I occasionally argue that a VAST cross-section of society would be better off being slaves. More and more frequently as time goes on, I have been confronted by individuals who are obviously cut out for that life and no other. They want to be taken care of. They are willing to trade ALL their rights for whatever security anyone else would provide for them. Worse yet, they want to force everyone else to accept that same deal.
The passage of the Thirteenth Amendment practically destroyed the only ecological niches for which such people are suited, by their own admissions. I say "practically" because it is still possible to obtain such an arrangement, provided one is willing to settle for the government as his only legally permissible master.
I say, let's re-privatize indentured servitude by mutual agreement between master and servant. Give those who only want to be powerless dependents the ability to choose their own masters on the free market and obtain whatever security and nurturing they choose. Those who accept this deal will retain the rights of human beings (unlike slaves of old) but will surrender the rights of citizens (foremost among them, the right to vote). This will go a long way towards helping to reverse the "Gresham's Law" drain that these people are currently imposing on everybody else's liberties.
I occasionally argue that a VAST cross-section of society would be better off being slaves. More and more frequently as time goes on, I have been confronted by individuals who are obviously cut out for that life and no other. They want to be taken care of. They are willing to trade ALL their rights for whatever security anyone else would provide for them. Worse yet, they want to force everyone else to accept that same deal.
ReplyDeleteThe passage of the Thirteenth Amendment practically destroyed the only ecological niches for which such people are suited, by their own admissions. I say "practically" because it is still possible to obtain such an arrangement, provided one is willing to settle for the government as his only legally permissible master.
I say, let's re-privatize indentured servitude by mutual agreement between master and servant. Give those who only want to be powerless dependents the ability to choose their own masters on the free market and obtain whatever security and nurturing they choose. Those who accept this deal will retain the rights of human beings (unlike slaves of old) but will surrender the rights of citizens (foremost among them, the right to vote). This will go a long way towards helping to reverse the "Gresham's Law" drain that these people are currently imposing on everybody else's liberties.