Public Schools And The State's Omnipotent Bayonet

The state is a box we desperately need to think outside of if we're ever going to establish civil relations among people.

For starters, see Murray Rothbard's book Anatomy of the State, Albert Nock's essay "The Criminality of the State," and Llewellyn Rockwell's book The Left, the Right, and the State.

Has the state been successful in preventing terrorist attacks? Has it achieved its stated goal of eradicating poverty? Have state regulations in healthcare, which began long before ObamaCare, succeeded in making healthcare better and more affordable? Did its countless financial regulations prevent the recession of 2007-8? How about the job it did following September 11, with George Orwell at home and bloody cakewalks overseas, both of which are running indefinitely? Should we be surprised the state is meddling in Israel-Hamas, Ukraine-Russia, and China-Taiwan? The American state seems bent on pursuing nuclear Armageddon.

What grade would we give the state for the job it's done educating our children? Not only are our kids exposed to a creativity-killing environment but they're forced to sit defenseless in rooms all day, with everyone hoping the next attack doesn't happen at their school.

It might still be argued that since these are state schools, the state should at least be responsible for ensuring the safety of its students.

So parents sue people like Alex Jones instead. It's one of those fascinating aspects of the institution so many people regard as indispensable-you can't hold the state responsible for its actions or negligence.

In the spirit of double standards, the state, backed by its omnipotent bayonet, can hold you responsible for anything it chooses, especially the payment of tribute.

https://mises.org/mises-wire/public-schools-and-states-omnipotent-bayonet