Ryan Lau

Editor-in-Chief

Ryan Lau is the editor-in-chief of 71 Republic and a member of its board of directors. He directs the site's coverage and serves as a news reporter covering breaking news, U.S. Politics, and the Libertarian Party. He also contributes to 71 Republic's opinion column and editorials. A Connecticut native, Ryan studied psychology and philosophy at the University of Vermont and then at Trinity College, where he majored in philosophy. He wrote for the Brownstone Institute on public-health policy and appeared on the Connecticut ballot as a Libertarian candidate.

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U.S. Politics

Breaking: Trump Fires Sec. of State Rex Tillerson

Amid several key disagreements in policy, Trump declared Tuesday that CIA Director Mike Pompeo will replace Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State.

Essays

Have Scientists Begun Ending Human Mortality?

One mutated gene doubled a worm's lifespan — the first real step toward outrunning death itself.

U.S. Politics

Sarwark Vs. Smith, To Debate Or Not To Debate?

Following tensions regarding the race for Libertarian Party Chair, challenger Joshua Smith attempts to schedule a debate with incumbent Nicholas Sarwark.

U.S. Politics

Ron Paul Attacks Libertarian Leadership in Response to Controversy

Ron Paul states his opinions about the condition of the Libertarian Party and their leadership, after they declined to offer him a speaking position at the 2018 National Convention.

U.S. Politics

2018: A Breakout Year for Libertarians Like Larry Sharpe?

In 2016, Libertarian Gary Johnson under-performed the expectations set by many Libertarians.

Essays

But Who Will Clear the Roads? The Private Sector, of Course

You have probably heard the argument against libertarianism, "Without government, who will build and maintain the roads?", but after numerous deaths due to poor snow removal, it is time for government to cede this task…

Opinion

Neither "Skinny Repeal" nor "Clean Repeal" Will Fix our Healthcare

By entering the marketplace and determining winners and losers, the government has thrown our current healthcare situation into an absolute turmoil, which only a fully market-based solution will fix.

Essays

By Banning Best Friends, Schools are Crippling the Next Generation

Schools are stepping well beyond a reasonable line of control.

Opinion

Rocket Man and Agent Orange Should Find a New Playground

These two world leaders need to leave their pettiness on the playground, preferably not one with millions of children and adults.

Opinion

The Free Market of Cryptocurrency is Under Attack

We must recognize the fight we are in and look for solutions if we are to protect the rights of the individual.

Essays

It is Too Late to Rely on Electoral Politics for Liberty

The only remaining path to liberty is to starve the state of its resources.

U.S. Politics

Rand Paul's Vote is About to Become Much More Powerful

Rand Paul may have just become the new deciding factor in nearly every Republican decision for the foreseeable future.

U.S. Politics

Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Sexual Misconduct?

A 1992 Op-ed by Cory Booker of New Jersey outlines his admission to sexual misconduct with a woman while he was in high school.

Opinion

Would a Government Shutdown Really be That Bad?

What would the problem with the government going away even be?

Opinion

Why Must Police and DEEP Officials Flex Their Muscles on a Beloved Local Animal?

Kevin the turkey hurt no one and made his town thousands — so the state trapped him and hauled him to a forest.

Opinion

"Innocent Until Proven Guilty" for All, But Not You!

Assumptions are a dangerous tool.

Essays

The Paradise of Libertarian Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving, like many other aspects of America, is facing a series of government created drawbacks.

Opinion

California Shooting Proves the Futility and Tyranny of State's Rights

The state's rights card has had its last pull.

Essays

Why Roe was Wrong: Part 3

With the exception of cases in which the mother’s life is in great danger, abortion is a practice which holds no firm grounds for existence in the legal or moral realms.

Essays

Why Roe was Wrong: Part 2

The second part of the case against the verdict of the Roe v. Wade decision.

Essays

Why Roe was Wrong: Part 1

The first part of a series on why Norma McCorvey, also known as Roe, was incorrect.

Essays

Tread on my Flag, not my Rights!

Prohibiting the ability to stand on flags is a violation of most basic speech rights.

U.S. Politics

Breaking: John McCain Diagnosed with Brain Cancer

The Republican senator has been diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Essays

Turn Your State Yellow!

I will focus on how to quickly and effectively use the libertarian party as a means of achieving liberty.