A Little Q & A

Q: I agree with many voluntaryist ideas, but what would you do if someone robbed you? How would you get your possessions back? Would you murder everyone than stole something from you? How would this be handled? Wouldn't everyone just be killing each other? I have asked this question over and over again and have never been given an answer.

A: Most of us have seen a series of questions such as this. Most of us have tried to provide guidance to those who ask. This question has been addressed over and over again on hundreds of voluntaryist type forums. The most important answer to this question is, "What would you yourself do?". It will be your responsibility to decide how you will respond to aggression. There are tactics involved, there are reputational considerations, there are economic considerations, and many more things you would want to consider. Would you murder a child that stole a gumball from your store? Hope not! Might you hunt down and kill the man who murdered and raped your wife and child while robbing your house? Maybe?!? Justice is for everyone. Is the thought a bit scary that people get to decide for themselves? Sure, but it is hardly different than what we have now. People decide to shoot thieves that attempt to rob them, every single day in the present world. If you would happen to live in an area where out of control vigilante type justice was happening for minor infractions, then it would behoove you to consider moving, or beefing up your own defense capabilities, or hiring private security, or pooling your resources with others, who do not want to be murdered over a simple misunderstanding, to provide a more blanketed security option. There are thousands upon thousands of answers to this question. The only answers you shouldn't consider are ones that involve violence and coercion to solve the problem. Voluntary solutions are far superior in every way. Aren't you better than the thought that violent force is the only means for you to be free and feel safe? I think you are!