Difference between revisions of "Libertarians Misunderstand Coercion"
From Critiques Of Libertarianism
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The function of State coercion is to override individual coercion, and, of course, coercion exercised by any association of individuals within the State. It is by this means that it maintains liberty of expression, security of person and property, genuine freedom of contract, the rights of public meeting and association, and finally its own power to carry out common objects undefeated by the recalcitrance of individual members. | The function of State coercion is to override individual coercion, and, of course, coercion exercised by any association of individuals within the State. It is by this means that it maintains liberty of expression, security of person and property, genuine freedom of contract, the rights of public meeting and association, and finally its own power to carry out common objects undefeated by the recalcitrance of individual members. | ||
L. T. Hobhouse, "Liberalism", Chapter 7 | L. T. Hobhouse, "Liberalism", Chapter 7 | ||
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| + | The unable/coerced dichotomy for distinguishing freedom is usally false | ||
| + | because most "unable" really means that you haven't the money to bribe your | ||
| + | way past the coercive protections of property. (freedom as absence of | ||
| + | restrictions does not apply in a market society, where all useful material | ||
| + | and situations tend to be property, and you must bribe your way past coercion.) | ||
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| + | You are equally unfree to do something if it is prohibited to you by | ||
| + | government or if you haven't the money to bribe (pay) private owners not | ||
| + | to coerce you. | ||
