My wife just called me an anarchist...

[boing]

I linked to the Libertarian web page through a TFL thread, and was poking around when the love of my life comes in and says "Libertarian? I thought you were an anarchist."

Anarchist?!? What?!? Me?!?

"Where do you get that?" I asked.

"Because you're always saying things about the government."

Well, first of all, I'm not always saying things about the government.

And secondly, what I do say about the government always concerns constitutional abuses, etc...

So I explained to her: "I'm not an anarchist! I'm the opposite of an anarchist. I'd have to describe myself as a burgeoning constitutionalist." And I went on to explain how I believe in the need for laws in society, not lawlessness. And that when governments, federal, state, and local, enact and enforce unconstitutional laws, well, that's lawlessness.

Anyway, I started thinking. (no...really!) My wife and I have been together for almost five years, and while we don't talk politics much (my political awakening is a pretty recent thing), I just figured that she, at least, would understand what I was talking about, that I had made myself clear. I guess not.

So what about the other people I've talked to about gun control, asset forfeiture, taxes, etc...? I'm pretty low-key, but these people have probably already called SBI, FBI, ATF, IRS, UPI...

The point is (finally), that any time I find myself getting into one of these 'radical' conversations, the issue of constitution as law, for governed and governing alike, will be unmistakably clear. It doesn't do any good to debate rights with someone if they dismiss you straight-off because they think you're some sort of 'anarchist': "this guy wants to blow up the white house and shoot congress... what a nut! probably belongs to one of those militias, or something..."

When I wrote a letter to the editor of the local paper, recently, I made sure to include the constitutional bit. It's about rights!

As an aside, I even got my wife turned around on the NRA. She said, "I thought they were all about hunting. But it's about rights. When you get your hat, can I wear it?" Of course, dear. Maybe I can even convince you to get one of your own?

Thanks for listening. Did I make myself clear?
-boing

[Kodiac]

boing, I know what your talking about... I have been called an Anarchist as well. It seems many sheople think that if your not a Republicrate of some flavor or another, that your an Anarchist.

Thinking about it... If I could/had to choose, anarchy over the government we have now... I would choose anarchy. It is a self leveling system. Most of the "wild west" was this way for a good long time practicaly. I can't think of a more perfect example of how societe can get along with out a Big Brother watching over us. Also never since - has people lived in such peace.

While I am not an Anarchist, I am not offended by the title.

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RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE

[DC]

LOL

I've been called an anarchist and a fascist by the same person in the same conversation. Neat trick huh?

Too many people have no concept of what political labels stand for. To them concern over individual and civil liberties indicates anarchy and demanding criminal behavior to be maximally punished indicates fascism.
oh well

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"Quis custodiet ipsos custodes"

[Idaho02]

Believing that the founding fathers meant what they wrote in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights these days gets one labeled as all kinds of things. I too have been called an anarchist, radical, right wing extremist, gun nut, and some unprintable monikers.
Of course the people applying these labels are usually the type whose only source of information is CNN, ABC, CBS, etc.
What these uninformed folks always forget (or never learned) is that our founding fathers were REVOLUTIONARIES. Their ideas and writings WERE radical at the time, and still are. These radical ideas have served us well for over two centuries.
If believing in the Constitution and Bill of Rights makes one an anarchist, or a radical wear these titles with pride. In terms of government, I believe "less is more".

[461]

I recently had the same discussion with my wife. I wish it had gone as smoothly. We always seems to end up agreeing to disagree. this is my wife of ten years, I have to respect her for her opinion even if I disagree completely.

I've been noticing a problem at work though. People always seem to jump to the conclusion that I have violence in my heart just because I like firearms. Can anyone help me on that one?

[Kodiac]

Tim - I have the same problem... When I say that generally I am a pacifist - I get guffaws and people walk away.

Fine... they can walk away... "sticks and stones" and whatnot...

People think what they want to think - and it takes an act of God to change that. And that will only work if they believed in God in the first place.

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RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE



[This message has been edited by Kodiac (edited May 01, 1999).]

[Scott Evans]

I’ve been called an insurrectionist.

And …

I think I like it :)

[Art Eatman]

Dunno how many years ago I ran across this squib, but it is apropos to all of us who attempt to communicate ideas which in today's world seem rather unpopular:

"It is not your responsibility to understand me. It is my responsibility to make myself understood."

It's not easy. It requires patience. It requires that you have already thought out your choices of words, and how you phrase them.

Very often, you have to wait-out folks, because they're not really listening to what your're saying. They're waiting for their turn to speak, and thinking of what they are going to say, and until they've said their say, they're not yet ready to really listen to you.

I have found that if you ask simple questions, you can force people into re-thinking their old shibboleths. For instance, ask whether they believe that even government is bound by Law and the Constitution. Most will agree. If you can point out a provable instance of Gummint's breaking of a law, they go "Hmmm..." Again, do they believe in government's following written law and the Constitution, or polls/public opinion?

Ask whether they believe in your right to defend yourself; and if you have a duty to defend your family. Given provable LEO response times measured in minutes, and violent events measured in seconds, what do they suggest be used in self-defense? Put the burden on your audience...

FWIW, Art

[James K]

If you read what they wrote, and not what someone thinks they meant to write, our revered Founding Fathers were pretty radical. In fact, they were a gang of armed revolutionaries.

[boing]

Convincing the folks at work will require everything Art talked about.

