CARAVAN INTO CONFLICT to, ~~

The political climate of the United States .has (which is also a non-resignation), one of this nine been as hot as a waterless crossing of the Sahara. has dubbed my position "absurd" and "inane" (The What has distressed me this bicentennial year, and Libertarian Forum newsletter IX, No.4, 1976). even much of the preceding year, is the knowledge Since 1 have no means of responding to this that a great many fine people, harassed and frus­ charge except by this Journal, I am going to trated by repeated governmental forays against employ it to that purpose, trusting that those them, have organized what is called a "Libertarian sincere lovers of,liberty who receive this publica­ Political Party" and are trying to get "libertarians" tion on a quarterly basis will understand and elected to office. I can sympathize with those who tolerate both those who take aim at me and those in frustration strike out in this manner. But I must who cannot see my point of view. And I trust they grieve at their folly. I had expected wiser things of will continue to tolerate me. I think a dialogue is libertarians. important. One of the great merits of the "liber­ The position I take has recently been called tarian movement," if it can be so designated, is "absurd" and "inane" by one faction of the Liber­ that there is no catechism or body of tenets to tarian Party. This faction consists of nine liber­ which allegiance must be sworn. The merit of the tarians, who with bicentennial fervor have set search for liberty is that an open debate still con­ themselves up as a supreme court over the liber­ tinues. No one has all the answers. Each of us tarian movement in this country. In this self­ fiercely supports his own view, but there is still appointed and exalted position, they weigh the room for dissent. Of course, those within a political merits and demerits of all other libertarians in party cannot permit the reminder that they may terms of the "libertarian government" they would have erred. Politics is above admitted error. It like to impose. Recently, the nine justices-without­ must not stoop to principle. The party comes first, portfolio resigned from the Libertarian Party and virtue, if it can even be located, must be, and because of certain statements and actions taken by i invariably is, shunted to a siding. Free men, acting heads of that party. Or possibly because of state­ practically and usefully in terms of market-place ments and actions NOT taken. In any case, the interactions, require no such dogma. resignation occurred, accompanied by the most It may well be that my view is absurd or inane. earnest plea that they' were not resigning from the But let us not be pretentious about it. To be party per se, but only from that portion of the absurd or inane is to be silly. And I guess I was party dominated by those who said things they silly in expecting libertarians to cherish liberty didn't like. In the publication devoted to letting deeply enough to avoid political involvement. everyone know the reasons for their resignation And because I think that liberty is important, 2 CARAVAN INTO CONFLICT to do jobs I would prefer to see undone. I remem­ (continued) ber one of my early teachers, Frank Chodorov, a even though some feel that my view of it is silly, I man from whom I learned much, who, when con­ wish to quote from one of my critics, Murray Roth­ fronted with" this, same ambivalence on the part of bard. I select Rothbard as the principal spokesman those who persist in taking political action, ob­ for the nine ex-officio justices because I know that served: "Your trouble is that you want to clean up Rothbard has had a good education and on occasion the whore house, but keep the business intact." says things that are important. He has written This seems to be the stance of the Rothbard some of the finest libertarian economic works that group as well as of those who until recently were I ever expect to see. Unfortunately, the Rothbard­ blood brothers within the fold. They all apparently ian approach does not abhor politics except when believe that the nation's political brothel should be those associated with him do things he doesn't like. streamlined, made more efficient, and thus ulti­ mately offer a better break to customers. I My own view, which may be silly, is that we ought not participate in processes which are im­ moral in themselves. (I am not putting a label of "immoral" on commercially exchanged sex per see If I had to choose between a nation having no government and one having no brothels, I would of course choose the former.) What chance has a moral position today when so many remind me: "After all, LeFevre, the government is here. You have to face facts. Since the government is prob­ ably here to stay, we ought to get in and make it the best government possible." I am so silly that although I realize that we have bankrobbers, murderers, and thieves among us, I hold to the view that my own personal integ­ rity is of sufficient value that I do not wish to participate. Don't I realize that by not partici­ pating I am changing nothing? Do I imagine that by not voting, or by not participating in govern­ ment processes, government will cease to exist? Of course I don't imagine that. But I also don't imag­ But primarily I -select Rothbard, not because of ine for a moment that by thumping the drum for Rothbard but because of the slavishness of his libertarian candidates I will influence the coming followers who are so dominated by his thinking, or election. his occasional lapses from thought, as to virtually While I may be silly in supposing that a moral elevate him to a position of chief justice over us all. view can be readily grasped, accepted, or prac­ This devotion is so absorbing and total that one of ticed, at least I have the satisfaction of knowing the faithful has taken an old cliche and dressed it that I am not a participant in what is, by defini­ up, giving Rothbard credit for it. I quote: "I be­ tion, a wrongful use of power by some over others. lieve in the great Rothbardian principle: that of Meanwhile, those who believe that by whooping it demonstrated preference. This principle holds that up for MacBride - Roger MacBride" is the Liber­ individuals reveal their actual values, their actual tarian Party candidate for president- (or for preferences, in action."The cliche, which can be others), they are being anything but silly, ought to stated so much easier, is: "Actions speak louder take a more realistic view. MacBride is spending a than words." lot of money which might otherwise be invested" in I do not seek to dispute the statement. I agree producing some useful goods or services. Instead, with it. I merely demur at giving Rothbard credit the money is helping to create the impression that for an old saw in general use a couple of centuries libertarians are as eager to wield power as are before Rothbard was born. When a person is Democrats or Republicans. It seems that Rothbard elevated to the supreme' court, it becomes appar­ and I may both be silly, each in his own way. ent that all wisdom descends from him. Rothbard It appears that MacBride has refused to "tell might do well to issue a disclaimer when his all." He favors secrecy and privacy. I heartily followers assume a posture which at times borders agree with the right of a man to refuse to say any­ on genuflection. thing he wishes to withhold. To say that everyone Now, I abhor politics because it is morally must "spill" everything he knows is certainly to wrong. Unlike some members of the Libertarian champion certain socialist objectives. But there is Party, I see small merit in helping to elect people a vast difference between refusing to reveal what 3

