Return to the Free Liberal Homepage

« Assume We Do | Main | Cartoon Violence »

Options, Asymptotes and “Imperatives”

Prof. Foldvary’s column here on TFL asks a very good question:

“So, given the option of geoanarchism which provides a uniform rule of law, and therefore harmony without tyranny, why aren’t you an anarchist?”

In this case, he’s asking that we have an “option” as to what label to call ourselves. Surely, there’s no “geoanarchist” party, with a slate of candidates and specific, achievable planks in the next term of office, or even in the next, say, 20 terms.

As a model for an “ideal” society, Foldvary and the geoists make points that I find very appealing…in concept and in the very long run. And it can help us think about issues in the here and now, too. But, as to whether the Central American Free Trade Agreement was a net plus or minus, it’s not obvious to me that geoism helps us all that much.

As Foldvary points out at the outset of his essay, using the term “anarchist” is just, well, offputting to most. It’s not a term one uses to persuade. Rather, it’s a means to ensure irrelevance, except, perhaps, among the most free-thinking. Where is the imperative to label oneself at all, much less with a term that almost assuredly will shock and alienate the overwhelming multitudes?

But, OK, if I must label myself, I’m a “less-archist.” I want less government, across the board. Asymptotically, that leads to a day when the geoists and anarchocapitalists can have fascinating debates about how to retire the vestiges of the State. Best case, that’s many generations from now.

-Robert Capozzi

Posted by Robert Capozzi on February 17, 2006 01:02 PM |

Free-for-all (frfr-ôl) -- n. A disorderly fight, argument, or competition in which everyone present participates.

from Dictionary.com



Advertisement
Free For All -- The Free Liberal Blog