LC Blog

The Libercarean movement envisions a society that guarantees a basic level of care for all, without undermining free markets, individual rights, or personal responsibility. It’s a philosophy grounded in the belief that compassion and liberty are not opposites, but partners. One practical tool that can help advance this vision is the sovereign wealth fund (SWF), a public investment vehicle that can generate shared prosperity while preserving individual freedom.

What Is a Sovereign Wealth Fund?

A sovereign wealth fund is a state-owned investment fund, typically funded by natural resource revenues, trade surpluses, or other public assets. Rather than spending windfalls immediately, SWFs invest these resources in global markets—stocks, bonds, infrastructure, or private equity—to create long-term returns.

Famous examples include Norway’s Government Pension Fund Global, the Alaska Permanent Fund, and Singapore’s Temasek Holdings. These funds prove that it’s possible to manage public wealth responsibly while promoting economic resilience and social stability.

The Libercarean Adaptation: The Citizen Dividend

The Libercarean approach to SWFs centers on one simple, yet transformative idea: a citizen dividend—a periodic payment to all citizens funded from a share of the fund’s investment returns.

Unlike traditional welfare systems that rely on taxation, bureaucratic oversight, and eligibility tests, the citizen dividend distributes public wealth directly and equally. It’s not charity. It’s ownership. Every citizen has a stake in the nation’s collective wealth and should benefit when that wealth grows.

This structure achieves three key Libercarean principles:

1. Respect for Individual Liberty – The citizen dividend empowers people to make their own choices about healthcare, education, and financial well-being without government intrusion or paternalism. The dividend comes with no mandates or restrictions—because care begins with freedom.
2. Promotion of Private Enterprise – By circulating capital directly into the hands of citizens, rather than filtering it through state programs, the dividend stimulates entrepreneurship, local business activity, and market innovation. When people have modest financial stability, they can take risks, start businesses, and invest in their communities.
3. Limited and Accountable Government – The state’s role is confined to managing the fund transparently, protecting it from political interference, and ensuring equitable distribution. The fund itself can be governed by an independent board with strict oversight and public reporting—guardrails that prevent it from becoming a political slush fund or a tool for central planning.

Designing the Libercarean Sovereign Fund

A Libercarean sovereign wealth fund could be structured around the following principles:

• Capital Source: Seeded by public assets, such as resource royalties, surplus revenues, or proceeds from inefficient government holdings, rather than new taxes.
• Investment Mandate: Managed by professionals under a clear, non-political charter to maximize long-term returns while maintaining ethical and sustainable standards.
• Citizen Dividend Formula: A defined percentage of annual net returns distributed equally to all adult citizens, ensuring transparency and predictability.
• Safeguards for Sustainability: A portion of returns reinvested to preserve the fund’s value and protect future generations.

Real-World Proof of Concept

The Alaska Permanent Fund has operated on this model for decades. Funded by oil revenues, it pays an annual dividend to all residents, often ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 per person. The fund has not led to dependency or economic distortion; instead, it has supported local economies, reduced poverty, and provided a real-world test case for Libercarean ideals.

A Libercarean SWF expands this logic beyond natural resources, toward a diversified, forward-looking fund that turns shared assets into shared opportunity.

A Path Toward a Freer, Fairer Future

In a world where debates over welfare and capitalism often divide us, sovereign wealth funds offer a bridge. They embody fiscal prudence, social compassion, and individual empowerment all at once.

By giving every citizen a small, reliable share of national prosperity, we can strengthen the foundations of both liberty and care, ensuring that the free market serves everyone, not just the fortunate few.

The Libercarean movement believes that a society can be both compassionate and free, that care need not come at the cost of choice, and that freedom need not mean neglect. A citizen dividend through a well-structured sovereign wealth fund is one way to make that balance real.

What is Universal Basic Income?

Universal Basic Income refers to a process by which people receive income regularly and unconditionally.

How does the provision of Universal Basic Income promote care and liberty?

When all members of the citizenry receive income, and share in the wealth of the nation, society becomes more equitable.  For example, imagine a society in which there are 4 people, Gabriel, Sam, Kris, and Julian. Before the receipt of universal income their incomes looked like this:

• Gabriel $120,000 (60%)*
• Sam $50,000 (25%)
• Kris $25,000 (12.5%)
• Julian $5,000 (2.5%)

*(each individual’s portion of the total income)

If each individual in this society received $12,000 of universal basic income annually the resulting distribution would look like this:

• Gabriel $132,000 (53.2%)
• Sam $62,000 (25%)
• Kris $37,000 (14.9%)
• Julian $17,000 (6.85%)

As you can see, Julian’s portion of the total income has more than doubled while Gabriel’s has been reduced despite the receipt of UBI.

