KOL028 | The Liberty Movement, Past And Present: Recollections With A Friend From The Beginning (Jack Criss)

Kinsella on Liberty Podcast, Episode 028. My old friend Jack Criss (ProBizMS [now Delta Business Journal], Ready, Aim, Right! (2)) and I had a discussion reminiscing about how we became friends 25 years ago, our early Objectivist phases, how communication and the movement has changed over the years, his 1980s libertarian radio talk show in Jackson, MS. We touched on many issues including where the liberty movement stands today, optimism vs. cynicism, entrepreneurs and government interference, Ayn Rand's best novel, why politics is futile and much more... Transcript and Shownotes below. https://youtu.be/XIa3J98uGx8 Related: Alan D. Bergman, Adopting Liberty: The Stephan Kinsella Story (2025) Other biographical pieces Grok Shownotes: body { font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 20px; max-width: 800px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; } .timestamp { font-weight: bold; color: #555; margin-top: 20px; } .section-title { font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.2em; color: #333; margin-bottom: 10px; } .summary { margin: 10px 0; } Kinsella on Liberty Podcast: Episode KOL 028 Summary Date: February 28, 2013 Host: Stephan Kinsella Guest: Jack Criss Source: YouTube, Stephan Kinsella's Website [0:01] Introduction and Personal Connection Stephan Kinsella introduces the podcast, noting its personal theme, and welcomes his longtime friend Jack Criss, a radio professional and business publisher from Jackson, Mississippi. They met in 1988 through shared interests in libertarianism and Objectivism, facilitated by David Kelly after Kinsella sought Southern Objectivists. Criss, aged 47 like Kinsella, is a publisher of print and online media, author of Ready, Aim, Right! (2004), and is working on Aristotle for Children, illustrated by his daughter Dagny. Their 25-year friendship began with mailed letters in a pre-digital era, highlighting the isolation they felt in the South where libertarian ideas were rare. [2:00] Early Libertarian Experiences and Radio Days In 1988, Criss hosted a talk radio show on WJNT, Mississippi’s first talk station, where he interviewed libertarian figures like Ron Paul and Murray Rothbard as the resident libertarian. Kinsella recalls visiting Criss in Jackson and being interviewed on his show, which featured luminaries like Lew Rockwell and Bob Schaffer. The pre-internet era relied on faxes and phone calls to connect with thinkers like Tibor Machan. Criss shares a memory of his 1988 “pilgrimage” to Auburn to meet Mises Institute scholars, an experience he compares to a youthful adventure, underscoring the radical nature of libertarian ideas in the South at the time. [7:00] Objectivism and the Dallas Conference Kinsella and Criss reflect on their evolving views, moving from Objectivism to anarchism by 1988–89. They attended the 1988 “Meeting of the Minds” conference in Dallas, hosted by Donald Heath, featuring Objectivist speakers like David Kelly and Allan Gotthelf. A notable incident involved young Objectivists debating burning Barbara Branden’s The Passion of Ayn Rand due to its controversial revelations, with David Kelly facing backlash for a neutral review. This experience, coupled with the cult-like atmosphere, led Kinsella to distance himself from Objectivism, though he still admires Atlas Shrugged while criticizing The Fountainhead for its questionable individualism. [11:00] Shifting Alliances in Libertarianism The discussion turns to the libertarian movement’s alliances. Criss notes that Objectivists, once insular, are now engaging with conservatives and libertarians through figures like Yaron Brook. Kinsella argues that libertarians have more in common with left-libertarians or civil libertarians (e.g., Cory Doctorow) on issues like anti-war and intellectual property than with conservatives. Both express skepticism about political change through the system, citing its corruption and the anomaly of figures like Ron Paul. They suggest cultural change must come from shifting public sentiment, not politicians, who follow prevailing ethos. [14:00] Optimism and Challenges in a Changing Society Kinsella sees growing mainstream acceptance of libertarian ideas and Austrian economics, driven by events like the Soviet Union’s collapse and decentralized technologies like Bitcoin. However, Criss highlights contradictions, such as a collectivist State of the Union address and inconsistent businesspeople who oppose some regulations but support others. Kinsella remains hopeful that technology and civil society can outpace the “lumbering beast” of the state, though both acknowledge increasing authoritarianism, like a hostile