Difference between revisions of "Libertarians Misunderstand Coercion"
From Critiques Of Libertarianism
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Libertarians applaud initiation of physical aggression against people for the purposes of enforcing property rights. Libertarians applaud initiation of physical aggression against people who commit fraud, even though it is a voluntary act between two parties. | Libertarians applaud initiation of physical aggression against people for the purposes of enforcing property rights. Libertarians applaud initiation of physical aggression against people who commit fraud, even though it is a voluntary act between two parties. | ||
If a mall owner required his tenants to pay a miniumum wage, libertarians would not consider that coercive or initiation of physical aggression. But when a state requires payment of a miniumum wage, somehow that is entirely different to a libertarian. | If a mall owner required his tenants to pay a miniumum wage, libertarians would not consider that coercive or initiation of physical aggression. But when a state requires payment of a miniumum wage, somehow that is entirely different to a libertarian. | ||
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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. | ||
| + | L. T. Hobhouse, "Liberalism", Chapter 7 | ||