In addition to a more equitable distribution of income, UBI will be critical as we move from a society in which individuals have to work to survive into one in which people choose to work due to advances in technology.

Where does the UBI come from?

UBI can come from the taxes Americans already pay, tariffs, or by some of the new monies created by the treasury being distributed equally among the citizenry of the nation*.

How does utilizing UBI promote liberty?

UBI promotes liberty while discouraging dependency and stigma.  In comparison to the traditional provision of government services to individuals, providing individuals UBI reduces inefficient behavior due to perverse incentives such as individuals being encouraged to work less in order to qualify for additional government benefits. However, the implementation of UBI through additions to the money supply would reduce the value of the money which has been already been earned by some members of society (as the government printing of money also does currently), and should be implemented judiciously.

*This is in contrast to the current system in which money is created (devaluing the dollars we currently hold) and given to banks to lend to the citizenry who must pay interest to obtain it.

March 3, 2025

The introduction of a digital dollar in the United States could significantly streamline the implementation of a universal basic income (UBI) program, offering a direct and efficient mechanism to distribute funds to citizens. A digital dollar, as a central bank digital currency (CBDC), would enable the Federal Reserve to issue currency directly to individuals’ digital wallets, bypassing traditional banking intermediaries. This technological framework could make UBI not only feasible but also equitable, ensuring that every citizen receives a monthly allocation.

So what is a digital dollar?

A digital dollar, or Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), is a digital form of a country’s fiat currency, issued and backed by the central bank (e.g., the Federal Reserve in the U.S.). Unlike cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, which are decentralized, a CBDC is centralized and operates under government regulation. It aims to provide a digital alternative to physical cash, enabling faster, more efficient, and secure transactions. Key features include:

Security: Uses advanced encryption and blockchain or similar technologies for safety

Digital Nature: Exists purely in electronic form, accessible via digital wallets or bank accounts.

Government Backing: Guaranteed by the central bank, ensuring stability and trust.

Purpose: To modernize payment systems, reduce costs, improve financial inclusion, and potentially enhance monetary policy effectiveness.

How could the implementation of a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) support the implementation of UBI?

With a digital dollar, the government could seamlessly transfer a fixed amount of currency to each citizen’s digital wallet on a monthly basis. This process would be automated, secure, and transparent, leveraging blockchain or similar technologies to track transactions and prevent fraud. Unlike traditional welfare programs, which often involve complex eligibility criteria and bureaucratic overhead, a digital dollar-based UBI could be universal, reducing administrative costs and ensuring rapid delivery of funds. For example, each adult citizen could receive a set amount—say, $300 per month—directly into their digital wallet.

Moreover, the digital dollar could address concerns about currency devaluation in a way that prioritizes citizens over financial elites. Currently, the U.S. dollar is subject to devaluation through monetary policies like quantitative easing, where additional money is printed to stimulate the economy. This process often benefits wealthy bankers and financial institutions, as newly created funds flow into markets, inflating asset prices and disproportionately enriching those who already hold significant wealth. In contrast, a digital dollar allocated directly to citizens through UBI would distribute the effects of currency creation more equitably. Instead of funneling new money to Wall Street, this approach would put purchasing power directly into the hands of the public. While devaluation would still occur, its benefits would be shared broadly, supporting economic stability for the average American.

By leveraging the digital dollar’s infrastructure, the U.S. could implement UBI with unprecedented efficiency, ensuring that every citizen receives their monthly allocation without delay or discrimination. This shift would not only address economic inequality but also reframe monetary policy to prioritize the well-being of the citizenry over the interests of a select few.

Written by AI … with help from Brandon Price

Picture this: AI’s taken over, and we’re all swimming in digital dough like Scrooge McDuck in a virtual vault. The rise of artificial intelligence is poised to make universal basic income (UBI) not just a pipe dream but a downright necessity—and it’s happening faster than you can say “robot overlords.” Here’s why AI’s about to make us so rich we’ll be tossing cash to everyone like confetti at a libertarian rave.

