I recently found a website, The Art of Not Being Governed, which claims to support the “Non-Aggression Principle. As I read through many of the articles on the website, I found that I agree with the base principles of most things on this website, but there was an underlying confrontational tone that continued to rub me the wrong way. For a group that advertises non-aggression, the site was wrought with aggressive phrases and confrontational overtones.
Anyone who has read my blog knows that I advocate homeschooling. I feel that the knowledge a child acquires in a comfortable environment from familiar and trustworthy sources in a fun and relaxed way will stay with that child easier and better than any knowledge a stranger tries to force on him/her in a strange and uncomfortable, sometimes hostile environment. Regardless of my feelings toward homeschooling, I found the article addressed to teachers confrontational and unnecessary. Teachers, such as myself, do not see ourselves as better than anyone else. Nor do we demand respect from anyone. Every teacher I know chose this profession to help children. There are many children who get lost in the crowd. They do not have loving parents who would do anything to see them succeed. Those children may not get the same quality of education as a child with the loving parents who teach him/her at home, but I still feel that every child deserves some chance.
As far as anarchy goes, the group should do a little research. History will clearly define what happens to anarchists. There is no such thing as a lack of government on a large scale. That is a pipe dream that can never truly happen. If your current government somehow dissolves, there will be chaos for a while. People will panic; many will take advantage of the situation through theft, looting, murder and other crimes because there would be no one to punish them. Eventually order would start to come about in the form of a person or group of people that would be stronger than the others. This person, or group of people, would begin calling the shots, and others would fall in line. In the end, you’d have a dictatorship. Throughout history, every period of anarchy or lack of government has been immediately followed by a dictatorship. Complete freedom sounds good on paper, but unfortunately most people are sheep, so its practical applications are quite limited.
I do think that despite the confrontational nature of the site, there were some good tips:
Dig up your lawn and plant a garden (and check out Grow Food Not Lawns on Facebook, while you’re at it). If you’re renting, plant a container garden.
Get to know your neighbors. Divided we are weak and afraid, together we look out for each other.
Learn a useful skill.
Enjoy your local farmers’ market.
Try bartering for goods and services.
Watch and read alternative news sources. Mainstream media is an insult to journalism and a mouthpiece for the state.
Find like-minded friends to discuss and debate with.
Be charitable and volunteer for causes you are passionate about.
Start prepping for disaster. The less dependent you are on the government, the better. Have a “bug out bag” and a plan.
Consider investing in gold, bitcoins, or other alternative currencies. Or, if not invest, at least use.
Learn to debate without being a jerk. Be open to new ideas.
Stop letting petty shit divide you from other people. Your color, gender, sexual orientation, and religion are just ways to keep you separated. The powers that be encourage this. Better to keep people at each others throats rather than focusing on the real issues.
Parent peacefully. Teach the next generation about liberty, responsibility, and self ownership. Treat them as you would another human being, because that is what they are.
Homeschool.
Film the police whenever you see them. Badges should not grant extra privileges. Try to resolve conflict on your own. Become familiar with your civil rights.
Just like all the creatures of Earth, being free is the natural way of things. Even though the government is obnoxiously large and invasive, it only truly effects a small portion of our every day. Treat them like the bullies they are. Refuse to be intimidated. Stand up for yourself and enjoy your life!
That last one still seems a little bit confrontational to me, but I do agree with it. I’m still not sure why this site rubbed me wrong. Like I said, I agree with most of the things on it. I guess I had a pretty strong emotional reaction to the way it was presented. In my opinion, you just can’t claim to be peaceful and non-aggressive, then go out and pick a fight.
Comments