I am writing this as an apology to all of you in the United States over whom I exercise the State's power.
I am an arm of the Police State. As an officer in the regulatory field of the United States Coast Guard, I have the vast power to fine, prosecute and seize private property. My sole job, that I am bound by law to perform every day, is to ensure that private enterprises on the river where I work are in compliance with the onerous regulations Congress has imposed on them. These regulations are tedious, superfluous, ineffective, injust and a breach of property rights.
I police massive chemical plants, coal-fired power plants, barge fleets, public wharfs and every other private and public property that has any interface with the water. These facilities and vessels waste millions (billions across the USA) of dollars and receive nothing but the government's approval in return. By inflicting this regulatory damage on private businesses in my area, all citizens are impacted in the form of higher prices and lost employment that have to be passed on to cover government-mandated expenses.
In my defense, I am as lenient as I can be in dealing with these facilities. If I were any "easier" on them, I would likely be found negligent in my duties and court-martialed (imprisoned and labeled a felon if convicted). Still, I am an arm of the state and I apologize. I was a statist when I committed 9 years of my life to the government. I now have 2 years left on that commitment and look forward to the day that I don't earn my living from the fruits of the government's theft. Unfortunately, my position will only be filled with someone else when I leave... someone unlikely to share my libertarian views.
jdcoffey: I am writing this as an apology to all of you in the United States over whom I exercise the State's power. I am an arm of the Police State. As an officer in the regulatory field of the United States Coast Guard, I have the vast power to fine, prosecute and seize private property. My sole job, that I am bound by law to perform every day, is to ensure that private enterprises on the river where I work are in compliance with the onerous regulations Congress has imposed on them. These regulations are tedious, superfluous, ineffective, injust and a breach of property rights. I police massive chemical plants, coal-fired power plants, barge fleets, public wharfs and every other private and public property that has any interface with the water. These facilities and vessels waste millions (billions across the USA) of dollars and receive nothing but the government's approval in return. By inflicting this regulatory damage on private businesses in my area, all citizens are impacted in the form of higher prices and lost employment that have to be passed on to cover government-mandated expenses. In my defense, I am as lenient as I can be in dealing with these facilities. If I were any "easier" on them, I would likely be found negligent in my duties and court-martialed (imprisoned and labeled a felon if convicted). Still, I am an arm of the state and I apologize. I was a statist when I committed 9 years of my life to the government. I now have 2 years left on that commitment and look forward to the day that I don't earn my living from the fruits of the government's theft. Unfortunately, my position will only be filled with someone else when I leave... someone unlikely to share my libertarian views.
Well, you don't willingly perform these statist acts so it's ok. What I mean is, if the support of property rights suddenly became the acts you were to perform, I don't think you would dispute such acts. But for now, you don't have a choice and to fight the duty outlined by the State would be futile I think. I think in accord with long term strategy, which means, the more of us around promoting freedom in the market place, the better.
Good on you for recognizing the ills of the state. Any plans for when you've finished?
Base model cars of the world unite! You have nothing to lose but quarter-mile races.
FreedomIsYellow: Good on you for recognizing the ills of the state. Any plans for when you've finished?
I already have a private dog kennel where I breed Newfoundlands (for fun and supplemental income) but I plan to get my pharmacy doctorate and make that my main profession.
We need more libertarian pill pushers.
Good job on recognizing the truth. Its not easy living an honest life.
liberty student: We need more libertarian pill pushers.
That's my only worry about that profession. I'll feel like an arm of the state by requiring a prescription for a drug. Now if I know the person well... and feel the risk of being caught is negligible... perhaps I would brush the requirement aside...
jdcoffey: I'll feel like an arm of the state by requiring a prescription for a drug.
Just redirect people to non-regulated solutions. HA!
If it makes you feel better, I'm a soldier serving in Baghdad as we speak. This is my second deployment. I deconverted a few months ago, while I was here. So right as I realize the State is a huge farce, I find myself a part of it in the worst possible way. Be glad that you have the problems you do, and don't have to put the lives of innocent Iraqis in your hands. So yeah, it's no good knowing that the living you are earning is only possible through taxation. I feel your pain.
There is not much shame in tryong to earn a buck and make a living. It is the system at fault, not people just trying to make it in the world. If I had dreams of becoming a doctor or a teacher and they were socialised hell yes I would at least start my career off there. I find no shame in that, as long as you keep a level head about yourself you're fine. If my concern was to provide for myself or my family, I would have no problem taking money where I could get it. Remember to quote Monty Python "It is the violence that is inherent in the system" . Besides having good guys in the system can be a great thing, just look at Ron Paul. You both have my sympathies though, best of luck.
If you're a soldier serving in Baghdad, here's a good strategy for getting out. Go around to the other soldiers explaining that government is a massive criminal conspiracy. Explain to them that taxation is really the same thing as stealing. Explain to them how war is just a way for insiders to loot and pillage the American people. For example, Blackwater executives are making a fortune off the war, while front-line soldiers are risking their lives for practically nothing.
Your superiors will probably be more eager to discharge you, rather than having you go around spreading the truth. This strategy is risky. If you're clever about it, it should work.
Also, if a military psychiatrist ever prescribes you anti-psychotic or anti-depressant drugs, refuse to take them.
I have my own blog at FSK's Guide to Reality. Let me know if you like it.
compromised: If it makes you feel better, I'm a soldier serving in Baghdad as we speak. This is my second deployment. I deconverted a few months ago, while I was here. So right as I realize the State is a huge farce, I find myself a part of it in the worst possible way. Be glad that you have the problems you do, and don't have to put the lives of innocent Iraqis in your hands. So yeah, it's no good knowing that the living you are earning is only possible through taxation. I feel your pain.
What's your role? Infantry? Support? Armor?
Stay safe over there. We need you to come home and spread the message of liberty!