Pat Wagner offers her presentation, “Applying Practical Libertarian Principles: Personal Responsibility, Choice, Innovation, and More.”
How does one person who identifies as a libertarian think (and act) when it comes to the difficult issues of the day, from international politics, the military, immigration, and climate change…to free speech for people we don’t like or trust…to what would help small business owners and working class people the most, to topics like abortion, gun control, domestic violence, law enforcement, poverty, health, the “culture” wars, diversity, etc. Pat will introduce some principles and then apply them to different scenarios.
Pat Wagner and her husband Leif Smith founded what ended up as an international information service (1975-2000) based on the principles of an open market. That launched Pat’s career as a trainer and consultant to individuals and organizations in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Her hidden agenda: What are the skills needed to live in a free society and how could she help people feel more competent and confident? She discovered the libertarian movement at the same time. It was not a conversion; it was “coming home” and giving words to ideas she had held most of her life. She loves books, music, animals, gardening, and writing, and believes philanthropy is the most fun you can have with your clothes on.
