I live in Eastern Europe, in a little backwards country called Romania.
A question for those acquainted with the situation: If you were to suddenly become the “leader” of Romania, what specific changes would you implement in order to bring forth a more civilised country, under free-market principles?
I would make it illegal for the government to rule over anyone that does not consent to its rule.
Okay, and what about the people who want the “lazy way out” and just say “gov’t, tax me and gimme everything!” ?
If I were “in power” I’d like to know some practical solutions on how to let everyone do their own thing while:
a) not forcing people to embrace my libertarian ways
b) not getting impeached or lynched by the mob
c) promoting free market alternatives to gov’t services
d) preventing parasites such as churches or syndicates from having influence in state affairs
Please expound on d)… Churches and syndicates receive taxpayer money in Romania?
Mao and Stalin said something similar.
No one would.
You could support Panarchy…
I think that’s true in most of Europe.
Yes. Just yesterday they voted 13.000.000 euro aid to churches. 700 churches will be built or renovated in the year 2009.
Meanwhile education got only 8000.000 and healthcare less. Research funds were halved.
This under the situation where private education and healthcare are highly regulated and Romania is a secular state! The reason? Everyone wants the support of the “majority church” - which became a majority after the communist regime outlawed all other churches except this one.
So did Jesus and Rothbard.
Actually in Romania, I believe most would. Humour me and suppose they would.
That is denying human nature. Anyone who has any money whatsoever would immediately leave the system, leaving the system broke.
I’m not denying human nature, I’m denying your interpretation of it. The germans didn’t vote Hitler into power because they were forced to.
I live among these people every day. All most of them do is complain and expect the nanny state to fix their problems. They are clueless about libertarian ideas, since they have been indoctrinated in schools with stories about our mighty leaders of the past who once ruled the country with an iron fist in their fight against the hostile neighbour nations.
The only solution they can imagine is that some magical leader will come overnight and solve all their problems. Of course, a god-fearing one.
You can’t turn them into free-marketers overnight.
When I said “keep religion out of politics” I didn’t mean “ban them”, I meant separate the relationship that currently exists, where politicians would shower the dominant church with gifts whenever they have elections, or simply to solidify their position. My suggestion is simple: stop giving state money to churches. Period!
This is easy:
Repeal any “Legal Tender” laws. Allow people to make up their own money. Maybe they would conduct transactions in Euros or Francs or Gold or bear skins or something else. This solution was one advanced by Ron Paul. If it is a good idea for the US, the most complex economy in the world, then it is a good idea for Romania.
Close the central bank. I would let people set their own interest rates.
Drop out of the EU or any other organization that exerts supergovernmental authority.
Institute a small general tariff of less than 3% to fund government operations. Another Ron Paul suggestion.
Repeal any other existing tariffs and allow people to purchase what they want from who ever they want.
Repeal any laws stopping people from possessing, selling or consuming alcohol or any other drug.
Shutdown government provided and government assisted schools.
My guess is I would not be a popular governor. But the economy would be humming in less than 2 years.
mighty leaders of romania? How did that turn out for them?
[:D]
seriously though, convince people about the benefits of legal secession. If this could be allowed in your country than libertarianism and anarchism would surely be more appealing to people, I mean, they’ve already accept secession? I’m sure it could be pretty easy sale: Romania was carved out of other larger nations, it was ruled by dictators propped up by the soviet union and every time that it has escaped from these powers and won its self-determination it has gotten better so why not allow parts of romania the same chance?
DISCLAIMER: Okay, I’m not that knowledgeable on romanian history but from some stuff I’ve read about european history regarding austria, russia, and turkey it doesn’t seem like romania ever played a big role and was carved out of land a la the netherlands.
I never said they did, so I do not know how this applies to our conversation.
So what? What does this have to do with making it illegal for the government to rule over anyone without their consent?
I did not say I could. I just said I could make it illegal for the government to rule without consent.
If I could do three things for the biggest impact
Privatise education as much as possible
Repeal any gun laws/restrictions
Declare absolute monetary freedom
I would allow those who chose it to provide a competitive alternative to my rule, thus significantly narrowing the extent of my problems.
Following that I would have very little power left and those who worship power would grow bored with me. I could then turn to the problem of liquidating state assets such as public lands and businesses, and finish off by selling the state’s sole remaining operation, security production, to the highest bidder. Then I would retire with my profits and build a gigantic gothic castle on top of a tall mountain to be a museum to freedom.
How come nobody has given the Misesian answer yet?
I was considering submitting that as a response, but it didn’t seem to mesh well with the general tenor of the thread.
Simple, liquidate all governmental assets via auction, homesteading, and cash money refund to all ‘citzens’ in the country.