7 TV Shows Every Liberty-Minded Individual Should Binge-Watch This Weekend
#1 The Wire
HBO's The Wire isn't just another TV series; it's a deep dive into systemic issues that might make you wonder if the creator is waving a libertarian flag. It explores the futility of the War on Drugs, the crumbling educational system, and how law enforcement is entangled in political power plays. Not to mention the media's double standards and the grimy reality of political machinations.
#2 South Park
Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the brains behind South Park, came out as libertarians back in the day. Whether that label still fits is up for debate, but the show's spirit certainly aligns with Stone's timeless quote: "I hate conservatives, but I really … hate liberals."
#3 House of Cards
Watching House of Cards is a must for two reasons. First, it's an unflinching portrayal of politics—think of it as "The Calculus of Consent" by Buchanan and Tullock turned into high drama. Second, it ushered in the era of binge-watching, setting the stage for our streaming obsessions.
#4 Penn & Teller: Bullshit!
For 8 seasons, Penn & Teller slice through myths and mass hysteria with a side of skepticism. They cover a range of issues, all through a lens that leans heavily on Penn's libertarian viewpoint, from the War on Drugs to the Environmental Hysteria.
#5 Breaking Bad
In Breaking Bad, at some point, we follow a libertarian character who takes to manufacturing high-purity drugs—because what's more libertarian than adhering to the non-aggression principle by making sure that what is sold is really what is marketed? If you're not into the philosophical angle, just watch it for the acclaim it's received.
#6 Boardwalk Empire
Boardwalk Empire is a treasure trove of libertarian quips set against the backdrop of Prohibition's failure. It shows politics for what it is—a power play—and the disastrous effects of banning alcohol.
#7 Avatar: The Last Airbender
Beyond its animated charm, Avatar: The Last Airbender presents a world dominated by a fascist regime. The parallels to real-world indoctrination are striking as the heroes strive to dismantle the empire and champion a life of peace and autonomy.
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It's okay for a TV drama to take creative liberties, but we have a problem when the news is driven by the spirit of partisanship. In George Washington's words, they start to,
"(...) distract the public councils and enfeebles the public administration. It agitates the community with ill-founded jealousies and false alarms; foments occasionally riot and insurrection."
What can we do about it? We're bringing together experts from different corners of media—a filmmaker (Ford Fischer), a foreign war correspondent (Dylan Burns), a news reporter (David Preston), and a sports broadcaster (Emily Austin)—to shed light on the struggle for honest journalism.
See more at: libertycon.com