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From: orb@whuxl.UUCP (SEVENER)
Newsgroups: net.politics
Subject: The FORCE of Property
Message-ID: <423@whuxl.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 10-Jan-85 11:45:11 EST
Article-I.D.: whuxl.423
Posted: Thu Jan 10 11:45:11 1985
Date-Received: Sat, 12-Jan-85 00:59:00 EST
References: <4521@cbscc.UUCP>
Organization: Bell Labs
Lines: 32

Libertarians on the net have been constantly reiterating a concern
with the "force" of government.  This is certainly a legitimate concern
and I am glad that our Constitution puts certain limits on that force.
However for Libertarians to argue that the reign of private property
will mean the end of all force is an error.  Property can only be
maintained by force.  How do I insure someone doesn't come on my land?
I use force, either calling in the force of the State or using my own
force.  Either way excluding others from the use of my property requires
the use of force.  That Libertarians and their philosophy may not lead
to reduced force and violence can be seen in their response to the
problem of gun control and the Goetz case.  I will not say that all
Libertarians have argued in favor of the untrammelled distribution of
guns but some certainly have.  And why? To inflict potentially lethal
force on people threatening their PROPERTY.  So it turns out that
this proposed diminution of force is a chimera.  Force
is justified (for Libertarians) in the defense of private property.
I would argue that force is to some extent *necessary* for the
existence of private property.
 
Once again we return to the example of the American Indians who had
no concept of land ownership.  How then did the European settlers
manage to impose their definition of land ownership and claim 
untamed land as private property?  By brutal force.
If you wish to read about such force I would suggest "Bury My Heart
at Wounded Knee".  It contains history and not fantasy about
the force involved in staking private property claims.
 
  "As I was walking that ribbon of highway
   I saw a sign said , "No trespassing"
   But the other side of the sign said nothing
   That sign was made for you and me"    Woody Guthrie
tim sevener    whuxl!orb