Voluntarism in a Libertarian or even Anarchist Society

Re: Bush Declares State of Emergency!!!

There's a subtle difference between the concepts of Volunteerism and Voluntarism. Please see this Wikipedia page for a fairly good definition, esp. the Libertarian and Anarchist views.

Basically, individual participation in a local group should be on a voluntary basis. if an individual doesn't like that particular group, they are absolutely free to leave to join another group. Groups can partner up with other groups for the common need or defense, but no entity has power over another group or groups (such as a federal or central governance). Examples of this can be found in ancient Ireland, the Native American Tribe structure, the United States prior to the Constitution (Under the Articles of Confederation), the Old West, local governments (cities, counties and townships) and to a small extent Homeowners associations and subdivisions.

Another example is a voluntaristic tax structure; in which taxes (local governance only, no federal) are collected on the exchange of goods and services and export/import only, and NOT on the labor itself. There, individuals have a choice whether or not to purchase said goods and services and therefore not be taxed forcibly. And there should never, ever be tax on the necessities of life (food, water, and energy for the home). No tax should be over 10%.

Law would be handled by independent arbitrators and security forces. There will not be a government monopoly on these anymore. The rights (natural, common and property) of the individual will be paramount to any law. People will be encouraged to “work things out” peacefully instead of relying on the “security” of a monopolized system of central Law. A monopolized system is too easily corrupted and therefore inherently insecure.

In a one world government with centralized power (which Is what a one world government will be) will completely remove voluntarism - and thus a lot of free will. This one world government will try to solve the “problems” of humanity, requiring more government… and mandates. When something becomes mandated it is mandatory and NOT voluntary. Here is where it becomes a problem. More centralized government will eventually lead to Communism, as the government takes by force or coercion more and more property (through taxation usually) to solve problems perceived in society. Soon enough, all property will belong to the state. Also, a central one world government will more than likely fall prey to the same forces of corruption as any monopolized power. It only takes a few rotten apples to ruin the bunch.

With the ideas of immigration, nowadays, it takes so much resource to move from one country to another. The idea of moving from one country to another is nearly impossible for the middle and lower classes. Not on 40 thousand a year with a family. This is another example of how a centralized government can impede voluntarism.

Since many voluntaristic societies have already existed in the world, I see no reason why we cannot do this. Actually, our way of life would change very little. The main and obvious difference will be no central government of course, and a more peaceful world, since there will no longer be a huge militaristic presence such as the US Military to antagonize and perpetuate tensions overseas. There will also be no more corporate welfare and central law which would benefit only them, such as WTO, CFR or IMF. Without a large militaristic/economic presence in the world, it will be a lot more peaceful.

But, this depends on each one of us. We can, however, have this world right now. There is no doubt in my mind.

I hope this clarifies.

I am glad you enjoyed the video. :)