Anyone else out there going? Or anyone else been to one in the past?
If you haven’t, I highly recommend it if you’re able to attend one in your area. Last year was my first time, in Bellevue, and it was mind-blowing. To sit at a table with other liberty-minded folks, have conversations about current topics and world events; to hear other viewpoints from people who come from truly socialized/communist countries, and people who are passionate about their beliefs and educated (either through schooling or one’s own initiative) is something I don’t experience often enough. To have no talk about professional sports, American Idol, or other such nonsense was heavenly, to say the least. And that’s not even mentioning the great speakers (Walter Block, Thomas Woods, Lew Rockwell, Rabbi Lapin, etc.) and the plethora of books to buy, as well as the delicious lunch that was provided. I’m definitely excited this year for CO Springs!
Gladly. Here’s where you can find the info: http://mises.org/events/112. You can see the schedule they have planned, where it’s at, and the cost. It’s well worth every penny, and it supports a good cause too.
The one I went to was held in a meeting room at a nice Italian restaurant in Bellevue, WA. It was open seating at tables that held about 8 people each, so a nice size for lunchtime conversation. I really didn’t know what I was getting into when I went, as I just ordered a Ron Paul book off Amazon and got the flyer with my book and figured why not go, since it was nearby at the time. There were a couple speakers in the morning and a couple in the afternoon, all very thought provoking, followed by questions from the audience, which was a nice diverse range of people as well. There were people dressed casually, others dressed in more business attire, and then those young rebels in their jeans and t-shirts (I miss those days).
The speakers were a breath of fresh air, but lunchtime was my favorite as it gave us a chance to talk with those around us, plus the food was incredible with more than enough to go around. The people at my table were so fascinating. One man was from Uruguay, so he enlightened us with what he has lived through in his home country and other ones as well. I met a couple of the nicest, most well-dressed anarchists ever. When one only sees “anarchists” on the news it’s surprising to meet ones that bathe and like making money. I remember one man was a Ron Paul delegate as I saw him later that year at the WA state convention, where I was a RP delegate also. And the conversation was unlike any I’ve had since with a handful of strangers; so many differences, and yet so much alike all due to the want of freedom.
Well worth every penny spent, which is really a reasonable price for what you get. Plus all the books they had there to buy; I’ve already started a book list for what to pick up in CO Springs this time around.
That was my experience. Maybe if others have gone, they can reply and enlighten us as well.