WOULD I '-IE ABOUT BEING A LIAR? you wish to keep secret and lying. If MacBride has using the state to repeal such a law. In short, that the integrity to which he lays claim, it seems to me repeal of the draft, or price controls, or the income that he would wish to shake off the Rothbardian tax, is just as wrong as passing such measures, clique, which, while breaking with one segment of because those who want such measures are being the party, persist in backing him. The Rothbard- 'coerced.' A consistent position no doubt, but also ian clique propose that lying is sound libertarian an absurd one, and surely one that few libertarians principle! I quote: "Lying violates no libertarian will wish to adopt. As for myself, I have no com- principle. Certainly we can lie to a thief who punction whatever about coercing criminals, either demands to know where our money is. Surely, as a in using violence to repel their assaults, or in representative of the Libertarian Party, we could repealing criminal measures that some statists lie to a reporter who asked what we thought of the may wish to see enforced." assassination of a president or king; if we thought I thank.Murray for his acknowledgment that he was a dictator and immoral, and felt it was mine is the strong case and the consistent one. justified to kill him, we'd certainly be justified in And Murray is also quite right in stating that it is lying, especially when such thoughts are illegal." not likely to be a popular position. But by stating This introduces what I must admit is a frank what he does, Murray, without intending to, and utterly unprecedented plank in any political perhaps, has not truly stated my position. What I platform. While all politicians lie - the practice am objecting to is majority rule. goes with the territory - here we have a state- Why do I oppose majority rule? Because it is, ment which virtually upholds lying as a virtue at best, no more than a gentle way of saying that under certain circumstances. Such candor is might makes right. It is clear that if we are to breathtaking. Were the Libertarian Party to be have a coercive society rather than a free society, taken as anything but silly, reporters would im- it may be better to coerce the minority than the mediately brand the party as one that favors majority. In a majority-seeking process, someone assassination and lying. Since the Rothbard wing must be coerced. There is no way out. But how can of libertarian politicians hold it to be virtuous to a libertarian, supposedly a person believing in lie, I would have thought that their political know- liberty, favor a coercive society? This is precisely how would at least have been sufficient for them to what he does favor by his actions, when he votes. lie about being liars. It would certainly have been And we must always remember the great principle more politic. of "demonstrated preference." But let me return to my own silliness. In this But if we examine the matter of majority rule instance I quote Rothbard himself. "Let us take from the practical level, we obtain even less com- the strong case first, best exemplified by the pure fort. If a few people calling themselves libertarian anarcho-pacifism of Bob LeFevre. LeFevre takes are able to put together a majority of such size as the certainly consistent position that, since defen- to win an election, what is to prevent another sive violence is just as immoral as aggressive group coming along a bit later with a still larger violence, therefore the use of the state to pass an majority winning it all back? unjust law (e.g., the draft) is no more unjust than (please turn to page 9) 4 ing constructive and destructive deci­ sions and acts, rising to great accom­ plishments, falling in catastrophes. It's our nature to face alternatives, but is that imperfection? When I'm the recip­ ient of damnable acts, do I excuse the doer because he is 'imperfect' or do I endeavor to get a different type of be­ havior? ...I sincerely can't under­ stand, when you advocate no control over others, and have not looked for excuses JVhen you have incurred set­ backs, why you have used that state­ ment. Have I overlooked a vital flaw in my kind that I should know?" The hu­ man mind is finite and cannot envision perfection. I can find only one category of action that is subject to absolute BOB STONER: "As government property looted and ravaged and slain classification. The violation of a prop­ coercion increases by leaps and bounds, would ever think of doing such things erty boundary of an owner is always your Journal is refreshing and wel­ themselves, so why did they bring it up wrong. If one insists that the world is come." at all, then? Or as power-hungry ego­ perfect, together 'With aU things in it, HOWARD BARROWS: "I find my­ tists (not egoists), do they manipulate, then even a boundary violation must be self agreeing with you except when control, handle, boss, and induce oth­ perfect. Or else boundary violations dealing with one who takes from an­ ers to do this anti-libertarian dirty don't occur. If boundary violations other (either property or life). Espe­ work for them - ostensibly for a noble don't occur, there aren't any "damnable cially the incorrigibles. I fail to see the reason-motive like revenge? Which is a acts." And ifthe world is perfect, then difference between receiving payment very low motive, indeed. It's time to there is no point toward which any ofus for damages or paying for services ren­ put them on the defensive for a change. can strive. We are already in paradise. dered. Of course when those nefarious Take the initiative." Thank you. Thi$ N. M. CAMARDESE: "Is it possi­ incorrigibles in government are finally issue takes the initiative. P.eacefuUy. ble for you to put this article 'A Free ~aught up with, they, too, will· have And no boundaries are violated. Society Is Built One by One' (and oth­ dues to pay. Even if it's through a free DEBBY ROSBOROUGH: "Em­ ers) in pamphlet form? You might mul­ enterprise system of justice. I expect broiled as I am with the annual hands tiply yourself by the thousands as my children to obey me and when they in my pocket by the IRS, your current those of us who receive your education­ don't, they receive punishment. Should issue was a most welcome respite. It's al material may wish to mail them to anything less be done to adult violators like a breath of fresh air to know sane hundreds of different sources." Sure, if of normal behavior involving a tres­ people really exist." someone else wiU pay for it. I'm too pass?" There is no way I can rightfuUy WILLIAM SUNDVALL: "I was busy covering the losses on the Journal do as J please 'With