Why I Fight for Criminal Justice Reform in the Libertarian Party

One of the biggest reasons I’m passionate about the Libertarian Party is criminal justice reform. It’s impossible to look at the injustices within our policing and judicial system and not feel compassion for those caught in its grip. From excessive sentencing to victimless crimes, the system punishes people in ways that often do more harm than good.

Some might ask, “Doesn’t that make you a Democrat?” The answer is no. While Democrats often recognize issues within the justice system, their solutions tend to involve expanding government control to try and fix problems that government itself created. The Libertarian approach is fundamentally different: instead of using the system to patch its own failures, we seek to remove the injustices altogether and address the deeper root causes of crime.

One clear solution is legalizing victimless crimes—acts that harm no one, yet still lead to arrests, incarceration, and permanent marks on people’s records. Another, less obvious but equally important, is addressing the economic pressures that drive people into crime in the first place. Government policies that fuel inflation and make it harder to afford basic necessities create an environment where desperate choices become inevitable for many.

Libertarianism isn’t just about reducing government for the sake of it—it’s about breaking the cycles of harm that government creates. Criminal justice reform is just one piece of that puzzle, but it’s a crucial one. A freer society is a more just society, and that’s the future we should be fighting for.

Jesus Christ and the Power of the Atonement: Forgiveness

I have written out my talk from Church last last week to be a full post here on my blog.

Brothers and Sisters,

I am grateful for the opportunity to speak today about one of the most powerful gifts our Savior, Jesus Christ, has given us—the ability to forgive. Forgiveness, both of others and of ourselves, is central to the Atonement of Jesus Christ and is essential for our peace and happiness.

I would like to begin by sharing a little bit about my family.

I have a son, Joseph, who is a smart and normally quiet kid. He loves playing the drums and computer games. Then there’s Abigail, who is outgoing and energetic. She loves making friends and playing games. My wife, Sarah, and I met in high school. She plays the piano, sings beautifully, and teaches fourth grade. Sarah has a strong testimony of the gospel, and she helps me become a better person. Her kindness, maturity, and love have been a blessing in my life.

As for myself, I have had a variety of life experiences—some wonderful, some difficult. I’ve been an abused child in foster care, a missionary, a soldier, a car washer, a school librarian, and I currently work in IT. In the Church, I have served in many capacities, including Young Men’s President, Elders Quorum President, Service Men’s Group Leader, Sunday School Teacher, and now as a finance clerk.

Through my experiences, I have learned that life brings both joy and hardship. People will hurt us, sometimes intentionally, sometimes unknowingly. The world teaches us that holding onto anger and resentment is justified, but the gospel of Jesus Christ teaches a higher law—the law of forgiveness.

Forgiving Others

President Russell M. Nelson has said:

“Forgiveness is not just a one-time act but a continuous process that requires patience, compassion, and understanding. It is not always easy to forgive those who have hurt you. You can receive strength from Jesus Christ.”

We all experience pain caused by others. Whether it is a harsh word, a betrayal, or a deep personal wound, the Savior has taught us how to respond. In Matthew 5:44, Christ said:

“Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.”

President Nelson also warned us that, while forgiveness is difficult, holding onto grudges is harmful:

“There is nothing easy about forgiving those who have disappointed us, hurt us, cheated us, or spread false rumors about us. However, not forgiving others is poison for us. Grudges weigh us down. Angry disagreements separate us. Animosity and hatred can divide families.”

Jesus Christ suffered for all of us, not just so that we can repent, but also so that we can find healing. Through His Atonement, He can take away our burdens, including the pain we feel from others’ actions.

I have seen firsthand the power of letting go of anger. When we hold onto resentment, it only harms us. But when we turn to Christ, He helps us release that burden. As we choose to forgive, we invite peace and healing into our lives.

Forgiving Ourselves

Sometimes, the hardest person to forgive is ourselves.

The Lord has reassured us in Doctrine and Covenants 19:16:

“For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent.”

