APRIL 30, 2025 — Young Voices is thrilled to announce that we have received a legacy gift from the estate of former Cato Institute Executive Vice President David Boaz to support full-time writer and commentator for Young Voices in honor of David's lifelong dedication to advancing liberty. This fellowship is designed to support a rising classical liberal writer to write weekly commentaries on the past, present, and future of the free society.
Our first David Boaz Fellow will be Sam Raus, a nationally published political analyst and a trained public relations professional with experience spanning both the private and public sectors. A native of the Philadelphia area and a voracious reader, he recently earned his Bachelor of Science in Communications from the University of Miami, majoring in Public Relations and Political Science. He brings a sharp analytical voice, a deep respect for classical liberal values, and a portfolio covering tech policy, economics, foreign relations, applied history, and culture.
We interviewed Sam on his selection and are thrilled to share our interview.
You’ve been selected to be our first David Boaz Resident Writing Fellow, a role specifically designed to bring libertarian ideas to the forefront of mainstream media from Young Voices. You mainly write about technology and innovation. What would you be interested in targeting that no one else has talked about in federal policy?
I'm especially interested in how federal policy can support economic opportunity in overlooked communities, from rural Appalachia to inner city Harlem. Too often the trendy solutions of today, Trump’s tariffs or hipster antitrust, distract from the real barriers to growth. I believe in encouraging foreign direct investment, reducing regulatory and tax burdens, prioritizing consumer welfare and empowering human agency. The key is finding ways to expand opportunity without endlessly expanding government control.
What does the modern liberty movement look like in your eyes?
To me, the modern liberty movement brings together a wide range of allies from traditional libertarians and classical liberals to advocates focused on issues like drug policy, criminal justice reform, LGBT inclusion, and free speech. What unites these groups isn't agreement on every issue, but a shared commitment to individual freedom. Embracing that diversity isn't a weakness, it’s what makes the movement able to leave a real, lasting impact.
How would you describe David Boaz’s legacy in the liberty movement and broader sphere?
David Boaz was the architect of a modernized libertarianism — one that engaged seriously with political power, the policymaking process, and public opinion. His legacy is perhaps best captured in the “Mr. Rogers” tone he embodied: serious but accessible, principled yet civil. He professionalized the liberty movement’s message and proved that defending freedom and reason doesn’t require descending into partisanship or ideological utopianism. In an era of noise, he restored credibility and trust in liberty.
What does Boaz’s intellectual rigor and principled advocacy mean to you?
To me, David modeled what it means to lead with ideas and genuine concern rather than performative outrage. In a culture increasingly driven by personality and partisanship, he grounded himself in enduring values: free markets and free people. His work challenges us to think more deeply, speak more precisely, and stay principled even when it's politically inconvenient. He didn’t just argue for freedom — he lived it, thoughtfully and consistently.
What are you looking forward to in joining the Young Voices’ team?
I’m excited to immerse myself fully in this work, not just during my free time, as a central part of my daily life. We’re at a pivotal moment in history, with the rise of artificial intelligence, the start of a second Trump administration, realignment of partisan coalitions and tense geopolitical challenges shaping the global landscape. At Young Voices, I’m eager to contribute to the public dialogue on these pressing issues and to support the organization’s mission of uplifting young, pro-liberty voices. There’s a lot to be done.
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