Thread: Libertarian Limited Government and Military Spending

Theoretical example:

Tomorrow the government caves in on itself and resorts to a libertarian style of limited government.

Question:

How will the military of this libertarian style limited government achieve its financing?

A.) Through Taxation
B.) Through voluntary exchange



If the answer is A then the very foundation of libertarianism, namely the Non-Aggression principle is being violated. Taxation is thief [ even if it is a 1% tax ] and is backed by the threat of violence [ throwing someone in jail ]. Therefore in terms of logic and reason, the limited government would stop being libertarian if it imposed taxation onto its citizens in order to create/sustain a fighting force.

If the answer is B, then the limited government itself is just another protection agency. Those who do not want to buy the protection services of the government can either A.) go without them and join in / create a voluntary militia which can be organized for defense or B.) contract the services of another protection agency that can defend the citizen. Now if the government tries to prevent this outside protection agency from giving services to the individual then again they are violating the foundation of libertarianism, the non-aggression principle, by threatening an individual or individuals with time in jail for providing a desired service. If there are other agencies that can provided the service of protection, then why not legal services?

How about militia's trained by ex-us military ex navy seals...etc?

I know that a whole lotta vets need cash why not turn em into instructors to teach local militias?

Originally Posted by guerilla

How about militia's trained by ex-us military ex navy seals...etc?

I know that a whole lotta vets need cash why not turn em into instructors to teach local militias?

Private companies can hire them to train future employees, if they so wish.

Taking the question at face value with no concern for liberty, values or quality of life, this nation would stand invasion-free for a looooooooong time with no centrally administered military whatsoever. We would be less of a threat/enticing-target without the possibility of organized overseas interventions, but would still be prickly with trained military personnel and an unpredictably dispersed arsenal of weapons from blunderbuss to military grade artillery, aircraft and long-distance rocketry. Given our sheer landmass and per-capita armament, it would be difficult for any world power to subdue us with force that would not corrupt the entire global biosphere.

God laughing man you are so obsessed with this theorizing. Yes, I support limited government, and yes, there is a time and place where a LEGITIMATE tax is permissible, as long as it benefits EVERYBODY WHO IS PAYING IT. Such as a tax in order to maintain a navy/air force/etc. The Constitution says that no standing army should be funded for more than two years, unless we are in a declared war.

Originally Posted by Hercuflea

God laughing man you are so obsessed with this theorizing. Yes, I support limited government, and yes, there is a time and place where a LEGITIMATE tax is permissible, as long as it benefits EVERYBODY WHO IS PAYING IT. Such as a tax in order to maintain a navy/air force/etc. The Constitution says that no standing army should be funded for more than two years, unless we are in a declared war.

So it is only legitimate to steal when enough people are benefiting?