Episode 9: Virginia Elections Takeaways. Chris and Andy discussed the 2023 Virginia elections, the current political climate in Virginia, and the disconnect between politicians and voters. They looked at a few specific elections and reflected back on recent discussions on ballot reform and Ranked Choice Voting, and they expressed their wish for more effort and solutions to help the state progress, while expressing disappointment in Governor Youngkin's use of government power to advance social issues. The conversation also looked at the failed effort to authorize a casino in Richmond, Virginia. The discussion ended with a brief mention of the upcoming 2024 elections and the important work being done by the CLPVA to lay a foundation for viable third candidates in local and state elections.

Relevant links from this episode include:

Learn more!

Chris, Brian, and Andy discussed the Virginia elections and continued last week’s dive into the concept of electoral reform. Expressing dissatisfaction with the current electoral system, they focused on Ranked Choice Voting (RCV). The group acknowledged the need for a significant initial investment in infrastructure and education for RCV but saw potential for more representative outcomes. They concluded that RCV could offer a viable path for third party or independent candidates, and they expressed their support for independent and third-party candidates, generally and those running in this week’s Virginia elections.

Relevant links from this episode include:

Learn more!

Episode 7: CLPVA Platform & Ballot Reform. Chris, Brian, and Andy discussed some exciting personal news for Chris before speaking to the Classical Liberal Party of Virginia’s platform, and some of the issues surrounding it. The podcast focused on the importance of ballot access and the need to simplify and open up the process. The team called for more diverse political representation and expressed concern over the dysfunction of the state and national government. They emphasized the need for a concrete plan to address issues in the Commonwealth, practical action, and the CLPVA’s intent to actually get candidates elected in Virginia and to effectively govern. They ended the meeting with a call to action for listeners to join the CLPVA or to consider a donation or other support to encourage a freer, more open, and more tolerant Virginia.

Relevant links from this episode include:

Learn more!

Chris, Brian and Andy discussed the Classical Liberal Party of Virginia’s (CLPVA) wrapped up the series on the Party’s core principles, discussing the fourth principle— respect and tolerance. They emphasized the importance of individual differences and rejected coercion from the state or state-like entities to change or conform an individual’s way of life. They expressed concern over the increasing otherism in politics and culture and emphasized the need for policies that respect everyone’s rights. Brian highlighted the concept of social and cultural tolerance in America and the freedom to move and join communities of like-minded people. The group also discussed applying the principles of tolerance and respect to various topics including LGBT rights, vaccine mandates, and bodily autonomy. They also touched on the ineffective nature of state prohibition and coercion on social issues such as drug use, gambling, and consent, and advocated for harm reduction as an approach. They concluded by discussing the upcoming elections in Virginia and some other topical items.

Relevant links from this episode include:

Learn more!

Episode 5: Self-Defense and Mutual Aid. Brian and Andy continue the discussion on the principles of the Classical Liberal Party of Virginia (CLPVA), focusing on Self-Defense and Mutual Aid. They discussed how this principle applies individually and both in our local and international communities. Understanding that “the world is messy, there are fuzzy boundaries” and that “absolutes breakdown,” Brian and Andy spent a few moments explaining that the principles are ideals, not absolutes, and that it is important to understand nuance and logically apply these principles in a given situation. The guys closed things up talking about local youth sports and our ever-increasing national deficit. 

Relevant links from this episode include:

Learn more!

Episode 4: Nonviolence and Peaceful Association. Brian, Chris, and Andy continue their discussion on the principles of the Classical Liberal Party of Virginia (CLPVA), focusing on non-violence and peaceful association. They emphasized the importance of these principles in liberalism and lamented the increase in political violence and hostility. The team also discussed the implications of government policies and the potential impacts of forceful enforcement. They highlighted their belief in diplomacy, free trade, and non-aggression, and touched on the topics of defensive military action and the role of government. They also discussed the principle of free association within the Federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the complexities of competing rights. They close with some recent items that they’ve been thinking about including the end of some federal child care subsidies and more.

Relevant links from this episode include:

Learn more!

Episode 3: Individual Liberty FOR ALL. Andy welcomed Brian Doss and Chris Frashure back for the third episode of the Commonwealth Classical Liberal Podcast, focusing on liberalism in Virginia. They emphasized the importance of promoting freedom and liberalism in the Commonwealth and encouraged listeners to consider getting involved. The discussion centered around the first of four core principles of the Classical Liberal Party of Virginia, individual liberty for all, with Brian and Chris emphasizing its universal application. The conversation also touched on the principles of individual rights, limited state involvement, and the importance of individual liberty in healthcare, business startups, and the regulatory environment. The group also discussed potential policy changes that could improve economic success and individual liberty in Virginia. Towards the end, they expressed their disillusionment with current political discourse, particularly regarding issues like abortion and gun violence, and the need for individual liberty. 

Relevant links from this episode include:

 Learn more!

Episode 2: In this episode, Brian, Chris and Andy review the CLPVA’s four principles: 

They then discuss this CLPVA statement: “The Party therefore as the full expression and understanding of these principles rejects and denounces bigotry as irrational and repugnant, rejects all hate groups, denounces calls for ‘physical removal’ of disfavored ethnic or political groups, and rejects calls for the dissolution of the United States in general or Virginia’s separation from it, nor the separation of any territory from Virginia. The party calls for a free and tolerant civil society with a minimum of interference and coercion from government at any level, so as to secure the blessings and fruits of individual liberty for ourselves and posterity.” The podcast concludes with some news the guys have been paying attention to this week.

Relevant links from this episode include:

Learn more!

Commonwealth Classical Liberal Podcast, ep. 1: An Introduction to the Classical Liberal Party of Virginia and the Commonwealth Classical Liberal Podcast. In this first episode, Brian, Chris and Andy introduce themselves and the Party to listeners, discussing what the CLPVA is and, in a world of national parties, why a state level party even exists. They introduce the idea of liberalism, explain where the podcast will be going in the future, and share on some current political topics they’re paying attention to. Plus, football, family and fall.

Relevant links from this episode include:

Learn more!