This does not mean we are free to do whatever we want without consequences. Rather, it means that once we have repented, we should move forward in faith and not dwell on past mistakes.

Modern science even supports the importance of self-forgiveness. Dr. Andrea Brandt, a licensed therapist, wrote:

“Acknowledge that not everyone is self-aware or empathetic enough to admit they’ve done something wrong. Appreciate that you’re the kind of person who can recognize your faults and mistakes and say, ‘I did this; I am responsible.’ You’ve done something wrong, yes, but at your core, you are a good person.”

Dwelling on past mistakes only leads to misery. The adversary wants us to feel unworthy, to believe that we are beyond God’s love. But this is a lie. The scriptures teach us:

“But as oft as they repented and sought forgiveness, with real intent, they were forgiven.” (Moroni 6:8)

God does not hold grudges against His children. He does not want us to remain burdened by guilt. He desires that we repent, forgive ourselves, and move forward with faith in Christ. When God forgives, it is as though the sin never happened.

Jesus Christ: The Source of Forgiveness

Ultimately, forgiveness—whether of others or of ourselves—is possible because of Jesus Christ. He has already paid the price for all sin, pain, and suffering. He stands ready to help us heal.

President Nelson testified:

“Jesus Christ is risen. He loves you. And because of Him, you can experience the joy and miracle of forgiveness.”

Brothers and sisters, I know that through Jesus Christ, we can be freed from the chains of resentment, guilt, and pain. I have felt His love in my own life, and I testify that He is always there, ready to lift us. I encourage each of us to examine our hearts. Is there someone we need to forgive? Do we need to forgive ourselves?

Let us turn to the Savior. He will guide us. He will heal us. And through Him, we will find peace.

I bear my testimony that Jesus Christ lives. He loves us. His Atonement is real. Through Him, we can receive forgiveness and extend it to others.

In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

We need to hold Trump to his pledge to Free Silk Road Founder Ross Ulbricht

During a past campaign speech, Donald Trump made a significant pledge: to release on day one of his Presidency Ross Ulbricht, the founder of Silk Road, who is currently serving a life sentence in federal prison for facilitating drug transactions. From a libertarian standpoint, the idea of imprisoning someone for enabling consensual exchanges among adults is inherently flawed. Ulbricht’s harsh punishment should raise concerns even among supporters of the war on drugs.

Before Ulbricht’s sentencing, his lawyer made a compelling argument: Silk Road was not a more dangerous version of traditional drug markets but, in many ways, the most responsible one ever created. Despite this, U.S. District Judge Katherine Forrest was not persuaded. Yet, Silk Road did offer significant consumer protections, such as reducing the risks of arrest, black-market violence, and scams through an escrow system.

The platform also provided a measure of quality assurance for drugs, as vendors risked losing business or being removed for low ratings. Additionally, Silk Road fostered a supportive community where users could safely share information, avoiding the typical dangers of street purchases. However, Judge Forrest interpreted these benefits as exacerbating Ulbricht’s crimes, arguing that the site made drug use easier and safer, thereby encouraging it.

Ulbricht’s life sentence, especially for a first-time, nonviolent drug offense, seems excessively harsh, particularly when others involved with the site received more lenient sentences. Although the government accused Ulbricht of commissioning murders, these allegations were never proven and did not feature in his charges. Nonetheless, they heavily influenced his sentencing.

Ulbricht’s libertarian philosophy further played a role in his severe punishment. Judge Forrest saw his belief in the right to defy drug laws as a dangerous aggravating factor. His stance on personal freedom and opposition to drug prohibition were viewed as threatening to the established legal system.

Criticism of Ulbricht’s sentence has come from various political and legal corners. Prominent figures, including Ken Starr—who previously upheld a life sentence for drug possession—have called for clemency, recognizing the injustice in Ulbricht’s case.

As Trump begins his second term, his promise to release Ulbricht, who has already served 11 years, is a step toward justice. This move should be welcomed by anyone who believes in proportionate punishment, and we need to hold him to his promise of completing this on the first day of his Presidency.