We BHLers are getting noticed by a wider array of groups (hopefully by more once we kick off Tomasi-fest). It’s exciting in part because we are increasingly setting the terms of the debate between libertarians and progressives, insofar as progressives are interested in having such a debate. We’re also setting the terms of the debate amongst libertarians. It’s a fun, exciting and intellectually fertile project.

BHL is in many ways a project that is almost a form of outreach. Our intent is to synthesize political ideas that are often seen as mutually exclusive to make the case for libertarianism more attractive to many groups. But so far we have interpreted our attempts at conceptual depth and unity as part of an outreach to progressive/egalitarian liberals and more traditional libertarians.

This may leave the conservative wondering if the BHLer has anything to say to her. And so far our answer has implicitly been, “Not much.”

But it’s not really true. While many conservatives favor moralistic legislation on virtue/perfectionist grounds and BHLers oppose such legislation, we oppose moralistic legislation on virtue/perfectionist grounds from the progressive left as well. Further, while few BHLers accept conservative moral or theological beliefs, there’s nothing in the BHL idea that necessarily contradicts one’s personal views about the morality of, say, abortion or gay marriage, or the truth of Christianity.

Further, BHL friendliness to social justice actually moves us closer to many conservatives, especially Roman Catholic conservatives who have endorsed a robust conception of social justice for decades (and arguably centuries).

I think the reason we don’t reach out to conservatives is partly for historical reasons. Many libertarians feel used and abused by the American right. For decades libertarians have tried to cooperate with conservatives, only to be marginalized and ignored on issues of critical import. And insofar as conservatives take on our policy proposals, they typically botch them and so discredit them in the eyes of the public. Most importantly, almost all libertarians view neoconservative foreign policy as wicked and unconscionable. And for that reason, they have often stridently opposed what is often called the right especially since 2000.

However, anyone who has spent any time with Ron Paul types knows that this narrative is too simple. For after all, there are tons of socially conservative libertarians. And there are plenty of social conservatives who are more libertarian than many progressives.

My point is this: BHL outreach is not inherently limited to the left and traditional libertarians. Our heretofore myopic focus is just a contingent matter of sociology and interest. BHL is not essentially hostile to conservatism.