Political Theory

Re: Government doesn't have to use force.

Anenome — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 20:50:54 GMT

The way to avoid the tragedy of the commons is to not have any commons. Private property solely.

Re: Government doesn't have to use force.

Bogart — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 20:13:52 GMT

Force is only legitimate if one individual is defending his person or property, or the person or property of another under the threat of force. Otherwise, the act is criminal for any and all people.

Everyone freeloads and it is possible for a provider of a service to have lots of freeloaders. For example, I recorded a television show and sped through the advertisements. So I am freeloading on the advertisers. My neighbor tore down his house and build a newer one that raised the value of my property, I am now a freeloader. Walmart allows me to cross its property to get to McDonalds.

Lastly, you own nothing to the "public". First the public does not exist and even if you believe it does, you still can not enter into a legitimate contract with the "public" because it has sole power to use coercion and force to set the terms. Furthermore, it can violate the terms of the contract at will. For example, the public can raise the minimum age for Social Security and there is nothing any one of the folks paying into the system can do about it.

Re: Government doesn't have to use force.

Wheylous — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 17:10:35 GMT

It's not fair that the public provisions were made by stolen money.

Re: Government doesn't have to use force.

Phi est aureum — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 15:29:21 GMT

But "freeloading" happens with government. People from both upper and lower classes get wealth from others through government privilege. The reason is that the government uses force to take wealth. All that will be done from there is distribute enough favors to the rich to fund campaign ads that will be aired for poor people that promise "free stuff" to secure reelection by a majority vote. It's you beloved democracy at work, Kylio.

Re: Government doesn't have to use force.

greenbabe — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 15:22:54 GMT

Force is legit if people are freeloading. You can't just use public provisions without paying up for them. It's not fair to those that do.

Re: Government doesn't have to use force.

Phi est aureum — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 15:17:14 GMT

You don't just get to stop paying taxes and choose to not use government programs. They will take your money whether you use their programs or not. And what of those that use the programs but don't pay the taxes? The government must use force to give to some what they take from others.

I swear, you don't even think, do you, Kylio?

Government doesn't have to use force.

greenbabe — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 14:55:02 GMT

For example, if you don't want to pay taxes, then government just doesn't provide you services. You can leave, or just somehow provide for yourself.