Thought for the Day
I used to think that government was a necessary evil. But after years of thoughtful consideration, I’ve concluded that I was only half right. Government is not necessary.
September 24, 2008
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You know, recently I’ve been feeling the exact same way. I used to think that we needed government to provide regulation, large infrastructural projects, and limited welfare, among other things. But now, I realize no. Markets self-regulate. Infrastructure (especially the large stuff [think MN bridge]) should never be handled by gov. And welfare? Private charity provides. Proof? Homeless men and women are rarely hungry.
Nicky Cheese — September 24, 2008 @ 11:55 am
You are ignoring the proper functions of government, like national defense and the enforcement of contracts. When we strip it of all its regulatory infringements, we realize that government is a positive force for good that makes property rights possible.
george — September 24, 2008 @ 12:27 pm
Thanks for your comments, George, but I hope I haven’t ignored anything. Property rights existed before governments, and we wouldn’t need national defense if we didn’t have nations. I recommend reading The Ethics of Liberty, by Murray Rothbard.
givemeliberty — September 24, 2008 @ 12:47 pm