Liberty is expanded by the free exchange of information and freedom of association. Nevertheless Tyranny is easier. I observe this constantly as a parliamentarian. The right to bear arms protects the right of free speech, religion, association, and petition, all constantly under attack. But everywhere I go, I observe those who would subjugate others for their own purposes.
Libertarians fall into the anarchist camp or the republican camp. Republics are established and maintained by violence. In a Republic the best we can hope for is that the aggressive violence stops with the establishment of the Republic and does not lead to imperialistic colonialization.
We do not attack unless attacked. But once attacked we should respond by utterly defeating and conquering those who attack us, seizing their land and property forever, killing their men, and marrying their women. That is the most effective way to ensure that we will not be attacked, and therefore will be able to practice a nonaggression policy. This is the policy adopted by a sovereign republic, a free people, not some member nation of a communitarian world government. It is an honorable policy as opposed to the presently popular preemptive strike.
Anarchists are more laid back of course, but are eventually defeated by the tyrant because they are too individualistic to organize and repel the threat. We remember well that the”The tyrant will always have an excuse for his tyranny” because tyranny is the best possible world for the tyrant. “It is good to be the King” as we all have heard.
Therefore, the man at liberty does well to be friends with all, and adopt a “live and let live” policy thinking others better than himself, being willing to bear a certain amount of insult and injury for the sake of peace. This encapsulates the non-aggression principle.
Nevertheless, when tyranny rears its ugly head, the man at liberty should be instantly ready to lop it off with a well sharpened and skillfully wielded sword. He should mount that head on a pike and display it in his front yard, and invite his friends to a barbecue so that they, their wives and children can marvel at it, while eating a hot dog.
Originally published February 17, 2016
