Tyranny In Switzerland?

The Swiss are regarded as the hallmark of Democracy - indeed, theirs is "direct democracy." Further, theirs is, in technical language, also a "consociational democracy" because they are not a homogenous people: there is no Swiss language. There are Swiss-French, Swiss-Germans and Swiss-Italians - and all have a fair say in their own affairs. Even the tiny Romansch-speaking gypsies have their language and rights protected.

Further, all these linguistic groups consider themselves thoroughly "Swiss." German, French and Italian nationalism and war-mongering have never meant anything to them - and they have always stayed far away from war. Of course, each male citizen is armed, trained and ready to fight for his nation's defence if called upon.

The tiny, landlocked mountainous region is divided into 26 "cantons" - and each flies its own flag, as the illustration accompanying this post shows. These cantons are the "states of the federation" and there is a great deal of independence they enjoy. According to Wikipedia:

The cantons have a permanent constitutional status and, in comparison with the situation in other countries, a high degree of independence. Under the Federal Constitution, all 26 cantons are equal in status. Each canton has its own constitution, and its own parliament, government and courts.^[53] However, there are considerable differences between the individual cantons, most particularly in terms of population and geographical area. Their populations vary between 15,000 (Appenzell Innerrhoden) and 1,253,500 (Zurich), and their area between 37 km² (14 sq mi) (Basel-Stadt) and 7,105 km² (2,743 sq mi) (Graubünden). The Cantons comprise a total of 2,889 municipalities. 

I am fortunate to have had the occasion to visit Switzerland and spend a week or more there, travelling around a fair bit. I attended the Geneva Motor Show - and noted that the Swiss don't make cars! Geneva headquarters the World Trade Organisation. And an equestrian statue at a prominent location honours the founder of the International Red Cross. Peace, trade, direct democracy - these are Swiss "values." This landlocked, mountainous nation is one of the world's richest. Yet, even here, in a 500-year old souvenir store in Interlaken, I found carved, wooden figurines of Swiss women carrying firewood on their heads. Hard work - and Liberty (and Property) - and Peace - and Trade - created all the wealth they now enjoy. Some of their mountain cities boast the highest "quality of life" in the world.

Yet, my favourable impression of Switzerland has considerably dampened after many a discussion with a Swiss couple holidaying here. They are both over 60 - and she likes her morning spliff with her coffee. He wears his hair very long and smokes beedis. So we got talking about the Davidoff store in Geneva - where all the world's best tobaccos are available, and all the best cigars, and also beedis from India! Free trade!

And they told me the sad story of how all this is heavily taxed! Apparently, there are almost zero profits left in the tobacco trade these days.

They also told me some horrible stories about their country's stop-go attempts at the legalisation of cannabis. "Democratic referendum" was ordered thrice - and they lost every time. Which begs the question: How much "majoritarian politics" do we want in our lives? If Property is Inviolable, every Individual is Free - and that is what we need. The libertarian ball game is all about Individual Rights, Individual Liberty, Individual Property and the "pursuit of happiness" based on the subjective valuations of each individual mind. Then, if the majority prefer alcohol, they cannot trample on the rights of minorities who prefer other highs.

The Swiss suffer from overgovernment, it seemed to me.

Overgovernment in Switzerland?

In the papers today, there is a photo of a Swiss State official with our Central finance minister, the caption indicating that the Swiss State will force Swiss private bankers to reveal account details to our Predatory State and its Tax Collectors. Is this "diplomacy"? Won't all Swiss private bankers lose?

The Swiss have a very old Constitution, heavily "de-centralised." It is joked about Switzerland that they are a people proud to not know the name of their President. I tried it out while there - and each one of the over 100 Swiss people I asked confessed to not knowing their president's name. Where has their Constitution gone wrong that centralisation and over-government can happen here?

I came up with two answers - apart from the Inviolability of Private Property - both relevant to our times.

First: There must be constitutional limits on the powers of taxation.

Second: The power to produce money monopolistically must be taken away. Money must be "private."

With these new "limits" the ability of The State to fund itself will be drastically curtailed - and society will flourish. Capital will be Accumulated - privately. Civilisation will march along.

I also think certain pernicious taxes should be made illegal by Constitution - like customs duties. Thus, the power of The State to interfere between domestic and international prices will be taken away. No more protectionism. No more wars.


But it goes to show if the Swiss are being tyrannised - despite direct and consociational democracy - there is much we in India have to achieve, if we are to be Free.

The Lesson: Democracy and Liberty are not the same. The first is not a means to the second. Further, liberty and property matter more than The Vote.