Status Updates From Anatomy of the State

(2/?)

this seems like an overly idealistic perspective. the government produces goods, too, the distinction being that they’re non-excludable. but can’t the same be said for institutions that sell goods necessary for human life, such as grocery stores?

similarly to governments, other institutions are self-serving. a thief would not be permitted to steal goods merely because the government does not exist.

(1/2)

“While other individuals or institutions obtain their income by production of goods and services and by the peaceful and voluntary sale of these goods and services to others, the State obtains its revenue by the use of compulsion; that is, by the use and the threat of the jailhouse and the bayonet.”

“Briefly, the State is that organization in society which attempts to maintain a monopoly of the use of force and violence in a given territorial area; in particular, it is the only organization in society that obtains its revenue not by voluntary contribution or payment for services rendered but by coercion.”

will have to see if this definition is sensible