First off, AI is turning us into economic superheroes. With machines churning out everything from self-driving cars to poetry better than your high school English teacher, productivity’s through the roof. We’re talking wealth so massive we could fund some UBI with the spare change from our digital wallets.

But here’s the kicker: AI’s also giving the boot to entire job sectors. Travel agents? Toast. Taxi drivers? Replaced by bots with better playlists. Even accountants are sweating as AI crunches numbers faster than a caffeinated mathlete. With jobs vanishing, UBI steps in as the safety net to keep folks afloat while they retrain to become, say, AI ethicists or professional meme curators.

Now, let’s talk government—or rather, the lack thereof. AI’s efficiency is making bloated bureaucracies look like dial-up modems in a 5G world. Why do we need a million middlemen when algorithms can handle tax collection, resource allocation, and even dog licensing? This leaner system vibes with libertarian ideals: less government meddling, more individual freedom. People are waking up to the fact that we don’t need elitists in suits telling us how to live. AI’s exposing the absurdity of top-down control, and folks are rejecting it faster than a bad TikTok trend.

So, as AI makes us richer, shrinks government, and fuels our inner libertarian, UBI becomes the obvious move. It’s not about handouts—it’s about giving everyone a shot in a world where AI’s rewriting the rules.

Witten by AI … with help from Brandon Price

For years, I’ve been shouting from the rooftops about the wonders of Universal Basic Income (UBI). It’s the Libercarean dream—a way to ensure every American has a safety net without tripping over the free market’s shoelaces.

1. Accounts for all Americans—everyone gets a slice of the pie, no matter their age, job, or questionable life choices.
2. Contributions from the government—a little love in the form of cold, hard cash (or digital dollars, because it’s 2025, people).
3. Regular deposits—think monthly money drops, like a Spotify subscription.

Enter the Invest America accounts, the government’s shiny new initiative for every American born after January 1, 2025. These accounts come with a crisp $1,000 starter deposit and the opportunity for more contributions down the road.

Note: If you aren’t familiar with Invest America it Has a Frequently Asked Question Page here

It’s not UBI—let’s not get carried away—but it’s got the vibe of a toddler taking its first wobbly steps toward something bigger. Let’s unpack why this could be a delightful move toward UBI, shall we?

The Invest America Accounts: UBI’s Adorable Cousin

First off, these accounts nail two out of three UBI pillars. Accounts for all Americans? Check—well, at least for the fresh-out-of-the-womb crowd born after New Year’s Day 2025. Every newborn gets their own financial sandbox to play in. Government contributions? Check again! That $1,000 is a no-strings-attached gift from Uncle Sam, no diaper changes required. It’s like the government saying, “Welcome to the world, kid. Here’s a grand to start your empire—or at least buy some overpriced coffee in 2043.”

But let’s not pop the champagne just yet. These accounts aren’t quite the UBI utopia we’ve been dreaming of. For one, they’re more about investment than income—think stock market piggy bank rather than monthly grocery money. They’re also not for all Americans, leaving those of us born before 2025 to sulk in our pre-UBI misery. And regular contributions? Nope. The government’s not promising a monthly top-up, just a one-time deposit.

A Big, Bold Baby Step

Still, let’s give credit where credit’s due. The Invest America accounts are a huge step toward UBI, and I’m not just saying that because I love a good underdog story. Setting up accounts for every newborn is no small feat—it’s the government admitting that everyone deserves a financial foothold, no matter their background. That $1,000 deposit? It’s a symbolic high-five, a way of saying, “We’re investing in you, tiny human, because you’re part of this messy, beautiful thing called America.”

This move lays the groundwork for something bigger. If the government can pull off accounts and contributions for the class of 2025, and allow for an option where accounts can be established for all children who enroll, what is to stop the government from creating UBI accounts for all Americans to enroll in?

The Future’s So Bright, We Need Shades

Are invest America Accounts UBI? Nah. It’s more like UBI’s quirky cousin who shows up to the family reunion with a savings bond and a dream. But the Invest America accounts are proof that the government can think big, bold, and a little bit wild. They’re a cheeky nod to the idea that everyone deserves a piece of the pie—or at least a starter slice.

So here’s to the babies of 2025, with their fancy new accounts and their $1,000 head start. They’re the guinea pigs in this grand experiment, and I, for one, am rooting for them. If this is the first step toward UBI, I say keep waddling, America. The Libercarean dream is closer than you think.

