The State Versus An Anarchist Society

Comments

Samarami's picture

When you use a term like "Anarchist Society" you're taking liberties with an abstract. I mean, is "society" you? Or is it me? How about dangerously armed gangsters in state costumes who are currently patrolling up and down the street in vicious looking sedans with lights, whistles, bells, visible weaponry, canine "assistants" -- are they "society"?

"Protect" and "serve". Whom? "Society"?

I often refer to John Hasnas' "The Obviousness of Anarchy" (pdf) as a starting point, because you and I since we were babies have been so inundated with a "statist society" (and a statist mindset) that we have real difficulty accurately envisioning an "anarchist society" (even those of us who've been on STR for years). Yet if you look around, you'll see evidence of anarchy everywhere.

So why not start with ourselves: I am free. I'm a sovereign state. And as far as I know I'm "functioning successfully". I know a few who would argue that point, and perhaps I should listen more closely to them. And I can point to not a few right here on STR who constantly argue vehemently with my "freedom" and my "sovereign state" declaration.

I like to quote our friend Mark Davis' line in his "Be Free":

    "I suggest that if an individual really wants to be free then they should begin to act free themselves; that is, choose to be free".

I have respect for both Mark Stoval and the late Murray Rothbard. But I'm the only society I'm aware of. Well, me and thee -- that is I think society must include thee. Even our friends will at times be our detractors when arguing about "freedom" when we really don't know what we're fighting over.

Sovereignty: If it's going to be it's up to me.

Be free.

Sam

Glock27's picture

John Hasness has been an author I have been too a lot. I purchased the book an there is a lot of good though thee. You will have to get a holde of it some way. The book I am refering to here is "Anarchism/Miniarchism-Is a government a part of a free country" Edited by Roderek T. Long and Tibor R Machan/Asgate Press 2008. Hasnass is in here along with a pile more.
Society is a symbol made of a collection of smaller symbols to which human has attached an idea to. There are so many societies I believe the term, when used here, be well defined so everyone knows exactly what is being said. Sometimes when I read articles and posts here I have no idea what the hell someone is really saying and sometimes I will make a post that makes no sense because what i finished reading just didn't make sense--does that make sense.

Suverans2's picture

"There are a lot of people waiting around for someone else to do what they think they themselves should be doing." ~ Russell Means

Glock27's picture

Suverans2--that's exactly why I do what I do. I opted out of the pill and went into the Wolverine's den instead.

Suverans2's picture

"The red pill and its opposite, the blue pill, are pop culture symbols representing the choice between the blissful ignorance of illusion (blue) and embracing the sometimes painful truth of reality (red)." ~ Wikipedia

I gave you a "Like", my friend, because I like honesty, and because I do not condemn you, or anyone else, for making that choice.

Glock27's picture

I deeply appreciated your giving me quarters in this pill issue Suverans2, As I considered the pill delimma I wondered if there could actually be another alternative. I choose the wolverine because he is such an asshole and ferocious about his territority and property, so I hold up their with barrels pointed out munch on chips and deal with this lousy dish system he has. My interest in this is "are there other alternatives to the problem?" Thanks, I must obtain those films to watch. How many times have you watched them?

Serenity's picture

Brilliantly said Sam. Well done. i truly enjoy your comments when you share them.

Serenity's picture

Brilliantly said Sam. Well done. i truly enjoy your comments when you share them.