Are We Serfs?

TechCentralStation.com ^ | 03/23/2004 | Robert L. Formaini

[Snerfling]

I tend to view the issue as the glass is half-full. The UK is a perfect example of a society that ignored Hayek's predictions and nationalized large segments of the economy directly after WWII. It took almost 30 years before the Brits woke up and elected Thatcher to undo the damage.

Hardly anyone remembers that the UK was considered the 'sick man of Europe' - they've easily had the best economy in Europe for the last 15 years. (For example, house prices in England are 2x those across the Channel in France.) That fact that a society can not only freely bind themselves to the wheel, yet still have enough sense to throw off the shackles (while they were still able) at a later date should serve as both a warning and inspiration.

The author also makes very good points regarding technological change, the ability for businesses to adapt/avoid regulation and the fluidity of capital. Calif is a perfect example of this practice: many businesses are using offshore resources that are dependent on the Net, while other more physical businesses have relocated to Nevada, taking their capital and employment with them.

[Just another Joe]

ALL Americans have not, and never will, abandon their beliefs about property and freedom, despite decades of propaganda in government-funded and controlled schools and all the free reeducation any ideologue could hope for in the media's daily anti-business drumbeat.
A significant -- and growing -- number of people do not accept the status quo as being the most desirable economic arrangement. It is especially heartening that, due to access to new and varied information sources, it is the young in America who have rediscovered our earlier political tradition and who, despite the state's best efforts, somehow have managed to resist believing in the statist tide that has swept the nation since World War II.

We are in the significant, and growing, number of people.

[SheLion]

We are in the significant, and growing, number of people.

[aruanan]

Are We Serfs?

Only until about June or July each year.

[theFIRMbss]

>Are We Serfs?

[Lokibob]

I have long thought that we citizens do not own our land, we only have possession of it from the government.

In serf days, the serf lived and worked on the land if the king approved. Today, we live in our homes only to the approval level of the government.

In serf days, the king set agricultural levels. Today, ever hear agricultural subsidies.

In surf days, the king had to approve all things done to the land. Today, you need a building permit (and pay the fees) before you improve your land.

And of course, the taxes, as you said.

[Abundy]

Are We Serfs?

Yes

[tahiti]

Thank you for your "two cents" worth.

I agree with your remarks and analysis, especially your remarks concerning the "registration" process required by states to conceal carry.

Because of that same type of registration process required in my state of Missouri, I will not register to conceal carry.

I just exert my right to "open carry," has protected by the Missouri Constitution:

”That the right of every citizen to keep and bear arms for the defense of his home, person, or property, or when lawfully summoned in the aid of the civil power, shall not be questioned; but this shall not justify the wearing of concealed weapons.”

[PGalt]

Interesting post and comments bump.

[MamaTexan]

Are We Serfs?

No. At least serfs were human-

now we're just 'legal entities'.