police-civilian dynamic, alongside progress in internet freedom and entrepreneurial opportunities. [20:00] Balancing Principles and Practicality The conversation explores the tension between libertarian principles and practical living. Kinsella recounts being mocked at the 1989 conference for studying law, seen as compromising with the state. He argues against martyrdom or obligatory activism, suggesting one’s duty is to live ethically without violating others’ rights. Criss shares an encounter with a young Rand enthusiast aiming to work for a senator, sparking discussion about misplaced faith in politics, exemplified by the disappointment over Alan Greenspan’s Fed tenure. They note the regulatory burden on Mississippi businesses, pushing some to accept government grants, complicating the entrepreneurial ethic. [49:48] Closing and Future Projects Criss promotes his website, probizms.com, which is being revamped with a YouTube channel, and his upcoming book, Aristotle for Children. He praises Kinsella’s original thinking and contributions to libertarianism. Kinsella thanks Criss, wishes him luck, and expresses hope for future meetups, closing the nostalgic and reflective conversation about their journey in the liberty movement. TRANSCRIPT from Youtube, cleaned up by Grok: body { font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 20px; max-width: 800px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; } .timestamp { font-weight: bold; color: #555; margin-top: 20px; } .speaker { font-weight: bold; color: #333; } .dialogue { margin: 10px 0; } Kinsella on Liberty Podcast: Episode KOL 028 Date: February 28, 2013 Host: Stephan Kinsella Guest: Jack Criss [0:01] Stephan Kinsella: This is Stephan Kinsella with the Kinsella on Liberty podcast, recorded on February 28, 2013. Today’s episode is a bit different, focusing on a personal theme. Some listeners may not be interested, and that’s fine. I’m joined by my good friend Jack Criss. Jack, say hello. Jack Criss: Good morning, Stephan. How are you? Stephan Kinsella: I’m doing great. I worked out this morning. Have you been running yet? Jack Criss: Not yet, but I think you’re underselling this episode. This could be one of your most fascinating discussions yet. Stephan Kinsella: Well, you’re the professional radio guy. I’m not as polished, so this won’t be a formal interview. Let’s just have a conversation. I’ll start by introducing you and explaining how we know each other. [1:00] Stephan Kinsella: Jack, you’re 47, like me, right? Jack Criss: Yeah, getting closer to 48 every day. We’ve known each other since 1988, about 25 years, and our shared interest in philosophy and politics brought us together. Stephan Kinsella: Let’s tell the listeners who you are. Jack Criss: I’m Jack Criss, based in Jackson, Mississippi. I’m a business publisher, both online and in print, one of the last holding onto print media. I published a collection of essays, Ready, Aim, Right!, in 2004. Currently, I’m revising a book, Aristotle for Children, illustrated by my 11-year-old daughter, Dagny. I’m an entrepreneur and dabble in political philosophy, as you know. My daughter’s name might hint at our shared interest in Ayn Rand. [2:00] Stephan Kinsella: That’s a great segue into how we met. In 1988, you were doing talk radio in Jackson, Mississippi, at WJNT, the first talk radio station in the state, right? Jack Criss: Yes, WJNT, News Talk 1180. I was the resident libertarian. Before meeting you, I interviewed Ron Paul, who was running for president on the Libertarian Party ticket, and Murray Rothbard. I have a black-and-white photo of you and Murray from his visit to Jackson, which I might share on the podcast blog. Stephan Kinsella: That’s a great picture. Those were pre-social media days—no computers, no cell phones. Fax machines were cutting-edge. You’d call universities to reach professors like Tibor Machan or David Kelly, now executive director of The Atlas Society and a renowned Objectivist philosopher. [3:00] Jack Criss: Exactly. I interviewed David Kelly, and you wrote to him about meeting Southern Objectivists. He referred you to me. We corresponded by mail, and it took weeks or months to connect. Compare that to today’s instant communication. Stephan Kinsella: That was around 1987 or 1988. I was starting law school and corresponding with Murray Rothbard via typed letters. I was into Ayn Rand and mildly libertarian, while you leaned more libertarian but shared an interest in Objectivism. I felt isolated in Prairie Village, so I asked David Kelly if he knew anyone nearby. He mentioned you in Jackson, a three-to-four-hour drive from Baton Rouge. [4:00] Jack Criss: There were so few of us back then. I was thrilled to meet a fellow libertarian Objectivist. In Jackson,