Philosophy and Public Affairs ( Winter 1980) pp. 182-97
[pdf version]
In this essay I shall argue that the state should require all parents to be licensed. My main goal is to demonstrate that the licensing of parents is theoretically desirable, though I shall also argue that a workable and just licensing program actually could be established.
In his Society essay, Lykken writes, "I will testify in support of a parental licensure bill to be introduced at the next session of the Minnesota State Legislature. The only sanction proposed in this bill for unlicensed parents who produce a child is periodic visits by child-protection caseworkers who will do an annual audit of each child's physical, social, and educational progress." However, Lykken asserts, "Minnesotans and their legislative representatives will [eventually] recognize the need to take one further step. That step, I suggest, should be to take custody of babies born to unlicensed mothers, before bonding occurs, and to place them for adoption or permanent care by professionally trained and supervised foster parents."
I got as far as the part that said that driver's licenses were illegal/unconstitutional. Somehow this writeup reminds me strongly of those tax protestor arguments.
Prism, one question... Do you have a drivers license ? In other words, are you willing to take a bullet for this stuff?
"Trust me, you won't get hurt. Go ahead and jump. I'll jump after you do."
I'm certain that it's been pointed out already that a license for any activity guarantees or certifies NOTHING. It does prove that you paid money to someone for their approval to do something and that is it. In so doing you have made yourself subject to the person(s) and/or laws regulations and policies that they have devised to deprive you of your activity unless you function according to their diktats. You have essentially worked for and purchased your own servitude. Then you deceive yourself into believing that you are now free. Free to conduct whatever activity it is that are now licencsed for.
At some point, people will have to wake up and smell the coffee. Driving, travel and road use laws, regulations and policies are a just a small fraction of the many ways in which the state deprives us of our liberty. They also make an excellent target for resisting the coercion of the state. Monkey-wrench where you can afford to and submit where you can't. You have to start somewhere.