Lew’s New Book

Reviewer: Paul W. Gresser from Maryland

This is the political movement to keep your eyes on, February 26, 2004

Speaking of Liberty is a fascinating look at an emerging philosophical/political framework, of which Llewellyn Rockwell is this generation’s standard-bearer. Through discussions on economics and war, he illustrates a view of the world that is both appreciative of traditional values and unabashedly radical.

Those unfamiliar with the libertarian intellectual movement may be delighted to discover this alternative to the American left-wing/right-wing paradigm. Rockwell’s ideas can be as appealing to liberal college students as they can be to conservative Christians.

Those already familiar with Rockwell will be happy to see him in top form, as he exposes and condemns the Warfare/Welfare State, recounts the development of libertarianism via Ludwig von Mises and Murray Rothbard, and describes the current state of the movement.

Unlike the gurus of the left and right (Ann Coulter, Bill O’Reilly, Michael Moore, etc.), Rockwell’s ideas are supported by powerful economic and historical arguments, rather than impassioned fear-mongering about the “other side” trying to “subvert America.” He makes it clear that the danger is not other people, but the harmful policies of the central State.

Lew’s writing style is thoroughly enjoyable. He is always controversial, never disrespectful. He can simultaneously shake up and attack certain political preconceptions, and inspire a new-found respect for others. If you’re curious about libertarianism, Austrian economics, or just alternative political thought, this is a great place to start.