another person un­ surprised to read that you have never to undertake another publication. less I own him. I hesitate to recom­ found perfection in this life with any JUSTIN BRADBURN, Jr.: "Had a mend slavery (ownership ofone person product or service, etc., and that we burglar and the rascal must have got­ by another). are an imperfect species, dwelling in an ten off with .my LeFevre's Journal, PEGGY LOOD: "I wish we could ig­ imperfect world. Are you really serious spring '75. Surely would like a spare nore the state of our nation and just about these statements or are you just one. This burglar even cleaned out the take care of our own responsibilities, having some fun?" I am quite serious. deep-freeze. I never did retaliate ­ but as onetax lawyer said, 'But you can Wauld you be good enough to name a couldn't find the scoundrel. If you and I afford to pay for welfare, we don't care perfect human being (please, I said were the only two left, I believe you'd how hard you worked to earn more human) or a perfect good or service? be glad to have me around - am not all than others.' Even our renters seem to FLOY JOHNSON: "When I read in that bad." It may have been the same think because we have it we should your Journal, 'We are an imperfect rascal who did the same thing to me. I give it away. Well, I believe in paying species, dwelling in an imperfect was able to find him, but he was too big for what I want, and I have gained world,' I could not believe my eyes! It's for me to oppose physicaUy~ His name much strength from your Journal. been my conviction that one of the is government. Please accept the extra Hopefully before the year is over I can sources of many of our dilemmas is that copy 'With my compliments. afford more." belief. To hold a concept of imperfect, MICHAEL GREEN: "I don't seem ARTHUR PROSSER, Jr.: "True is it not necessary to have one of per­ to be able to convey your philosophy to libertarians never make value judg­ fect? If this world is imperfect to you, others properly, but I guess they ments of one another ... only of ty­ what is the perfect one? The ants? would need to attend one of your semi­ rants, both 'liberal' and 'conservative,' Whales? Haven't you found some using nars to get the idea. Also, they have who force their value systems, or exis­ this concept against others to control, many years of conditioning which have tential non-value systems, down the to give feelings of guilt, or even to ex­ taught them to believe otherwise. throats of others .... I doubt that any cuse themselves on the demands of liv­ Please start sending your Journal to of your critics who repeatedly place ing? 'After all,' some mutter when they my sister, also. She is a political sci­ you in the extreme position of having fail, 'nobody's perfect.' From my view, ence major. That's pretty funny ­ your defenseless family members and we are simply a species capable of mak- politics as a science." 5 BRUCE GERSCHLER: "Always MARY WIEBE: "I enjoy your Jour­ enjoy and learn from your Jourrwl. But nal immensely. It's an excellent discus­ my heart is in teaching about the dan­ sion opener! I just returned from a tour gers, techniques, philosophy, and na­ of Moscow/Leningrad. The difference ture of communism. Mayall phases of between 'us' and 'them' was dramatic, our common libertarian dream that is particularly in the area of customer based on truth and right be fulfilled service; there wasn't any in Russia! It after we first overcome communism was great to get back to the land of and all conspiracy." Communism, arch­ 'May I help you?' " foe ofpersonal freedom, amounts to no PHILIP O'CONNELL: "Your 'Free The Kremlin more than the imposition oftotal politi­ Society: Practical Considerations' cal control upon every person together zation, everything seems so downhill should leave those who worship gov­ 'With political control of aU means of that I can't but let a dark, glum feeling ernment gasping. It's devastating. production and distribution. If that is take over. Meanwhile, I try to live However, your 'Theological Considera­ what you oppose, so do 1. what I think should be the goal of any tions' give us Christians very little JACK JOPPA: "The Libertarian real libertarian: MYOB. I don't think ground except for your reference to the Party here has been stepping up itsac­ there is anything more important that God of ultimate truth, scientific find­ tivities so naturally I've been curious to any of us can do. P.S. Do you think the ings, and the laws of nature. Neverthe­ follow their follies. They don't like you, attitude is curable?" Admittedly, we less, we lay claim to a lot more than Bob. 'LeFevre? Oh, he's a nu~Doesn't live in a society ofmixed blessings. But that, and by we I mean the Christian believe in defending himself,· comes one can rejoice that the glass is halffuU Church (its leaders and members). The the reply when I mention your ideas. rather than moaning that it is half Renaissance in Europe of freedom, They seem to consistently forget that empty. knowledge, productivity, and fabulous defending oneself is not necessary if DON GASTINEAU: "On self-de­ creativity was the result of centuries of you supply adequate protection, and fense I find you selfless and defense­ labor by the Church. Unfortunately, that should defense become necessary, less, yet your Journal indeed priceless. the wealth of this glorious Church and force is not the only way to supply it. Please continue it to myself and friends family-oriented civilization (Christen­ ... I had the chance to hear a Libertar­ who should not be without this desper­ dom) corrupted many including secular ian Party candidate speak at the C.U. at~ly needed conscience." rulers and Churchmen. Government Law School. I was shocked. I could just N. J. HAERING: "Although most took over and secular rulers, unham­ as well have been listening to Dick of my 'twenty-four days' slip by, taking pered by the restraints of the Church, Lamm (Colorado's governor). He was care of my wife and home at 85 and 88, acquired all power and plundered the as superbly capable of the same rheto­ reading the Journal gets time. 'The gains. Now, we are reaping the same ric, false logic, and glossing over of es­ longer I liff the more I find by gracious harvest here.. .. Hopefully, as in sential issues as any other politico. oudt.' Enclosed check may help keep Europe, there are counter-forces at Then I realized that my shock was un­ postage problem down." work; but we must remember the warranted; that his words were actual­ MARK KERNES: "I've just read source of our strength, our Creator." I ly very predictable. I broached him on your book, This Bread Is Mine. It was have no trouble 'With your historic ex­ the subject of absolute non-violence, fascinating ... extremely useful to me ample but do have problems in trying mentioning you, and he remarked that since I'rn supposed to represent the to consider something more than "ulti­ your arguments 'are rather shallow 'pure libertarian' position in a debate; mate truth, scientific findings, and the and aren't the product of much my opponents a 'liberal,' a statist pseu­ laws of nature. " thought.' At that point I gave up trying do-libertarian, and a