"We Are All Slaves" Published on Strike The Root!

nospam@example.com (Stephen Nichols) — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 10:39:00 -0600

Check out my recent essay that just got published!

http://www.strike-the-root.com/we-are-all-slaves

On Voluntaryism

nospam@example.com (Stephen Nichols) — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 11:27:33 -0600

Whenever the chance arises, I speak with folks about my philosophical and political views. I've noticed a common thread among listeners to my explanations. Oftentimes they will pepper my descriptions with statements like: "Oh, you're libertarian." or "Are you an anarchist?" This causes me no end of amusement because folks are so eager to put me in a conceptual box. In any case, I regularly have to explain what "ism" I belong to.

I am not a libertarian, although I do agree with some libertarian principles. I am not an anarchist, although I also believe in many of their principles. I truly detest the word "anarchist" because of the negative connotations associated with it. While I am closely aligned with the core beliefs of "market anarchists" I refuse to be labeled as one.

To all you anarchists out there, you're not doing yourself any favors by using that label! You'll sooner take back the phrase "porch monkey" than anarchist.

The "ism" that best describes my views is voluntaryism. Simply put, voluntaryism is a philosophical belief that all human interactions ought to be voluntary. It's that simple.

If it helps you see more clearly, let's call it the ultimate realization of the "golden rule." I don't want to be treated any differently than how I treat others. I don't spend my time forcing my will on others. So, I don't want anyone else doing that to me. Voluntaryism!

On the surface I think most people would agree with that idea. I mean, who wants to be subjected to interactions that are non-voluntary? I find it fascinating that most of the "10 Commandments" are obviously rooted in voluntaryist principles. Yet, even though Christians preach those commandments, many don't dig to discover their underlying principle.

The out-of-control government we have today is clearly not based on voluntaryist principles. It's based on the opposite: coercion, theft and violence. This is my only problem with it. If government were voluntary then I'd see it no differently than any other organization trying to recruit me. I'd weigh its benefits against the costs of membership and choose accordingly.

The subtlety here is interesting. Our government is clearly not voluntary, yet it pretends to be so in order to gain legitimacy. It's only those who break the law that feel the sting of government intervention, right? If you follow the rules of a voluntary society then the government will leave you alone, right? WRONG!

Just take a look at the daily news to see examples of government forcing its views on the people. TSA violations, drug raids, tax increases, land annexation, imprisonment and punishment abound! The ruling elite in government believe they're smarter than you. And, what they choose is right! Want to opt out? No way, man!

Inevitably the discussion turns toward the "social contract." You know, that flimsy justification that statists use to claim everyone is voluntarily part of the system. I might agree with that, if it weren't so patently absurd. So, some pro-state philosophers come up with the concept of the social contract and, voilà, the justification for non-voluntary association is made! I'm always amazed when people buy into that garbage.

Imagine if a criminal organization used that flimsy argument when they came to your door to steal half your wages. Can you imagine your reaction:

*knock knock*

"Hello?"

"We're from the local criminal cartel. We're here to collect our monthly payment."

"Hmm. I don't remember signing up for this. I don't think I'll pay!"

"Hold on a minute, of course you signed up for this... you were born into this agreement! Now, pay up!"

"So, you're saying that I was born into this agreement and that I owe you money? Are you crazy? Get out of here!"

*door slams*

Yeah, it's like that. And you know it. The only reason that we let the government get away with this is because they'll imprison us if we don't. The "social contract" is a crock of shit. A flimsy excuse to justify coercion, theft and violence. Disgusting. If only more people had the intellectual fortitude to see that contradiction.

You know, I love to ask this question of folks: "If taxes were optional, would you pay?" Invariably, the person I'm asking says "No!" But, for some reason, they keep on paying. Oh, that's right, if you don't then you go to jail. That contradiction is hard to live with. So, we experience some cognitive dissonance and buy into the absurdity of perpetual contracts that are accepted at birth. That sure makes us feel better with the contradiction, but it's just not Kosher.

I'm a "voluntaryist".. and proud of it. I won't steal from you. I won't murder you. I won't do anything to you against your will. I won't vote for someone else to do those things either.

Take some time and look deeply at your belief in voluntary association. I believe that most people are practical voluntaryists at heart. It's only the absurd contradiction between civil life and government that creates the need to justify non-voluntary association. Take some time and heal that contradiction in your own thinking! It truly is absurd.

Imagine a world where voluntary association was the way of things. Wouldn't that be great? A far cry better than what we have now. The only thing that stops this world from coming to fruition is our thinking. Our collective belief that we need to be governed is the core issue here. Solve that and the you solve the problem of coercive government.

Your belief in it perpetuates its existence.

Click here to read more about voluntaryism...

One Man's Wisdom - Government

"We Are All Slaves" Published on Strike The Root!

On Voluntaryism