There has of late been a number of forum threads with sometimes heated discussion about whether liberty activists should engage in defensive violence against government people. I think violence against those men and women calling themselves “the state”, even defensive, is the worst possible path we could take. Not only does using violence lower you to their level, it also is exactly what they are trained for. It’s certain death for you and will be used as an excuse to expand the state’s intrusion into everyone else’s lives. To expound on these ideas, I’d like to share this article from Ogre in this month’s New Hampshire Free Press. I felt it did a great job of summing up how I feel about this issue. If we are to evolve to a voluntary society, it must be done peacefully. There is no way to peace; peace is the way:
I’ve been thinking more about pacifism and how to combat this government that is clearly no longer Constitutionally- or Freedom-based.
I have to admit, I used to be what Russell referred to as a “gun cleaner,” though I’d never heard the term. I am quite skilled with firearms, and I have more than one. I had always vowed that the government would get me only after I fought back with firearms. I was (and am) perfectly willing to be killed by the government (because I know where I’m going after that time). However, after reading and watching so much of the freedom activities in NH, and certainly I’ve got to give Russell a lot of credit here (and I would Sam, too, only I really figured this out before Sam was kidnapped), I’ve changed my views, and I would encourage others to, as well.
Am I a pacifist now? I don’t think so. And not just because of the age-old societal view that makes me a “wimp” because I won’t fight back. I’m just not all the way there. I am, for example, willing to use violence against someone who is trying to hurt me or my family. It may be wrong in some circles, but I am willing to do it. At the same time, I am now a pacifist when it comes to government.
You see, the government — which includes all people who are employed by government or obtain cash from the government (or food, housing, etc), is nearly unlimited. In addition, this same government now has a dedicated group that is also VERY large that is as close-knit as many families. And the members of this group are trained in violence and how to use it, and they WILL blindly follow any instructions of that government, no matter what. Does this mean they would round up people and throw them in concentration camps? Honestly? I believe they would. The government has been training these “law enforcement” officers to do one thing and one thing only: obey orders. Remember that classic scene from The Fugitive:
Innocent Man: “I didn’t do anything.”
Law Enforcement: “I don’t care”
That IS Law Enforcement today. They obey orders and simply will not question those orders. That’s what they are trained to do.
In addition, this same group of people is trained to deal with violence. That’s what they expect. They know what to do with anyone who is violent — treat them like an animal. Anyone who is captured by law enforcement is, to them, less than human. Anyone who has been in a jail cell will be able to tell you that. If you know someone who is a prison guard, ask them about it. That’s what these people do.
Finally, these very same people, law enforcement, are completely blindly loyal to themselves and their leaders. If you use violence against them, you will lose — there is no other outcome. If you don’t believe me, watch what happens when a call goes out over the radio of “officer down.” Dozens, if not more, law enforcement officers will show up looking to kill someone and get revenge. It’s what they do. If you use violence against this sort of person, they will respond with more violence. Its what they understand.
The only way this government will be brought down using violence will be by a force that is tremendously huge — I’m talking hundreds of thousands to a million people who are willing to use violence against them. If you shoot one, ten will quickly appear to take their place. If you are not immediately killed by them (which is highly likely), then you will be at the very least jailed for life and branded as something worse even than people who smoke cigarettes — a “cop killer.”
No, I can’t say that I know what will bring down this government, but I am quite sure that it will not be done with violence unless the entire Chinese Army makes landfall in California. Even terrorist bombs don’t have a chance. Seriously. Violence against this machine is completely pointless.
I would humbly suggest that the only chance one has against this government is pacifism. Only by clogging the gears and overloading will the system be slowed. I would suggest that enough people would be able to show the government that the system doesn’t work. Enough people in the system might get one or two of these government workers to actually understand that those who are jailed are actually people. I think what Sam is doing is great work, even if it is at great cost.
And I’m not even suggesting that people intentionally go out and violate laws to point out their absurdity (like Andrew). No, I don’t have anything against that action, and I think Andrew did an excellent thing to help liberty. I think that type of action is really good — it’s just not for everyone. Then again, just imagine what the police would have done if they showed up, and just as they were arresting Andrew, another person showed they had a leaf in their hand. And then a third. And another. How would they have arrested 100 people (all who refused to give their names)? Sorry, just dreaming there for a minute.
Personally, I have decided what I will do when I am jailed. I do not know when it will be, nor what it will be for. My family thinks that only those who are “instigating” the system will be taken. I don’t believe that for a minute. Instead, when the police come for me, whether it be for not taking my dog to the vet for a shot, or daring to question the tax assessment people for the value of my house, I will simply not cooperate. I will not allow them in my house. If they force their way in, they will. At that point, they will do whatever they want. I vow not to cooperate with them in any way. My response to any question, no matter what it relates to will be total silence. I now have in my pockets at all times a small, handwritten card that says, “I invoke my right to remain silent.” I will not answer questions of any kind. I will not nod my head to cooperate. I have an additional card that says, “I do not give my consent to search,” but I think that one is pointless. I will continue to not cooperate until the police have left me. If they decide they will jail me, they will jail me. I do not honestly believe I have the power to stop them. I will not help them. I will not walk nor cooperate in any way.
From that point on, the government will do whatever it wants to do. Until the time they say that I am free to go, they will do things to me they want, but I will resist at all times. I will not use violence against them, as I know the result of that action (see above). But I will not speak and I will not eat until I am freed. If that means I die in government custody, so be it. Having not been tortured before, I do not know how my resolve will hold out, but I solemnly vow to attempt to resist at all times for as long as I am physically capable. I do not know what others will do, or how anyone will react to my actions. But as for me, I shall indeed Live Free or Die.