far-right conser­ JOEL COLLIER: "Keep up the to have him consider essential issues, vative. Should be interesting." good work. Who knows what an idea is andean only hope now that he discov­ W. E. LYMAN: "God does not do worth? Besides that, what is the price ers for himself the absolute futility of man's work for him but He works with of self-satisfaction and knowing that his actions. Those who propose retribu­ him when it is according to His plan of what you are doing is right (not infring­ tive violence seek shelter for their creation. Then man should not fear do­ ing upon others or their property)?" ideas with the phrase, 'You've got to ing what ought to be done. In the pres­ EWALD STECHHOLZ: "If the of·· look at the real world. People aren't ent state of national emergency, no ac­ fice of president of the U. S. were like·what you say.' I say that this so­ tion seems suicidal and cowardly. Sol­ thrust upon Bob LeFevre (winter '75 called realist way of looking at things is zhenitsyn tells us communism succeeds Journal) I have this suggestion: An­ at best just a haven for the weak­ by force and only force will defeat it. I nounce to the world that - for the next hearted idealist when under attack. If believe that. It is said that 'for the tri­ four years, I will sign no official docu­ one lacks conviction of ideals on a theo­ umph of evil it -is only necessary that ments, make no policy speeches, hold reticallevel, how can they ever be ex­ good men do nothing,' be neutral, in no press conferences, cabinet meetings pected to act according to their ideals? other words. Isn't this what Jesus had or legislative breakfasts, make no ap­ Time will always show that they can't." in mind when he said, 'I would that pointments, make no campaign trips, This issue of the Journal is aimed at thou wert hot or cold. I spew thee out visit no foreign countries, and accept showing the contradiction between of my mouth'?" I do not advocate "no no salary. I will write LeFevre's Jour­ freedom and political action. action. " I advocate peaceful and con­ nal every three months and mail it to LARRY LANDERS: "Love your structive action. If Jesus had intended anyone on request. It is quite likely Journal, Bob. Please keep up the mar­ that you meet force 'With force, would that the thrust would dissipate but, if velous work. My biggest problem: I not the scriptures have been edited to not, you could go on just as you have can't seem to share your bright, happy, delete the phrase that one should love and 213 million people might regain uplifting attitude. As I view our civili- one's enemies? (please turn the page) 6

some of their lost freedom. Good luck." tory on those who would follow Christ. ture of our government or the crucial A moratorium on government is a far Perhaps I am in error. If so, you will be function of the jury." The idea that a better idea than seeking to thrust doing me a genuine service to point this voluntary organization can be formed someone into a position of power. out to me." Whether the libertarian po­ by implication is a contradiction ofcon­ JERRY BAKER: "The Journal is sition is unscriptural or anti-Biblical cepts. Juries function today as they al­ helping me to investigate a philosophi­ depends upon interpretation. While ways have - they tend to agree with cal position of interest to me - natural some might suppose that Paul (Romans the most ably presented emotional po­ rights or law, and Herbert Spencer's 13:1) was claiming that civil govern­ sition. The reason it's difficult to find Right to Ignore the State. Keep it com­ ment was God-ordained, an even more someone believing that government is ing, it's one of the best available." literal interpretation might be that the a voluntary organization is because, at civil government of that time was so long last, people are beginning to see distinguished. The quote is: "The pow­ that it is a coercive, not a voluntary, ers that be are ordained of God." It organization. does not say, "The powers that be and ED SCHARFENBERGER: "I con­ that wiU continue for aU time are or­ tinue to derive the most refreshing in­ dained ofGod. "It would be difficult for sights from your Journal. Please send a man of principle to find anything it to the names I've listed." God-like or God-ordained in the behav­ JOHN BLEEKER: "I thought your ior ofthe powers that be today, wheth­ winter '75 was the finest yet - the one erin city, county, state, or federal gov­ with the gorilla on the front page." ernment. Re taxpaying, Paul Jones re­ JOHN EGOLF: "Am wondering if minds me that according to Jesus, one you could send an enlargement of the should "render . .. unto Caesar the Isabel Paterson photo in the spring things which are Caesar's and unto God Journal. " Can do. At cost. the things that are God's. " And he as­ CONRAD LUCAS: "I have an op­ sumes from this that taxpaying is obli­ portunity every couple of months to gatory on those who foUow Christ. discuss libertarian ideas with good HERBERT SPENCER Again, a more literal interpretation level-headed people. Some call them­ would seem to me to say that taxpay­ selves libertarians. You -I know ­ A. PHELPS LANGTRY: "There is ing would be obligatory on those who are not really happy that I am an air no way I can express how much I value believe in Roman law. Certainly, we traffic controller and therefore work and appredate your Journal. I lack the cannot create a place of perfection on for the FAA - an appendage of the words for the appreciation and the $ for the earth. But we can at least stop as­ U.S. government. However, I enjoy the value. Eleven years ago, a wonder­ suming that because ofsome particular prying airplanes apart - have no use fullittle secretary introduced me to interpretation, the evil and viciousness for FAA management, which is why I Rampart College. The most disturbing of the power of the state imposed· on quit being one at EI Toro and moved up pollution to me is the totalitarian man is somehow God-ordained. To pre­ here. Please send the Journal to my mental pollution around us, so your sume this is to presume that lying, daughters (15 and 17)." Journal is like a fresh air breeze blow­ cheating, theft, war, murder, and JOHN THOMPSON: "More agen­ ing through the Gary steel mills. Too plunder of aU sorts are God-ordained. cies than government are coercing me. bad it doesn't blow more frequently. If BOB WHALEN: "Your 'The Carrot ... There are certain catastrophic oc­ only I'd had sense enough to take the or the Stick' carries special significance currences that I could not easily pay Freedom School courses when they to me. Since I stopped being active po­ for; with these I willingly buy insur­ were offered. Then maybe I'd have litically, I've discovered a great deal of ance that spreads the risk. But the in­ more free enterprise $ to combine with inner peace, a freedom of mind I hadn't surance companies have no incentive to my libertarian beliefs and do more known for years." be efficient or to properly police the justice to us all." ANN KUEHN: "My biggest thanks cost of health care. I'm coerced into PAUL JONES: "The libertarian ap­ to you for being there - for being one buying medical insurance. If I wrinkle proach is most appealing but it strikes sane voice in an otherwise unsane a car fender, the estimate is ridiculous; me as an unscriptural (anti-Biblical) world! I can chuckle as the horses jock­ the body-shop man is used to billing an view. This is what disturbs me most. ey for position this election year, in­ insurance company, which gets a big­ The apostle Paul told the Romans sisting that Nixon was really the only ger premium by paying bigger bills. (13:1): 'The powers that be are or­ crooked one, the rest of them are I'm coerced into buying a collision poli­ dained of God.' And 'Let every soul be honest...." cy because the price of repair service is subject unto the higher power.' 