me:
> > I'd like to know how "free markets" and "private property" could exist
> > without the restrictions imposed by government.
Charles Brown:
> The repressive apparatus of the state, police, prisons, weapons,
> army are necessary conditions for the existence of private property,
> contracts. No government, no market.
As I understand it, markets for products have existed without the
coercion of the state. However, it was mixed with war. Merchants were
hard to tell from marauders: they were involved in both "economic" and
"military" functions. Two armed camps would aim their weapons at each
other and then engage in trade. A temporary truce substituted for the
role of the state.
(I'd bet that the modern institution of escrow evolved from this kind
of temporary truce. We both put our goods on neutral ground. Then,
while aiming our weapons at each other, we pick up the goods that the
other is selling.)
But for "private" property as we know it (with economic and military
functions separated) requires state coercion to enforce property
rights, contracts, and exchange. So we agree.
--
Jim Devine / "The radios blare muzak and newzak, diseases are cured
every day / the worst disease is to be unwanted, to be used up, and
cast away." -- Peter Case ("Poor Old Tom").
