On Gold, Guns, Guts And Glory

The people were crying out for bijli, sadak, paani (electricity, roads and water), just as now they are crying out for “security.”

Why were they not getting bijli, sadak and paani?

Simple: All three are government monopolies.

The government exploits its monopoly powers in all areas. It does so in textbook fashion, lowering supply and lowering quality as well.

Now, extend this analysis to government-provided security – another monopoly.

The response from our The State to the massacre in Mumbai has been confined to a new federal agency – some thousands of crores for some baboos. There is also talk of “co-ordination” between the Navy, Coast Guard and Coastal Police.

Actually, a vigilant constabulary around the Gateway of India and in other parts of Mumbai could have tackled these terrorists as soon as they landed. We need to reinforce basic policing at the ground level. Our The State From On High is only thinking of another central government bureau from On High. This will never do. As I have been consistently arguing – we need the right to keep and bear arms. We need to break the State Monopoly on Security.

Similarly, with bijli, sadak and paani: it is State Monopoly that has to go. Even if some areas like local roads need government investment, let these be run by local government. Our The State From On High cannot be trusted to invest in local roads for one simple reason: it does not know local conditions. Ditto for security – which is why policing is a local subject all over the world. I strongly suggest a focus on urban local government, with Mayors in control of a city or town police. That too, a police that is not vested with the legal powers to harass and bully peaceful tradesmen. Even with this local police, with all their teeth drawn out, we will have to rely on private security agencies to secure private areas. Security, thus, will be privatized and localized.

If this sounds too extreme, consider then the worst government monopoly of all: the money monopoly. Today, the rupee is going down, along with the stock market. Wise people are moving to gold. And these wise people include many ordinary citizens too.

An interesting news report today says that the Post Office is selling gold coins in Karnataka – and has sold 8,500 coins in 15 days!

Thus, my argument remains consistent: we must privatize electricity, roads and highways, water supply, security and money.

This does not mean libertarians trust private businessmen more than we trust governments. Actually, we trust no one. Businessmen must compete with other businessmen. And government must be limited by Law, and local government – especially urban local government – must be given maximum importance.

Then, and only then, will we have the Libertarian Citizen: Who uses gold as money, carries his gun, and earns his honest keep through voluntary market exchanges. More and more such Individuals will make this terrorized land one in which the “mind is without fear and the head is held high.” India will regain all her lost glory.