'Who­ ROBERT SCHAEFER: "I see the geared to a corrupt system. So many soever ... resisteth the power, resis­ U.S. Constitution as a voluntary or­ seem to feel that a payment by an in­ teth the ordinance of God: and they ganization formed by implied agree­ surance company is 'free' and is paid by that resist shall receive to themselves ment. Dissent is provided by jury tri­ some impersonal 'it.' We pay the cost in damnation.' In this Paul is saying (is he bunal, 100% of 12 randomly selected the premium or an employer pays a not?) that civil government is God­ men who all must agree that you do or premium and pays us less as a result. ordained and hence is not evil, as the do not owe a certain amount of pledged How can we fight this vicious 'third­ libertarian view seems to suggest. Re taxes. I agree that these tribunals no party-pay' system where we lose con­ taxpaying, Jesus said, 'Render ... longer function and are used as rubber trol of a vital part of being a responsi­ unto Caesar the things which are Cae­ stamps for would-be kings. On the oth­ ble person?" Free market insurance is sar's; and unto God the things that are er hand, I find hardly a soul (libertari­ almost a thing ofthe past. Government God's.' This makes taxpaying obliga- an) who understands the voluntary na- has corrupted the insurance field tq a 7

large degree. market place approach to protection say, that's about all the government P. M. THAKKER: "You've been of (not vengeance) wiU accomplish that. has left me. Sometime when you feel great help in my journey to experience CLOYD BIRD: "I call on talk radio like you're shooting in the dark, think the wonderful music ofIreedom." stations and write letters to the editor about this quote from a friend of mine: JOHN BROCKWAY: "Haven't the (over 100 published in two years). The 'Each victory. no matter how small, faintest idea what you say, but am fas­ Journal gives me much to think about. weakens the state structure. What is cinated by the way you say it - your Your article on monopoly (it's all gov­ impossible today, becomes possible skill at putting the words together." ernment) has helped me immeasurably tomorrow.' " MITCH WOODALL: "Enclosed is in discussion with some of our 'socialist C. A. SWANSON: "You are much Presidential Elections Campaign Fund oriented' professors. It's a real stop­ more consistent than 99.44% of your Designation form. I've underlined per." fellow citizens. Some of your inconsis­ 'Designating $1 ($1 each for husband DOROTHY SOBEK: "Perhaps the tency is encouraging to me; for exam­ and wife if a joint return was filed) to excuse for a libertarian to depart from pIe, when you made (reluctant) allow­ this fund will not increase your tax or basic principles longenough to endorse ances for not rejecting all government. reduce your refund.' Please explain, if a political formation called 'Libertarian You admonished all to give up Social designating $1 each does not increase Party' is that he/she gets in a hurry. I Security. But you advised, 'When the my tax or reduce my refund, where in confess I was tempted! Then your government forces you to buy insur­ the hell do they get the $2? From some Journal arrived and I again focused on ance, buy it' (Summer '76). Having other poor slob!, or is it an example of the obvious - that a 'party' elected by made exceptions, you have stepped telling you one thing and doing as they X number of dedicated libertarians is into the same mold that others have to please? I still feel honored to have not going to bring the solutions they assume at some times or others. Why spent a week with you in Greenwood. now believe possible." Meaningful and do I find your inconsistency encourag­ Durango Coy, you don't know what you constructive changes always take time. ing? Partly because you acknowledge are missing." There is no governmental In place of haste I recommend patient the difficulty of being 'pure.' It's good magic which creates purchasing power. enthusiasm for freedom. to recognize that no one has all the an.:­ The $2 taken from present taxes cre­ PATRICK HOWARD: "It's exhila­ swers. But there is another reason. ates a deficit which wiU be met by new rating to know that you exist and are Your inconsistency (small as it is along­ deficit financing, which 'WiU end as a working for the ideals of. liberty. Truth side of most of ours) points to the larger tax take later. has toppled many ideologies that have weakness in your greatest consistency GARY KIMSEY: "Sorry I can't tried to ignore it for the sake of power - as I see it. For you are consistent in contribute more, your ideas are indeed or riches.... He your article on theft, I your long-range goal - of no govern­ priceless. I'm paying my own way to came up puzzled about one point. Is ment. And this is, in my lifelong opin­ graduate school and this is about all I violence against another to protect ion, a false, unrealistic, undesirable can afford." oneself a legitimate use of force?" You goal." I see myselfas a realist. I consis­ WAYNE SELF: "You are an uncon­ are always on sound moral ground in tently favor abandoning goverrnnent. scionable scoundrel. You put the 'buy­ protecting yourself from others pro­ But I'm not so naive as to suppose that er' in the untenable position of paying vided you cover all the costs of your I'm big enough to stand up to the phys­ what your Journal is worth. Thus, the protection and do not compel others to ical power of the state and loin. Those 'buyer' is paying the maximum he'll cover them. who, with much breast beating, teU me pay while you would settle for less. A TED HAAS: "I enjoyed reading how they are going to successfully use Yankee trader couldn't do better. But your articles on protection - not retal­ force against the bandits, are advocat­ I'll buy it! While I frequently disagree iation. The idea is difficult to accept ing what they cannot and wiU not do. I with you, you provide insights to hu­ emotionally at first but my feelings fi­ recommend survival ifpossible. There­ man action no other libertarian ex­ nally came around to agree with my in­ fore, I do not propose to have a shoot­ presses ... if perceived. One thing is tellect you convinced with your lucid out. Instead, I consistently advocate certain, you keep all of us thinking. My writing. Thanks. A point to ponder: doing without government and when sentiments are similar to those of Du­ You stated that if someone put hand­ confronted with its power-backed de­ rango Coy: 'You are an amazing person cuffs on you, you would not break the