I recently read a pamphlet by Mark Skousen entitled “Persuasion vs. Force” which largely and succinctly defines my view of political freedoms and economic liberty.  The purpose of the work is not to begin debating the nuances of society and management thereof but to put for a new precedent, a respect for all who are born on this earth and a philosophy to allow the debate through persuasion, not force.

As I have expressed in previous posts, I feel that socialism and interventionist agendas are disrespectful and attempts to play “God” as if certain groups and individuals have been given a special authority to control and force society, that they somehow know what is best for me when they don’t even know my name, situation, circumstance, nothing!  Skousen makes a powerful case for a society of mutual respect, education and persuasion.  Will bad still happen? of course! It happens anyway, no matter how much you legislate, it’s just considered “illegal” by the state.  Will there be no law? of course there will be law! Only these laws will merely protect us from each other and not from ourselves. As Mr Skousen put it:

We should permit the maximum degree of freedom in allowing people to choose what they think, act and do to themselves without harming others.

As a great leader once put it: “We teach them correct principles, and they govern themselves”

Just read the paper and let me know what you think…

Related posts:

1. Persuasion vs Force by Mark Skousen