Forwarded message:

From: Matthew James Gering <mgering@ecosystems.net> Subject: RE: How to solve the tax problem w/o anarchy or force (fwd) Date: Mon, 9 Nov 1998 21:10:33 -0800

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nihilistic so much as they have come to the conclusion that to ignore and/or subvert government has higher probability of success than trying to reform it -- much to the demise of the Libertarian Party.

There is certainly little historical evidence to support such a thesis.

My thesis that this is a common sentiment?

You can't both ignore and subvert. One is passive the other is active. Now if your thesis holds that this is a commen sentiment then you're in big trouble finding mass support (which is what your theory would require to be valid). I would say the vast majority of people don't share your views.

history, try looking around. No, I'm talking 1950's to present, and particularly 1990's and the internet-libertarian culture. I think this sentiment is historically unprecedented.

The technology is certainly unprecedented, I doubt there has been a single new human emotion or perspective developed because of it; only new venues for the same old human failings and foibles. Or by sentiment do you mean your view of nihilism? If so I would suggest you study nihilism closer.

The thesis that to ignore the nation-state will see it's demise?

Historicaly strategies reducable to a ostrich_with_its_head_in_the_sand have not worked well in changing peoples minds nor motivating them to action, let alone causing the demise of a nation state. This isn't surprising if you consider the types of personalities that lead people.

Well we really need a financial system that they don't control, which has been promised with financial cryptography but has yet to arrive. I don't think it's time to throw in the towel yet.

I'll disagree regarding free-market economies. As to throwing in the towel, we agree there. ____________________________________________________________________ Lawyers ask the wrong questions when they don't want the right answers. Scully (X-Files) The Armadillo Group ,::////;::-. James Choate Austin, Tx /:'///// ``::>/|/ ravage@ssz.com www.ssz.com .', |||| `/( e\ 512-451-7087 -====~~mm-'`-```-mm --'- --------------------------------------------------------------------