I stayed late one day and started talking about technical gun stuff and concealed carry with one of the guys on second shift (he was reading 'Guns and Weapons for Law Enforcement'). The guy sitting next to us, one Mr. Quasi-Righteous, said "Why do you want to go out and shoot someone? If you're going to rob a bank, I'll drive the get-away car, or something, but I'm not going to go out and shoot someone."

Hmmm. Interesting morality, there, to say the least. Anyway, I was ready to leave by then, so I didn't get into it with him, but I always wish I had. Looks like I'll get my chance after all. I'm going to second shift in a few weeks, and guess who's going to be training me on seven or eight machines? Lo and behold! Mr. Quasi-Righteous!

I can't wait to mercilessly, but politely, slay his misconceptions. Not that I have violence in my heart, mind you...

-boing

[bruels]

I was talking to my brother about politics and he asked, "Are you a member of one of those militias?"

I answered quickly, "I am a militia."



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Bruce Stanton

[fubsy]

In some varying degrees Ive experienced most of the above as well....the one that brings a chuckle is my cousin.....a 30yr old mp,,,he was gearing up to go to one of the skirmishes somewhere, well not haveing body armour to send along...I sent a model 14 randall that had been blued and was quite sharp on both edges,(att he and his wife were having problems with a guy hitting on his wife, and I had offered to send a mdl 19 and speedstrips, speed loaders and glasers as the situation had deterioated somewhat), back to story......i sent that knife along with a kydex inserted nylon sheath with a leatherman and sharpening equip........his response was.......are you one of those survivalists?, Iam only so much that id like to survive...lol...he wound up not taking it and his wife was using it for slicing tomatoes....lol...the times they are a changing....fubsy.

[zot]

anyone who thinks ALL the ammendmants to the constitution are equally important and should be equally enforced would be called
anti-government a seperatist or militia gun
nut, anarchist, and even a criminal.
if your not in agreement with what Bill or
Janet tell ya , then YOU are wrong and maybe
dangerous,most sheep in our society beleive
our government does all for the good, even if
losing some rights could save lifes it must be GOOD for all, but I watched the L.A. riots
on TV and it was the owners of the stores who
used their constitutional right to bear arms
who kept looters out, fires from being set,
it wasn't the police or any number of federal
agents or troops, it was lawfull gun owners
who enforced the law, and now that state is the worst for gun bans, go figure, yeah I
don't trust my government, its corrupt and
perverted, tottaly out of control with only the hope that when Clinton leaves alot of
things will change.

[Ankeny]

Most of you guys aren't democrats are ya?

[HankL]

Just keep preaching , to the choir, or not!
I've had more than a few come around.
Hank

[SB]

It doesn't really have to do with politics, but my wife's usual response is, "Have you lost your damn mind?!"

[This message has been edited by SB (edited May 01, 1999).]

[Gwinnydapooh]

According to my history professor, I'm a "small "r" republican." That means I believe in a government consisting of a body of representatives, elected by citizens, who make decisions for the whole--a republic.

Sound familiar?

[Trevor]

I am an anarchist in the sense that I do not accept the idea of the nation-state as it has construed or constructed since the late 17th century. I believe there are better and more effecive ways for people organize human societies that do not depend upon a concentration of lethal authority among a self-appointed ruling elite (whether it be communist or captitalist). I am committed to private property, firearm ownership, and the notion that fences make good neighbors. Beyond that arrangement, the only law is the law of the jungle, no matter who makes it or attempts to enforce it.

[Art Eatman]

Trevor: Emotionally, I tend to agree with you about anarchy. The problem is that your sort of anarchy only works if there is an equal amount of personal responsibility for consequences, accepted by your anarchistic friends and neighbors.

As near as I can tell from my no-expert knowledge of history, the only anarchistic period and area with any degree of success which might relate to us, here, was the frontier area and time of the 19th century in America. My conclusion is that anarchy can only work in very low population densities. In those areas, to some extent, the flaws of anarchy are self-healing. Evolution works; the stupid die.

FWIW, Art

[Trevor]

I have not changed my mind about this one. Admittedly, I am not being realistic. So it goes.

[Hal]

My wife just called me an anarchist My wife called me a bone headed goofball. Count your blessings. :D

[boing]

Actually, My boned head has become quite the topic of conversation lately.

But it's been awhile since she called me an anarchist.

:)

[sm]

Art Eatman wrote:
"It is not your responsibility to understand me. It is my responsibility to make myself understood."

Thanks Art, I like that, wish I knew whom to give credit.

I"ve been called things not polite to put on public forum.

Have been referred to as a rebel, relic, civil disobedient, desperado,and, republican. All in one semester from an instructor, who is an anti, and from London.

Never had an instructor compliment me like that before
:D

[Bam Bam]

Christian Anararchy: the only moral form of internalized morality and moral non-goverment.

[MitchSchaft]

I am not being realistic

You got that right. Socialism works better than anarchy.

[Ceol Mhor]

:confused: Well, if by "works" you mean "hurts the greatest number of people for the longest time" then maybe...

[ronin308]

*Yawn*...I got called an anarchist twice in class last week...and we only had a two day week ;) If you don't have "Power of Pride" bumper stickers on your car and think that CNN is a good source: you will be called an anarchist at some point.

[Trevor]

ronin308: :cool:

[twoblink]

"Anarchy, it's better then no government right??" ;) :p

Where I come from and the crowds I hang around with, being called an anarchist is a compliment!