You Might Be a Statist If ...

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  • your notion of justice forces victims to provide, in part, the criminal’s room, food, and entertainment.
  • you believe that those in government employ have never lied; or if they did it was for our own good.
  • you confuse the proper role of society (provide needs) and government (enforce rights).
  • you assume legislation can successfully and/or permanently change the laws of supply and demand.
  • you loan your money (at 0%) to the government all year and happily anticipate a tax refund.
  • you assert guns cause crime, foods cause obesity, schools cause education, or states create wealth.
  • your answer to "love thy neighbor" is to force taxpayers to be the good Samaritan.
  • you want to constrain the right of self-defense, expression, worship, or association.
  • you believe a tax rate of X is acceptable, but a tax rate of 2X is somehow wrong or immoral.
  • you feel more secure after standing in line for hours followed by groping and harassment by strangers.
  • you want a government subsidy for arts, sports, farmers, corporations, foreign governments, etc.
  • you wouldn’t personally, but believe the government should, punish others for growing certain plants.
  • you believe government has claim to our lives, liberties, and property – for the "common welfare."
  • you have ever said, “it’s for the children," “there ought to be a law," or "I work for the government."
  • you’re aghast by 10 seconds of broadcast indecency, but slight pictures of war-dead children.
  • you place fascism and communism (rather than anarchy and tyranny) on opposite sides of the scale.
  • you assume that the common man is a liar, yet believe the common politician tells the truth.
  • you are scared of the idea of consenting adults engaging in free trade; especially if they are not taxed.
  • you are willing to punish those who have done no harm to others or pardon those that have.
  • you label people "wacko," "paranoid," or "conspiratorial" for considering or expressing "cui bono?"
  • you say "democracy is two wolves and a sheep voting on dinner," then vote for bond issues.
  • you think people should be limited to doing business with state-approved individuals and companies.
  • you believe that warfare is more effective than free markets in promoting democracy or goodwill.
  • you advocate private property rights, unless the owner is "open for business."
  • you believe that as long as we can vote (for the tyrants of our choice), that we are free.
  • you engage in thousands of ruler-less acts a day, but believe anarchy is bad.
  • you think "our" team are heroes, and their’s are villains, regardless of the situation.
  • you want government to solve social problems, economic inequalities, or foreign imbalances.
  • you are not aware that most regulations are in place to protect existing companies from competition.
  • you vote for the politician who promises to provide (steal from the taxpayers) the most.
  • you swear fidelity to a made-made idol, or wrap yourself in it to show others your nationalism.
  • you’ve been seduced to believe that central planning and central parties are essential.
  • you firmly believe in "thou shalt not kill or steal," unless performed by a government representative.
  • you could solve poverty, crime, or ignorance, by taking just a little bit more from the wealthy.
  • you expect others to compromise their principles, so that we can all just get along.
  • you defer or submit to the authority of others, simple because of their titles or riches.
  • you equate those desiring less government with those longing for the past, isolation, or less technology.
  • you don’t comprehend that public schools, public roads, and public welfare are all forms of socialism.
  • you claim separation of church and state, then vote a tax on others to enforce your beliefs and values.
  • you affirm that rights come from government or that groups have more rights than individuals.
  • you are unprepared to defend or provide for yourself; you expect government to solve your problems.
  • you threaten those who express an opposing opinion; violence is your preemptive solution.
  • you have never read any articles posted on LewRockwell.com.

September 25, 2006