Re: A simple reason why governments eventually break down

Andris Birkmanis — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 08:14:16 GMT

By definition, I associate "state" with "monopoly of force", not necessarily with "incompetence" (though incompetence usually follows). To clarify your position, if there were a state based on hierarchy of "guild masters" (experts), would it still break down? Hint: how to ensure the experts remain competent over time? Over long term? Generations?

A simple reason why governments eventually break down

jmorris84 — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 05:51:14 GMT

I was trying to think of ways to make it easier for someone who isn't very responsive to stateless ideology to understand why the state eventually breaks down and simply can not function over the long run. Here is something that came to mind and I hope for some of you to chime in on what you think and also to give additional thought.

So we have these politicians who come up with different types of legislation and laws that dictate how the economy should function. Many times, the rules are designed with given specialties in mind; medicine, the auto industry, the internet, and so on. Oddly enough, the politicians who come up with the rules that many of these industries have to abide by, have never worked in the field. So coming up with any rules for any one of these industries, while good intentions may be in mind, is like rolling a hundred dice at once and attempting to guess the outcome.

Now, whenever I ponder things like this, I also always try to think of retorts that would come my way, in order to possibly defend my position. The first thing that came to me was that someone might respond, "Politicians have people at their disposal who actually are experts in the given field, in which they can fall on when creating their plans." The first thing I think I would come back with is, "Well, that would only lead to the politician designing a plan for specific people or companies within that field (special interests)."

To conclude, the best way to handle this is voluntary action. Each individual would make their vote based on their own actions and how they spend their money.

Thoughts?

Political Theory

Re: A simple reason why governments eventually break down

A simple reason why governments eventually break down