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"A libertarian wants the government at all levels to be smaller than absolutely necessary."Another application of the parity
test
I put that phrase in the first FAQ on this blog. It's also one of the
things that I use to explain liberty to people face to
face.
You've seen me use the parity test before. It's one of my favorite freedom tools. So let's use it here. Think of the one thing that you believe that it is absolutely necessary for government to do, the one thing that should take priority over everything else. Now think of the one person you know is absolutely opposed to that one thing that government must do, and who must not be allowed anywhere near it. You know that given half a chance, they would wreck the government's ability to perform the necessary job, and destroy it so throughly that it would take decades for government to regain the ability to do the necessary thing. Now, imagine that one person is now absolutely in charge of the necessary thing. For the next eight years. And they cannot be removed. Do you think that is bad? It could be worse. Imagine that there is one person who you know would be perfect to take care of the necessary thing. You've heard them talk. You know how they think. So of course you're happy and relieved when they become the one person in charge of the necessary thing. Only then they start doing the exact opposite of what you think they should do. For the next eight years, they're in charge. And they cannot be removed. Here's the truth. If you can't trust your worst enemy with running the government, you can't trust your best friend either. No matter what you do, "your guys" aren't always going to be in charge. No matter what you need, "your guys" won't deliver all the time, or sometimes even at all. Smaller than absolutely necessary. It's the only way I know to protect your freedom. Inflict government on someone today, and don't be surprised if someone else inflicts government on you tommorrow. 
Posted: Fri - February 13, 2009 at 03:10 PM
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 Pagan Vigil
Pagan philosopher, libertarian, and part-time trouble maker, NeoWayland watches for threats to individual freedom or personal responsiblity. There's more to life than just black and white, using only extremes just increases the problems.  My Thinking Blogger Nominees
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