kfl%mx.lcs.mit.edu@MC.LCS.MIT.EDU (08/10/86)
From: Lynn Gazis <SAPPHO@SRI-NIC.ARPA>
I think that government at its worst probably does more harm than
anarchy at its worst ...
Note that (most) libertarians are not anarchists. Government has
the power to protect people's true rights, by preventing invasion and
restraining criminals.
In fact, it has been pointed out that total anarchy is identical to
total government. If there is no authority to prevent the formation
of a coercive government, one will come into existence. And since
there are no laws in an anarchy, this government would be perfectly
legal, as would any laws that it passes.
I certainly think we have an obligation to feed the hungry, heal
the sick, and so on.
And who decides how great each individual's obligation is? Is it
immoral for us to not spend every saved dollar on aid to Ethiopia or
wherever?
... I don't believe that the only kind of coercion is that which
is done with a gun.
Please explain.
... [Government] should be limited to preventing force and fraud
and providing some services which people couldn't provide as well
for themselves.
What services are those, other than preventing force and fraud?
Avoid giving the government power to control vague things.
Vague things is pretty vague. Please elaborate.
It is dangerous for the government to be doing things secretly.
Much of defense relies on tight security. Or was this not what you
meant?
...Keith
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