Self-Interest vs Altruism, COVID Vaccine Legal Accountability, and Fighting Human Trafficking

On January 31, 2023, Kim Monson welcomed Liberty Toastmasters members for a philosophical discussion on self-interest versus the principles of altruism and guilt. The conversation explored how forced benevolence differs from voluntary charity, drawing on Founding Father principles. Later, Matt Dark from Roots Medical discussed legal pathways for COVID vaccine accountability, and anti-trafficking advocate Andi Buerger shared her personal story of survival and her work with Voices Against Trafficking.

Voices Against Trafficking and Survivor Advocacy

Start listening at 71:45 – Hour 2

Andi Buerger, founder of Voices Against Trafficking, discussed the launch of Voices of Courage magazine, dedicated to honoring everyday heroes who fight to protect human rights. The publication features stories of advocates and survivors, including actor Travis Conover’s new film project to combat trafficking.

Berger shared her own harrowing story of being trafficked from six months old until age 17 by family members, including a first suicide attempt at age five. Her journey from victim to advocate demonstrates the possibility of healing and the importance of community support for survivors. Berger emphasized that victims often lack resources and hope, and her organization works to provide both.

“For 17 years, from six months old to 17 years, I was trafficked by immediate and extended family members. If I can do it, I was yesterday’s garbage and God rescued me. And if he can do that for me, he can do that for anyone.”

Andi Buerger, Founder of Voices Against Trafficking

The Philosophy of Self-Interest and Altruism

Start listening at 22:07 – Hour 1

Liberty Toastmasters members joined Kim to explore the philosophical distinction between self-interest and altruism. Brad Beck, founder of Liberty Toastmasters, traced the word altruism to its Latin roots meaning “other” and explained how philosopher Auguste Comte developed the concept. Beck illustrated the point with a parable about two brothers and a stolen truck, arguing that forced sharing violates property rights just as surely as theft.

Dave Walden, president of the Liberty Toastmasters North Club, connected the discussion to constitutional principles, noting that the morality of sacrifice is incompatible with individual rights. Marshall Dawson highlighted Denver’s homelessness crisis, where $104,000 is spent per homeless person with poor outcomes, as an example of altruistic policies that harm rather than help.

“Altruism is often confused with kindness and courtesy and generosity, and in particular benevolence. But it is never benevolent to take by force something that is not yours.”

Brad Beck, Founder of Liberty Toastmasters

Legal Accountability for COVID Vaccine Coercion

Start listening at 61:39 – Hour 2

Matt Dark from Roots Medical discussed emerging legal strategies for those harmed by COVID vaccine mandates. Dark explained the Belmont Report, passed by Congress in 1979, which establishes ethical principles for medical experimentation on human subjects. He noted that COVID vaccines remain under Emergency Use Authorization, triggering specific informed consent requirements.

Dark announced a series of legal experts on his show to help connect potential plaintiffs with attorneys. Targets may include hospital systems, state agencies, and municipalities that coerced vaccination under threat of termination. The key issues are coercion, unjust influence, and penalties imposed without legal authority.

“Make no mistake about it, folks, that the current vaccines that you’re getting, the COVID shots, they are still under emergency use authorization. And because of that, there are certain rules that each and every administer of vaccines must abide by.”

Matt Dark, Roots Medical