mands, I do not applaud, I submit. - don't you dare die before I meet cuffs to escape because they did not be­ Submission is sensible and should not you.' I tried back in '68 to meet you at long to you. If ownership passes to the be construed as approval. Larkspur but dad gum the luck, you possessor of objects, then the cuffs be­ W. KENT DILLON: "Don't re­ were gone for the day. Another 'gift' long to you. This concept does not only member when my last gift was, but will be forthcoming after my hassle work for the aggressors." Good point. I here's another. Sure would be a sad with the 'legal' Mafia." have no problem with breaking my own day if you had to discontinue yours." LARRY WOODS: "I agree with handcuffs once I am certain they be­ RANSOM HUNGERFORD: "The your priority in placing government long to me. original Constitution has control over agents and the criminals spawned in majority rule. How we lost sight of their breeding grounds as the source of what I believe was noble contention, to most of the danger to myself and prop­ become a people where the majority erty. However, it is hard to imagine believe might makes right, I'm not that we would be spared the problem of sure." Study the Constitution analyti­ criminality even if the forces of govern­ caUy. What we have today was predict­ ment are broken." I do not imagine a able, for the roots are in the Constitu­ situation in which there wiU be zero FRANKLIN SANDERS: "As much tion. Many who signed the Declaration crim~"nality. But wouldn't it be nice to as it may strain your credulity, this is voiced their distress with the Constitu- reduce the incidence of crime? The about all I can spare right now. I should (please turn the page) 8

tion and sought to prevent its ratifica­ ernment schools, and thereby feel that by market-place methods, I become tion on those grounds. government control of other things is more optimistic rather than less. And LARRY DUNCAN: "I attended equally applicable." Even if you win who says CeUini wasn't pragmatic? your Freedom School in '72 and was this one, you'U lose it. A voucher sys­ DAVE DINGELL: "Perhaps I like completely overtaken by the truths I tem, approved by government, regu­ the Journal because it reminds me of heard.... I own a new business and wted by government, and funded by the bit I remember of the 'Golden Age.' am doing fairly well (my first big step government, wiU become another gov­ I figure it ended about 1930 - and I to freedom). I do not vote, and discour­ ernmental agency hastening the day of was 15! I like the stuff -I hope you can age others as much as possible, do not total control over our lives and prop­ keep it up." take handouts -'- but how can I learn all erties. WALT PETERS: "You've done it the ways of keeping Uncle Sam out of NORRIS SMITH: "I can't possibly again. Enlarged my concept and under­ my cash register? And out of my free pay for what your Journal is worth to standing of liberty ... What will be the enterprise? What about Social Security me. Talked to 205 Ohio businessmen on end of this can of worms called society? - can you stop paying this? My busi­ U.N. Charter. Asked how many had I doubt that it will ever discover the ness and I thirst to be free!" Few ofus read it. Two hesitantly raised hands. straight line of.peace and harmony can make a complete break with gov­ Gave each a copy and went hastily called freedom, but only coercion and ernment. But rejoice in the parting of through charter. Sometime ask people violence to total destruction. Still, I am each strand. Don't fret for a lack of the following: Who was MacArthur's optimistic that my effort to straighten total freedom; rejoice in each gain in boss in Korea? How many members on that line will make it that much less the right direction. International Court of 'Justice'? Term curvy, and I can see the way out of that DON McMURRAY: "The hardest of office? Any from u.S.? To what does can of worms." concept for me to learn is, what if any­ Connally reservation apply? Is U.S. ELAINE HARWIN: "I've had a thing can one do in the direction of a bound under Genocide Act?" Few brief exposure to LeFevre's Journal. free society. It seems that most conser­ Americans take time to read any more. Please send it and perhaps later I'll vative organizations are better than They are more fascinated by pictures. share with others." none, but they are also political in na­ ROBERT ORMSBEE: "Could REMLEY CAMPBELL: "I enjoy ture." You can act now in favor offree­ someone say, 'I forgive you, but I'll every issue - only wish they came dom, outside the political arena. A free never forget?' Well, government more often." society is built one by one. We build a scores again! What the individual can­ CLIFF GRAVES: "Yes, a dollar free society largely by refraining from not domust be left to government: 'For earned is worth twice or more what th~ actiom which prevent it from refusing to assist me in an immoral anyone gives you. I have learned. In­ forming. act,' said Uncle Samuel, 'I grant you tegrity is the word. Mother used to NEIL JENKINS: "You have stated amnesty. You may come home, now, say, 'Every tub must stand on its own a belief in the Declaration of Indepen­ and do two years' penance.' " bottom.' " dence, yet, except for the vital 'inalien­ BOB and GYNNIE BLOOM: "We DALE GREEN: "A thought: Gov­ able rights' phrase, it seems to foster postpone reading newspapers, maga­ ernment is a social institution for legal­ fully the idea of government and is, in zines, and even mail from home to de­ izing the use of initiated force in human fact, a declaration of independence of vour every word in the Journal. And relationships. Yours for peace and states (units of government) from a then we inevitably find ourselves dis­ freedom for everyone." larger government (Great Britain) cussing it, quoting from it, sharing it STEVE ZEGLER: rather than a declaration of indepen­ with friends. Thank you." "Your representatives' job from sun to dence of individuals from any govern­ WILLIAM HORTON: "It's always sun ment." Good point. But when you con­ convenient and tidy to ignore nasty, To see that politics shall be done. sider the individuality of the "unalien­ troublesome details. The comptroller If whatever he does is not our choice, able rights" phrase and apply theprin­ who ignores his debits has a glowing No matter, he claims to speak with our ciple, it goes aU the way. report for the board of directors. Ev­ voice. ALAN HEMPmLL: "I'm about to ery play's a touchdown Jor the coach Make an issue, get elected, make a lead a community effort to start a who runs his team down the practice good name, voucher system in our school district. field with no opposition.... and the Ifatfault, don't worry, just shift all the Obviously, I would prefer to abolish philosopher who ignores pragmatism blame. public education, but since that is not can easily produce utopia. Suppose An expense account, that's the name of presently practical, I'd prefer to see 99.9% of the world population enthusi­ the game. competition among schools, the end of asticallyembraced pure LeFevre liber­ Then raise the taxes, we citizens are double taxation to. parents ... and tarianism. Couldn't (wouldn't) the re­ tame. pluralism. in teaching techniques and maining .1 % .then easily impose their Make up a reason and make it sound philosophy. And I believe this is an op­ dictatorial will on the rest, enslaving good, portunity to surface the fact that since them? You bet they could - and would! Don't want everyone to think he's a we no longer have the 'draft,' compul­ I admire your .philosophy the way I ad­ hood. sory education is the single remaining mirea fine Cellini museum piece. It's An election year, excitement, oh, what vestige of· government slavery. It can beautiful, but it will never be mine ­ fun, be argued that making education more for pragmatic reasons." Fortunately, Let's vote and sanction politics to be responsive through vouchers will delay we can make progress without obtain­ done. the eventual downfall of the archaic ing unanimity. The.re· is no single idea And what will rise from all these de­ system; I am concerned, however, everyone in the world has ever ac­ bacles? about the millions of children who will cepted. Now that we are learning how Nothing can, we're all thrown into be educated and indoctrinated in gov- to. protect ourselves against that .1°,h shackles." , 9

CARAVAN ]I INTO CONFLICT .. (continued from page 3) Seeking majorities by the voting process sustains the notion that this method is the way to resolve difficulties and arrange for· leadership. When a people begins the destructive process of relegating decision-making to the popular vote, the result is easily predictable. The persons knowing the least and exhibiting the wildest thirst for advantage, will band together into a voting bloc and win. Picture, if you will, the plight we face in this country now, thanks to the majority-seeking process. Labor unions, headed by implacable, dictatorial types, are able to swing just about any national election their way. The fact that a ma­ jority can be obtained does not justify the victory, but it does make the victory certain. The majority-seeking process within a nation creates the same dichotomies that an arms race that a blood-bath must be advocated in an effort to creates between nations. Once we start the pro­ support liberty? cess, it seems impossible to let go. Our actions in Obviously, I do not favor the statist position. seeking a larger bloc encourage our opponents to But in addition, I do not favor the statist do the same. This is competition aimed at amass­ METHOD. And it is here that Murray and I part ing power; the very antithesis of a free society. company. Murray is among those who, by their Of course it can be argued that if libertarians actions, do not oppose statism per se. He only ever obtain a voting majority, they will have the opposes certain state policies, not others. power of dismantling the government and the Thus, he favors violence against wrong-doers majority-seeking process. How? The great masses (assassination? beating? hanging? war?) if in of Americans have been conditioned to believe his judgment the people responsible deserve to be that voting is the only "fair" way to proceed. Any punished. group of men in power who attempted to cancel If the foregoing is truly his view, then Roth­ this method by force would, at the very least, be bard would surely wish to see intervention in lynched for their pains. What might well ensue is a Angola, and possibly now in Lebanon, for there blood-bath. And is anyone so silly as to imagine are people in both places guilty of wrong-doing. And if he is going to be consistent, then he would favor involvement so that he could dogood. But of course that is silly of me to suppose. For Roth­ bard, through one or more of his followers, has let it be known that he favors lying. So I really don't know what Rothbard believes. Anything he says mayor may not be what he believes. But why should anyone·favor a group of political hopefuls who in their various protestations warn us in ad­ vance that they will lie, if only to protect their own interests, whatever they may be? Now, if a person truly is opposed to the state on principle, then it seems to me that while it would be silly to imagine that the state would grieve, or even notice, if he had nothing to do with it, it remains that he could keep his integrity and sleep nights without the nagging feeling that by voting for a liar he may have led to the injury or death of someone. And that introduces another towering doubt in my mind about libertarian politicking. Who is a wrong-doer? (please turn the page) 10 CARAVAN INTO CONFLICT and wait for them to resign. I think the inanity of (continued) such a strategy should be evident to anyone with a I have lived a considerable number of years grasp of state reality, Le., that the state benefits and have met and worked with literally thousands from exploiting the citizenry, and is not about to of people. I have never met a one of them (save cheerfully or shamefacedly surrender those bene­ babes in arms) who has never done anything fits upon reading libertarian literature." wrong. Indeed, in my own case, I can 'be grateful I certainly agree with Murray on this one. I that in some of my wrongful actions, performed have never presumed for a moment that anyone while a good deal younger, I wasn't caught. Had a holding state power would resign simply because I doctrine of an eye for an eye been totally enforced wrote him a letter telling him how bad his be­ while I was a youth, I doubt I would have seen the havior was or how it was negatively affecting the sun rise on my twenty-first birthday. The difficulty country. (A new book called THE POWER OF with so many who claim to be libertarians is that CONGRESS reveals the reactions of senators and while giving vocal support to the belief that no one representatives to just such aletter.) should commit an act of aggression against anoth­ er' they suddenly attain such self-righteousness that when they perform an act of aggression against another, it can be called defense or protec­ tion. They seem incapable of grasping the fact that the other party, the so-called wrong-doer, was in nearly all cases acting for his protection and de­ fense as he saw it. The political libertarian sees himself as justified in whatever he does. And if his inconsistency is pointed out, he says that what he is doing is "strategic." That excuses everything. Murray in this case has just built himself a Of course, there will be some, like a well­ straw man. That isn't my position and never has known economist of my acquaintance (not Roth­ been. Sure, I've written just such letters. And I bc:.rd), vlho will argue that if we get tough enough like to send a "get well" card to those who an­ and clamp down on the wrong-doers with a ven­ nounce for office, and a congratulatory card when geance, we can reduce and possil?ly even eliminate someone (rarely as a result of anything I've said or crime. And wouldn't that be great! The silliness of done) decides to go straight and resign. I consider this position is confirmed in reams and reams of writing to congressmen in the same category as serious studies that have been conducted in this other fun and games one might play-not a strat­ area. But if one needs a quick example, might I egy designed to