What do you think?
Rate this book
Down With Power: Libertarian Policy in a Time of Crisis
WINNER OF THE FREEDOM BOOK OF THE YEAR 2012-2013 HOW TO FIX AMERICA The “land of the free” is in deep trouble—the deepest since the War Between the States—not just economically, but politically and every other way. Her greatest institutions are crumbling all around us. In Down With Power, the acclaimed libertarian writer and thinker L. Neil Smith, author of over 30 liberty-related books and 50-year veteran of the freedom movement, strips this crisis to its essentials, offering solutions—sometimes “radical”, in that they go straight to the root, more often simple common sense—resulting in a body of ideas that can elevate America to her former greatness. Subjects covered Zero Aggression principle National defense The moral effects of taxation Limiting corporate power The truth about money The United Nations, terrorism, and torture Global warming If you’re feeling politically homeless these days; If you’re new to libertarianism and want to know what it’s really all about; If you’re a libertarian candidate and need a campaign guide; or If you just want to sort out the fakers from the real thing, Down With Power is the book for you!And possibly a book that can change the course of history
302 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
5 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
L. Neil Smith
39 books69 followersL. Neil Smith was a Libertarian science fiction author and gun rights activist.Smith was born in Denver, Colorado.
Smith began publishing science fiction with “Grimm’s Law” for Stellar 5 (1980). He wrote 31 books, including 29 novels, and a number of essays and short stories. In 2016, Smith received the Special Prometheus Award for Lifetime Achievement for his contributions to libertarian science fiction.
He was editor of LEVER ACTION BBS [now defunct], founder and International Coordinator of the Libertarian Second Amendment Caucus, Secretary and Legislative Director of the Weld County Fish & Wildlife Association and an NRA Life Member.
Smith passed away on August 27, 2021 in Fort Collins, Colorado at age 75. Smith is survived by daughter Rylla Smith and wife Cathy Smith.
Smith began publishing science fiction with “Grimm’s Law” for Stellar 5 (1980). He wrote 31 books, including 29 novels, and a number of essays and short stories. In 2016, Smith received the Special Prometheus Award for Lifetime Achievement for his contributions to libertarian science fiction.
He was editor of LEVER ACTION BBS [now defunct], founder and International Coordinator of the Libertarian Second Amendment Caucus, Secretary and Legislative Director of the Weld County Fish & Wildlife Association and an NRA Life Member.
Smith passed away on August 27, 2021 in Fort Collins, Colorado at age 75. Smith is survived by daughter Rylla Smith and wife Cathy Smith.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
September 4, 2012
I read this because it was selected by people participating in http://freedombookclub.com as Book of the Month for August 2012.
I've read numerous works of fiction by Mr. Smith, and a number of articles and op-ed pieces he has published as well. This anthology is the first lengthy work of non-fiction I have read by him. Down with Power is a collection of essays designed to spur the reader to political action in order to avoid a calvalcade of tragedy. I hold out little hope that the United States can avoid the icebergs that its government has put in their paths. Be that as it may, if many people advocate for the CONstitutional reforms concocted by Smith, these reforms would perform quite well.
L. Neil Smith's thoughts on defense are illuminating. I had never before thought of an ambient level of danger posed by firearms before, and if your neighbor has been building weapons of mass destruction in his garage, he is far outside the ambient danger level, and you would be right to remove that danger.
Smith's thoughts on intellectual property are intriguing as well. He has a valid point about the ideas he has communicated. However, if a thought seed is planted in the garden of your mind, and is cultivated by yourself as owner of that mind, might the fruit of that idea be identical to the fruit of the idea that was cultivated by the original thinker? Thinking that this is is a criminal act assumes that Burpee Seeds would be right to lay claim to tomatoes I grew in my garden after I bought tomato seeds from them.
Smith delivers his plan for reform, in a cogent, reasonable, and entertaining way. I enjoyed reading Down with Power: Libertarian Policy in a Time of Crisis. I learned many things about the author, and hope that his ideas regarding Constitutional amendments are implemented. If the United States is going to continue to be the land of the free, it must needs be the home of the brave.
I've read numerous works of fiction by Mr. Smith, and a number of articles and op-ed pieces he has published as well. This anthology is the first lengthy work of non-fiction I have read by him. Down with Power is a collection of essays designed to spur the reader to political action in order to avoid a calvalcade of tragedy. I hold out little hope that the United States can avoid the icebergs that its government has put in their paths. Be that as it may, if many people advocate for the CONstitutional reforms concocted by Smith, these reforms would perform quite well.
L. Neil Smith's thoughts on defense are illuminating. I had never before thought of an ambient level of danger posed by firearms before, and if your neighbor has been building weapons of mass destruction in his garage, he is far outside the ambient danger level, and you would be right to remove that danger.
Smith's thoughts on intellectual property are intriguing as well. He has a valid point about the ideas he has communicated. However, if a thought seed is planted in the garden of your mind, and is cultivated by yourself as owner of that mind, might the fruit of that idea be identical to the fruit of the idea that was cultivated by the original thinker? Thinking that this is is a criminal act assumes that Burpee Seeds would be right to lay claim to tomatoes I grew in my garden after I bought tomato seeds from them.
Smith delivers his plan for reform, in a cogent, reasonable, and entertaining way. I enjoyed reading Down with Power: Libertarian Policy in a Time of Crisis. I learned many things about the author, and hope that his ideas regarding Constitutional amendments are implemented. If the United States is going to continue to be the land of the free, it must needs be the home of the brave.
June 20, 2012
I met L. Neil Smith at one of our Young Americans for Liberty chapter meetings at CSU. I picked up his book Down with Power during his visit and he was kind enough to sign the book for me. I am currently reading this book and I have found to to be very informational. I highly recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews