I bet Madge was an agorist
Many people have imagined what the world would be like without government. I used to worry about it… Would there be tyranny of the rich? Would the mafia take over? Then I realized, we’re already there.
There are a number of gangs that claim to be in charge of various geographic regions. Occasionally, they go to war with each other. These gangs establish protection rackets to fund their operations, and they supplement those funds through deals with business associates to force competition out of the market.
I don’t grant special privileges to some gangs over others just because they call themselves government. However, I notice what people in these gangs do and I work around them whenever possible. Sometimes, I pretend to go along with them until I’m in a safer place. I notice the actions of each individual, regardless of whether they’re wearing a costume or badge.
Since I’ve been seeing the world more clearly, I see also that gangs don’t rule the world. Take a look around you and see all the ways people interact with each other freely… People selling goods at farmer’s markets… People exchanging services with friends and neighbors… People going to rummage sales and getting their nails done. Individuals who interact with each other freely far outnumber individuals in gangs that call themselves government. What’s more, there are a number of people within these gangs who refuse to initiate violence. I’m inspired by these and all of my fellow inhabitants on this planet who interact freely every day.
My vision for a free world: We’re soaking in it.
Relax, it's mild.
I’ve come to this exact same conclusion some time ago but never thought of a good way to describe it without getting someone confused; if government isn’t legitimate to you then why would you make your goal ‘abolishment of government’? Why not make your goal ‘leave me the hell alone’?
It seems like the same thing but the semantics make all the difference in what means you use to achieve your goal.
Didn’t think it was possible to improve on this post, Teresa, but having Madge up there puts it right over the edge
Good to see you here!
In case anyone doesn’t get the reference:
This one is for us old folks.
Loving the wallpaper in the top pic, btw.
@xrazorwirex, Excellent! I’ve been thinking along the lines of your comment a lot lately and plan to write another post on it soon. Abolishment of government is not my ultimate goal, though it will be an excellent by-product of our work. Connections with others are very important to me though, and I tend to go crazy when left alone. My goal is probably better stated as 100% free markets.
@Mike, Thanks~ I should write with pics more often!
@Brad, Thanks for the video– there’s another one linked in my post above that I distinctly remember from being a teenager watching soap operas in the ’80s. It includes a lady who just bought a lamp at a rummage sale~ probably with real money.
@Nick, Who are you calling old? They say you’re as young as you feel and as old as you think, and you feel good to me!
I love this post. I don’t want to be Debbie Downer, however, it’s hard not to “recognize” a gang when they’re getting so much of your money.
@Erica, Glad you liked it, and thanks for your comment — I agree!