10/31/2025

Written by AI … with prompting from Brandon Price

In the polarized world of economic ideologies, where capitalists champion unfettered markets and communists advocate for collective ownership, a lesser-known perspective emerges: Libercareanism. This philosophy, blending the core tenets of liberty with a pragmatic approach to social welfare, finds common ground with both ends of the spectrum. Libercareans celebrate the triumphs of free markets while acknowledging the need for resource distribution, achieving the latter through mechanisms that preserve individual freedom and market efficiency. Let’s explore how Libercareans align with capitalists on wealth creation and personal rights, and with communists on equitable sharing, all while proposing innovative solutions like Universal Basic Income (UBI).

Aligning with Capitalists: The Power of Free Markets and Individual Liberty

At its heart, Libercareanism echoes the capitalist ethos that free markets are engines of prosperity. Capitalists have long argued, and history supports, that open competition, entrepreneurship, and minimal government interference have dramatically increased global wealth and lifted billions out of poverty. From the Industrial Revolution to the tech boom of the 21st century, market-driven innovations have reduced extreme poverty rates from over 80% in the early 1800s to under 10% today. Libercareans wholeheartedly agree: free markets allocate resources efficiently, reward innovation, and foster economic growth that benefits society as a whole.

Central to this agreement is the primacy of liberty. Libercareans, like capitalists, emphasize the individual’s right to pursue happiness without undue coercion. This includes the sacred right to property, what you earn or create is yours to control. In a Libercarean view, this liberty extends to economic choices: individuals should be free to invest, save, or spend as they see fit.

Postponing consumption, for instance, transforms mere money into productive capital. By saving and investing in businesses, tools, or education, people generate compounding returns that drive further wealth creation. This mirrors capitalist principles, where capital accumulation fuels job creation, technological advancement, and overall societal progress.

Libercareans diverge slightly by insisting that true liberty requires safeguards against monopolies or cronyism, but they reject heavy-handed regulations that stifle innovation. Instead, they advocate for transparent rules that ensure markets remain truly free, allowing individuals to thrive based on merit and voluntary exchange.

Bridging to Communists: Resource Distribution Without Market Distortion

While Libercareans champion capitalist freedoms, they also share a key insight with socialists and communists: in believing some level of equitable distribution is beneficial for social stability and human dignity.

Communists, in particular, critique capitalism’s inequalities, arguing that wealth concentration leads to exploitation and that resources should be redistributed to meet everyone’s needs. Libercareans nod in agreement that unchecked disparities can erode liberty—after all, extreme poverty limits one’s ability to exercise true freedom.

However, Libercareans part ways with traditional communist approaches like state-controlled economies or forced collectivization, which they see as violations of individual rights and prone to inefficiency. Instead, they propose market-friendly programs that redistribute resources without distorting incentives. A prime example is Universal Basic Income (UBI), a system where every citizen receives a regular, unconditional cash payment.

UBI actually aligns with some communist ideals by ensuring a basic standard of living for all, reducing poverty and inequality without requiring people to prove their “worthiness.” Yet, it preserves capitalist virtues: recipients can spend the money as they choose, stimulating markets through consumer demand. Unlike welfare bureaucracies that create dependency traps or distort labor markets with means-testing, UBI empowers individuals, allowing them to pursue education, start businesses, or care for families without fear of destitution. Pilots in places like Finland and Kenya have shown UBI boosts entrepreneurship and mental health, proving it can enhance rather than hinder economic vitality.

In essence, Libercareans view UBI as a “liberty dividend”, a way to share society’s collective gains while maintaining the free market’s dynamism. This approach addresses communist concerns about fairness without the authoritarian pitfalls of central planning.

A Synthesis for the Modern World?

Libercareanism isn’t about compromising principles; it’s about synthesizing the best of both worlds. By agreeing with capitalists on the virtues of free markets, liberty, and capital formation, it harnesses proven tools for growth. Simultaneously, by endorsing resource distribution via non-distortive methods like UBI, it promotes a more inclusive society.

In an era of rising inequality and automation-driven job shifts, Libercarean ideas offer a pragmatic path forward. They remind us that true freedom isn’t just about accumulating wealth; it’s about ensuring everyone has the opportunity to participate. Whether you’re a die-hard capitalist or a committed communist, there’s something in Libercareanism that might just make you nod in agreement. After all, in a complex world, the most enduring ideologies are those that evolve.