The Liberty Score is a rating system assessing how closely an individual’s views align with core Libertarian principles. Scores are based on a 0-100 scale, with 100 representing a fully Libertarian position and 0 representing complete opposition to Libertarian values. The grading criteria include:
Each category will be scored, then averaged to form the individual’s overall Liberty Score, providing a clear snapshot of their alignment with Libertarian ideals. Grades are provided by AI
Liberty Score Assessment:
Personal Freedom (15/25):
Paul Atkins has supported a regulatory framework that allows for financial innovation, particularly in emerging sectors like cryptocurrency. This advocacy aligns with individual autonomy in financial decisions, reflecting moderate support for Libertarian principles of personal freedom.
Economic Freedom (20/25):
Atkins’ preference for lighter regulatory oversight demonstrates a commitment to free-market principles. His approach includes rolling back stringent enforcement policies, which fosters economic freedom by reducing government interference in financial markets.
Limited Government (20/25):
Atkins emphasizes minimizing government intervention in financial markets, advocating for policies that streamline regulations and promote market efficiency. His philosophy strongly aligns with Libertarian ideals of limited government.
Non-Intervention (10/25):
Atkins’ professional focus has been on domestic financial regulation, with no significant public positions on foreign policy or military intervention. This makes his alignment with non-interventionist principles unclear.
Bio: Paul S. Atkins, born in Lillington, North Carolina, is an American lawyer and former SEC commissioner. He earned an A.B. from Wofford College in 1980 and a J.D. from Vanderbilt University School of Law in 1983, where he served as Senior Student Writing Editor of the Vanderbilt Law Review. Atkins began his legal career at Davis Polk & Wardwell in New York City, focusing on corporate transactions, including securities offerings and mergers and acquisitions. He also spent over two years in the firm’s Paris office. From 1990 to 1994, Atkins served on the staff of SEC Chairmen Richard C. Breeden and Arthur Levitt, contributing to initiatives on corporate governance and shareholder communications. In 2002, President George W. Bush appointed him as an SEC Commissioner, a role he held until 2008. During his tenure, Atkins was known for advocating reduced regulatory burdens and promoting financial innovation. After leaving the SEC, he founded Patomak Global Partners, a financial services consulting firm. Atkins has also been involved in the cryptocurrency sector, co-chairing the Token Alliance at the Chamber of Digital Commerce, which seeks to establish balanced digital asset regulations.
Career Highlights:
About the SEC Chairman Role: The Chairman of the SEC oversees the enforcement of federal securities laws, regulation of the securities industry, and protection of investors. The role involves guiding the SEC’s policy direction and ensuring fair and efficient markets. Atkins’ nomination is expected to bring a more innovation-friendly approach to the SEC, particularly concerning digital assets and cryptocurrencies. His leadership may lead to a shift from stringent enforcement to policies that foster financial innovation while maintaining investor protection.