Fight Tyranny, Not Corruption

The Anna Hazare battle against corruption has garnered enormous attention - and I have called it a tamasha before. I said that if we want to end corruption, we must end statism.

Note that a young Manipuri girl called Sharmila has been on hunger strike for many years now - and her battle is against tyranny: The Armed Forces Special Powers Act. She is being ignored.

Which is the more important battle to fight - against corruption, or against tyranny?

I will argue that corruption and moral turpitude are ever present in human society. There are corrupt people to be found in every walk of life - even among sadhus and "holy men." We cannot wipe it out.

But a battle against tyranny is something winnable - and, if it is won, something positive is immediately available for all of us, something called Freedom. The big stick of The State is removed from our lives - and we are free. All our economic activities are free - and we can survive. There is no other way to survive than through gainful trade - and we can engage in these acts without let or hindrance. So, there is much to be gained by fighting tyranny. To fight corruption is an empty slogan.

Note that wherever popular revolts are occurring these days, they are NOT against corruption. Rather, they are all against Tyranny.

The only way to end tyranny is to make Private Property inviolable.

Fight for that!

Since it is not a right we possess by the Constitution of India, fight for a New Constitution. Fight for a Constitution of Liberty. Fight for a Second Republic. Fight for Free Cities and Free Trade.

Go on - fight!