concealed carry of handguns

Real life example: New Hampshire, Texas, and Vermont

These states allow concealed carry in varying degrees. Texas achieved concealed carry status in 1995 and crime has remained low ever since. New Hampshire even allows open carry in all places except courthouse and government buildings. New Hampshire is probably the safest place to live in the country with the lowest crime rate overall and by far the most lax gun laws. Vermont is not far behind in low crime rates as well.

2) Allow consumers to choose their electric company

Real life example: Lubbock, Texas

In Lubbock, Texas there are multiple, competing electric companies. These networks drive down utility prices and increase consumer satisfaction without noticable additional environmental impact. This system offers a clear choice for the consumers instead of forcing them to pay for one large electric company owned by the city. Choice is a key tenant in liberty. You are free to choose what you want to do with your body and money. In this case, the residents of Lubbock are just fine with choosing their energy source.

The 89% make their statement at UCF

May 1, 2012 at 4:37 PM

By Matthew Arbos

On April 18th, YAL at UCF made students aware about Occupy the Honor Roll. Outside the UCF Student Union we educated students about the 89% and how to properly redistribute GPA's to make everything more "fair."

In the hot Florida weather we used our trademark tactic of giving out free popsicles to students. These sweet, tasty delights proved very successful in engaging students on the issue of GPA redistribution. Students were very receptive to the message and thought it was immoral to take the hard-earned GPA that they worked for. Everyone that came to the table was not in support of redistributing their or anyone else's GPA. When I told one girl about our satiric efforts to take from the 4.0 students and give to others she exclaimed, "That's ridiculous; GPA is something you earn."

Overall, our message was delivered and students at UCF now know about the 89%. In the end 124 popsicles were passed out, 35 emails were added to our list, and 1 successful event was carried out. Above you can view a video of the day's efforts to educate our fellow students.

FIRE Speaker at UCF April 3rd

Mar 27, 2012 at 7:18 PM

By Matthew Arbos

In honor of international Free Speech Week (April 1st through 8th), YAL at the University of Central Florida will be hosting a speaker from the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE), Mr. Robert Shibley. Shibley is the Senior Vice President for FIRE and is a graduate of Duke Law School.

Topics that will be discussed include, but are not limited to, free speech on college campuses, due process rights with student conduct boards, and viewpoint neutrality. FIRE is a strategic partner with YAL and has helped chapters/students at their universities. Here is a recent example where FIRE helped out a YAL chapter at the University of Cincinnati over a "free speech zone."

UCF YAL will be promoting this event through tabling and flyers and co-hosting this event with UCF College Republicans and NORML. Free speech and due process rights are issues that affect all students on college campuses!

Need Funding for CPAC? Get Help From Your SGA!

Dec 19, 2011 at 11:49 AM

By Matthew Arbos

With CPAC approaching there is always the concern of how to pay for the trip. Like every college student, I am on a budget and the cost of going to Washington D.C. is quite expensive. Recently on December 1st, YAL at the University of Central Florida was able to receive funding from the Conference, Registration, and Travel Committee (CRT) in the UCF Student Government Association. YAL recieved $825 for 5 people for airfare. This was sufficient funding to pay for our plane tickets and subsidize the cost of the trip. UCF YAL did it in 3 easy steps:

1. YAL filled out the form to request funding.

2.YAL had an officer go in front of the committee and explain why YAL needed funding to go to CPAC.

3.Then I explained how CPAC was a non-partisan conference open to all conservative students regardless of their political party affiliation. Finally, I explained how CPAC will benefit UCF and YAL. After that the funding was unanimously approved by the committee by a vote count of 8-0.