Draft:Libercrat

Libercrat is a modern term for someone who politically combines views from both Libertarian and Democratic perspectives, short for Libertarian-Democrat. They believe that democracy functions best on a smaller scale and advocate for decentralizing representative democracy. They support the democratic appeal of social justice but reject the modern government, envisioning a system with minimal state control.

Economically, Libercrats advocate for a common-sense free market, where production is both individually and collectively managed, allowing people the freedom to choose what best fits their needs. Many believe that land should be held in common, viewing it as a resource to which all individuals should have equal access.

Notable figures considered Libercrats

The concept of a Libercrat represents a unique synthesis of Libertarian and Democratic ideals, emphasizing decentralized governance, small-scale democracy, and a mix of individual and collective economic freedoms. While the term itself is modern, many thinkers, political figures, and activists throughout history have embodied these ideals. Below is a list of individuals whose philosophies or actions align closely with Libercrat ideals.

Historical figures

Henry George (1839–1897): Known for advocating Georgism, George believed in the common ownership of land and the implementation of a single land tax to promote social justice while minimizing state intervention in other areas. His economic theories align with the Libercrat ethos of balancing individual freedom with social equity.
Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826): A proponent of decentralized governance, Jefferson envisioned a nation of small, self-sufficient communities where individuals had the freedom to thrive. His ideas about limiting central authority resonate with the Libercrat ideal of small-scale democracy.

Modern thinkers

David Boaz (born 1953): An executive at the Cato Institute, Boaz has championed libertarian ideals while recognizing the importance of fairness and justice in a free society. His nuanced approach to balancing individual liberty with societal needs reflects Libercrat principles.
Marianne Williamson (born 1952): Known for her advocacy of grassroots democracy and social justice, Williamson also emphasizes decentralization and individual empowerment, key aspects of the Libercrat worldview.

Political figures

Andrew Yang (born 1975): Yang's vision of a Human-Centered Economy incorporates aspects of Libertarian free-market ideals with Democratic social policies. His emphasis on decentralized solutions and technological adaptation fits the Libercrat framework.
Tulsi Gabbard (born 1981): Gabbard’s focus on limiting U.S. military intervention, coupled with her progressive stances on social issues, aligns with the Libercrat ideal of reducing government overreach while maintaining a commitment to social equity.

Cultural and social influencers

Elinor Ostrom (1933–2012): As a Nobel Prize-winning economist, Ostrom studied how communities manage common resources effectively without centralized authority. Her work demonstrates the viability of decentralized governance and collective action, cornerstones of Libercrat philosophy.
Russell Brand (born 1975): Brand blends libertarian scepticism of centralized power with a strong advocacy for community-driven solutions and social justice, reflecting the hybrid values of Libercrats.

Activist groups and movements

While not individuals, some modern movements embody Libercrat ideals:

Localist Movements: Focus on empowering local governance and reducing federal overreach.
Community Land Trusts: Advocate for collectively managing land resources while promoting individual freedoms.
Open-Source Economies: Aimed at decentralizing production and empowering individuals and small groups economically.

References