Gordon Tullock used to taunt anarchists by asserting that if the USA abolished its government, people would not have to worry about the Russians taking over the country because “the Mexicans would get here first.”
Tag: defense
Defending a Free Nation
Most societies, at least in this century, handle the problem of national defense by having a large, well-armed, permanent military force, run by a centralized government, funded by taxation, and often (though not always) manned by conscription. Is this a solution that a free nation can or should follow?
Just War
Nobody asked but … It takes more than one side to make a just war. But is it possible for two warring sides both to have just causes? Can both sides be on the footing of self-defense? I have been on a War & Peace binge lately. But no matter the legitimacy of Russia’s defense,…
Start Opening Your Damn Eyes
There are only two things that can stop a “government” from becoming totalitarian: 1) a hard and fast, unbreakable “rule” that specifically and clearly limits what political “authority” may be used for; 2) the good graces and self-restraint of politicians. The problem is, neither of those exist in the real world.
What Does It Mean To Be Pro-Choice?
On March 7th, 2017, the U.S. Libertarian Party asked the public to vote, via donation, for the theme of the 2018 Libertarian National Convention. Among them is one that is causing quite a commotion in the party. “Pro Choice on Everything!”
Most “Criminals” are Better Than Those Who Oppose Them
From time to time I browse the local sheriff report in the paper. I go down the list repeating “fake- fake- fake- maybe real- fake…” as I read the “charges” brought against those victims of the local badge-scum molestations.
Building Border Wall Won’t End Well
Whatever else it might accomplish, President Trump’s border wall has already divided America. I oppose the wall, believing it’s a bad idea, but mine isn’t a popular opinion–even among libertarians.
Trump Assumes Command of the American Church
As Donald Trump demonstrated in his first address to Congress, no matter how loathsome a ruler may be, he can bring an assembly of politicians to its feet and disarm some critics simply by invoking the quasi-secular faith — Americanism — and eulogizing the latest uniformed war-state employee to sacrifice his life for it. Trump has indeed shown he can fill the job expected of any president: supreme head of what Andrew Bacevich calls the Church of America the Redeemer.
POTUS
I have come upon a new usage for the term POTUS. Actually, it is an old usage. It refers to the position but not directly to the incumbent. This works in the same way as does the juxtaposing of tyrant and tyranny. Is there a difference between the Emperor of Rome, Caesar, Nero, or Caligula?
Home Education: A “Public Benefit?”
Random comment from the ‘Net: “I think a tax break for home schooled families is a great idea. However, you forget that we live in a community, and no man is an island. Those families do benefit from living in a community where others are educated.” Whoa! This argument cuts both ways: the community arguably benefits more from brilliantly-educated home schoolers than home-schoolers benefit from badly-educated children at government schools; therefore, the home schoolers might deserve a break.