From: Jim Choate <ravage@einstein.ssz.com>
Date: Tue, 10 Nov 1998 13:52:16 +0800
To: cypherpunks@einstein.ssz.com (Cypherpunks Distributed Remailer)
Subject: RE: How to solve the tax problem w/o anarchy or force (fwd)
Message-ID: <199811100532.XAA16043@einstein.ssz.com>
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text



Forwarded message:

> From: Matthew James Gering <mgering@ecosystems.net>
> Subject: RE: How to solve the tax problem w/o anarchy or force (fwd)
> Date: Mon, 9 Nov 1998 21:10:33 -0800 

> > > nihilistic so much as they have come to the conclusion that 
> > > to ignore and/or subvert government has higher probability 
> > > of success than trying to reform it -- much to the demise 
> > > of the Libertarian Party.
> > 
> > There is certainly little historical evidence to support such 
> > a thesis.
> 
> My thesis that this is a common sentiment?

You can't both ignore and subvert. One is passive the other is active. Now
if your thesis holds that this is a commen sentiment then you're in big
trouble finding mass support (which is what your theory would require to be
valid). I would say the vast majority of people don't share your views.

> history, try looking around. No, I'm talking 1950's to present, and
> particularly 1990's and the internet-libertarian culture. I think this
> sentiment is historically unprecedented.

The technology is certainly unprecedented, I doubt there has been a single
new human emotion or perspective developed because of it; only new venues
for the same old human failings and foibles. Or by sentiment do you mean your
view of nihilism? If so I would suggest you study nihilism closer.

> The thesis that to ignore the nation-state will see it's demise?

Historicaly strategies reducable to a ostrich_with_its_head_in_the_sand have
not worked well in changing peoples minds nor motivating them to action, let
alone causing the demise of a nation state. This isn't surprising if you
consider the types of personalities that lead people.

> Well we
> really need a financial system that they don't control, which has been
> promised with financial cryptography but has yet to arrive. I don't think
> it's time to throw in the towel yet.

I'll disagree regarding free-market economies. As to throwing in the towel,
we agree there.


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