Sure, Trump says: “In America, the people govern, the people rule, and the people are sovereign. I was elected not to take power, but to give power to the American people, where it belongs.” But that cliched claptrap cannot withstand scrutiny. “The people” neither govern nor rule. Only persons act, and only certain persons rule. There is no way everyone can rule — unless all people individually rule their own lives. That’s not what Trump means.
Tag: collectivism
The Myth of ‘Good Government’
The history of the US is not that of good government gone bad, but of bad government remaining bad. Yes, it’s improved a bit in some areas even as it has worsened in others, but when it comes to its central evils—plundering, kidnapping, caging, and killing people—it continues to follow the pattern of cruel oppression which has always defined it.
Collectivism is a Mind Killer
When people appeal to group identity, the problem is not that they’re trying to frame their group as too different and unique from all the rest. The problem is that they’re not going far enough in that direction.
Ripping Asunder and Incinerating Children
Collectivism is not only the greatest enemy of sound economic reasoning. It is even more so the greatest enemy of sound moral reasoning. Sad to say, I am trapped in a world in which such unsound — indeed, often monstrous — argumentation is more the rule than the exception. May God have mercy.
Suit, Robe, or Uniform: Does it Matter What Criminals Wear?
My bias aside, we shouldn’t believe that all business people strictly follow free market principles. Perhaps, even, most of them don’t. Who knows? What I do know is that every single person is capable of behaving in ways contrary to voluntaryism, and a strong majority of us have at some point in our lives.
Liberty is Not About Politics
Politics is a distraction from the message and the philosophy of Liberty. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter what politicians do or don’t do. It doesn’t matter which figurehead gets replaced by which lackey. Politics is the bread and circuses of our time.
Collectivism is the Antithesis of Libertarianism
Judging or denigrating individuals on the basis of collectivist concepts (such as race, birthplace, nationality, citizenship, etc.) is not just ignorant, it’s a dangerous lie which serves as the pretext for war, genocide, and all manner of evils.
A Kind Word on Behalf of the Mexicans
They are in the great majority of cases good and decent people seeking what most people seek—an opportunity to work toward building a better life for themselves and their children. For those of us who know them more intimately than most, it is painful to hear the ignorant and malicious statements that circulate about them, especially perhaps on social media, where people are frequently unrestrained in letting loose the most vitriolic and baseless accusations.
We Are the Economy They Want to Regulate
The question is not whether the market should be regulated, but who should regulate it. And the only two choices are: 1) market participants through the exercise of their free and peaceful choices or 2) politicians and bureaucrats relying on the threat of violence to impose their will.
Collectivist Authoritarians Can’t Be Anarchists
It’s like a “pacifist” explaining why he beat the crap out of someone, but is still a pacifist. Or a “vegan” explaining why he just ate a big steak, but is still a vegan. If you’re gonna advocate state violence, aggression, and centralized, collectivist authoritarian control, then just accept and admit that you’re a statist.