roll back the state. And were it suggest a look inside a penal institution ~uch as not that they have a corner on certain information, San Quentin or Leavenworth or Sing Sing. Here certain goods and services, I'd ignore them alto­ the use of force against the offender is instantly gether. Unfortunately, that's not possible. available. However, it is inside the walls of such I am frequently asked by students in my classes prisons, where force is relied upon to punish the if it might not be useful to set up a course of study offender at once, that one of the highest levels of to be attended exclusively by lawmakers. I have crime in the U.S. persists even to this hour. A consistently told my students, and I've written about it many times, that politicians are the least iJIlportant people in the country. No point in wasting time with them. Further, since they have a vested interest in wrong-doing, my arguments would fall on deaf ears. Moreover, just sitting in a class of mine would be a traumatic experience for them and doubtless for me as well, and I do not enjoy baiting other people. And finally, I remind my students that even" the politician has nowhere to go unless he can enlist media support, which as THE GRADUATE yet is a market-place phenomenon in this country, very real problem with dealing with aggression by beleaguered, inept, and inaccurate though it often means of an act which is no more than counter~ has been. So I try to talk to people who are impor­ aggression is that, in addition to its immoral tant. These are people who are private citizens, character, it doesn't work. hopefully dedicated to the task· of making a living But to return to my own inanities, and Roth­ and in process producing useful goods and services. bard. "A second strategy is the LeFevrian one of There is another point that needs clarification. converting all the state rulers to libertarianism Note that Rothbard says that "the state" benefits 11 from exploiting the citizens. The state is a collec­ Actions speak louder than words, if you will par­ tive and doesn't think or assume anything. I have don the cliche. My actions indicate that I believe in never asked "the state" to resign. What the po­ doing. I believe in taking moral action. I see no litically motivated libertarian is prone to overlook merit in trying to exchange the government we is that the people in government are people. He have, which is certainly immoral, for what might confuses the personnel with the mechanism. And be put together by a group of persons who ad­ since the mechanism was put together along the mittedly will view assassination of dictators a good lines of a philosophy that says "some men must thing (whoever they decide is a dictator) and who rule all others," the men hired for the purpose are will lie about it when it suits them. merely acting out the philosophy. Rothbard clearly indicates that present-day office holders are engaged in exploitation. Ex­ ploitation is an unfair usage of some sort. •Taxa­ tion, for example, is exploitative. Taxation is also a form of theft, legalized but theft nonetheless. Theft is a crime. Rothbard says: "As for myself, I have no compunction whatever about coercing criminals, either in using violence to repel their assaults, or in repealing criminal measures that some statists may wis~ to see enforced." This leads one to suppose that Rothbard views office holders as criminals, engaged in enacting criminal measures. More to the point, it leads one to sup­ pose that he is willing to use coercion, including violence, against them. JACKASS POT I advocate action. But I advocate taking action in the market place where things can be done effectively. I advocate refraining from political action totally. Political action, in fine, is the opiate of the self-righteous. They imagine that by voting they are doing something. By voting, they are agreeing that they will do nothing and are passing the buck to the politician. In short, political action, so-called, is a cop-out. Finally, I'd like to say something about the label that has been pinned on me by many. I am accused (the word is accurate) of being a pacifist. But one does not correct a. bad set of ideas by This is wholly unjustified if by use of the word it is punishing the people who may happen to believe supposed that I favor uncomplaining and docile them. The worship of Baal cannot be stamped out submission to tyranny. I never have favored by punishing the followers of Baal. Both Christians tyranny in any form or manner. Nor do I believe in and Jews have been put to death at various points acquiescence before it. I believe in carrying the in human history because of their beliefs. The fight to the enemy. My enemy is the state; not the result created martyrs and entrenched the beliefs. people in it. My weapons then are not and cannot The Rothbard statement leads one to suppose be the weapons the state employs. Its weapons are that anyone in government is an exploiter and a used against people. My weapons are ideas, ideas villain. Most of the people in government are good that can establish a new philosophy based upon the people. They are employed to do terrible things. nature of man as a self-controlling individual, and But like the headsman who wielded the axe at the concurrent opposition to any set of ideas that block in olden times, they do what they do because counsels that some men, of right, can rule other they are led to believe that ~t is good and neces­ men. sary. Something a trifle more profound than geno­ What is really cute is the way so many write cide against government employees ought to be about me disparagingly as being a libertarian­ considered. Politically motivated libertarians pacifist, an anarcho-pacifist, or a blankety-blank might benefit from the realization that a person pacifist. It would appear that to them peace is a presently holding office is still human, despite his negative factor we should all despise and avoid. employment. Now, anyone knowing any of the fundamentals Another criticism that is often hurled at me by of economics knows full well that voluntary ex­ Rothbard, et aI., is that I advocate doing nothing. (please turn the page) 12 CARAVAN INTO CONFLICT promise from hundreds. Hearing it from those who (continued) say they are libertarian doesn't even provide a change, the core of market-place activity, only variation in the lackluster, moribund theme. takes place properly when peace is present. The freedom to produce, exchange, and consume is predicated upon a climate of peace. Without peace there is no freedom, for surely war is the anti­ thesis both of peace and freedom. In short, freedom and peace are handmaidens, each potent, each masterful, but in total harmony each dependent upon the other. So, quite properly I favor peace. I favor it because I must if I believe ~ in liberty. And that is the core of my silliness. I believe in freedom and peace. I believe in a moral view. I do not believe that the end justifies the means. If I did, my counsel would be as questionable as any who tell you, "Vote for me, and after I get power, see the marvels I will do for you." I've heard that FREEDOM

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