RE: Property [was Re: The Education Function]

Webb_S (Webb_S@bls.gov)
Tue, 15 Dec 1998 15:45:19 -0500

mark@unicorn.com wrote:

>Webb_S [Webb_S@bls.gov] wrote:
>>The result: a dangerous hybrid capitalism based on mutual deception and
bad
>>decisions, where monies went to borrowers not operating by strict rules of
>>efficiency or profit and loss.
>
>Gee, so you mean it wasn't "global capitalism" that caused the problems
after
>all, it was that they weren't capitalist enough? So why are you and others
>still blaming "capitalism" for their problems?

Again, I'm not blaming capitalist theory for anything. My point is that some cultures do not share the sort of libertarian worldview required for effective implementation of this theory.

>>Personally, I paid my taxes by telefile last year. No individuals at
>>gunpoint were involved.
>
>Cool, I'm just going to stop paying taxes then. No worries that those armed
>thugs will show up on my doorstep. No, not at all.

That's not quite how it works, but go ahead and do what you feel is right.

>>These are straw man statements not at all in accord with my position.
>
>Nonsense. You're claiming that businesses commit worse atrocities than
>government; name one business which has led an armed assault on a church,
>tried to starve the kids in order to make the parents surrender, and then
>burnt it down. I think you'll have a hard time coming up with an example.

I never claimed anything even remotely like this. I said that *personally* I feel more threatened by American business practices than by Uncle Sam. Of course, in this day and age the two are so intertwined it's often hard to tell them apart.

>>It's not that simple. Many people are thoroughly traumatized when they
are
>>forced leave a company.
>
>Oh, how awful. I "care" so much for those who refuse to take control of
>their lives and prefer to let others do it for them.
>
>>While many in this forum may be of the
>>former mindset, it seems cruel to so cavalierly dismiss those of the
>>latter.
>
>If they choose a life of subservience, they can't complain about being
>treated like slaves, can they?

Ah, I take it you've read Murray Rothbard?. In my view, there is nothing wrong with preferring the comfort of home and hearth to the constant state of disequilibrium and unrest associated with transhumanism. We should respect these peoples preferences if we want them to respect ours.

Steven