The Anatomy of a Statist: Why Good People Vote for Bad Things with Patrick Carroll

Ready for a deep dive into government, violence, and Christian ethics? Patrick Carroll, a seasoned libertarian thinker, is back to dissect the core beliefs of statists, revealing how even well-intentioned government supporters inadvertently endorse violence. This eye-opening conversation challenges listeners to reconsider their views on political power and its compatibility with Christian teachings.

Key topics include:

• The Anatomy of the Statist: Carroll dissects various statist mindsets, from well-intentioned humanitarians to power-hungry megalomaniacs. He argues that despite good intentions, statist thinking ultimately relies on coercion.
• Taxation as Theft: The conversation dives deep into the libertarian view that taxation isn't just metaphorically similar to theft—it is theft. Carroll explains why this perspective isn't hyperbole but a fundamental ethical stance.
• The Violence Inherent in Government: The discussion exposes how all government action, at its root, relies on the threat of force.
• Christian Ethics vs. State Power: Carroll argues that Jesus' teachings on loving neighbors and enemies are fundamentally at odds with governmental coercion.

This episode promises to challenge deeply held beliefs about the role of government in society and offers a compelling case for embracing non-violent approaches to social organization.

Tune in for an intellectually stimulating conversation that might just change how you view government, freedom, and your role in shaping a more just society.

 

📖For Full Show Notes: https://www.thebadroman.com/show-notes/episode-138

🤝Connect with Patrick:

• Blog
• Facebook Page
• Twitter (X), 
• The Prudent Navigator (website/blog)
• Read Patrick’s Mises Institute Articles
• Read or Listen to The Anatomy of a Statist article

 

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Starting Points and Key Moments:

(0:22) Patrick Carroll returns to discuss "The Anatomy of the Statist"

• Previous appearances on episodes 16 and 55
  • Episode 16: If You Vote You Can’t Complain
  • Episode 55: Is Taxation Slavery?

(0:58) Patrick's recent work and philosophical journey

• Managing editor at Foundation for Economic Education

(4:17) Discussion on Patrick's writing style and approach

• Larken Rose on the Bad Roman
  • Episode 83: The Cult of Statism 
  • Episode 91: Breaking Down the Jones Plantation
  • Episode 134: Immigration and Christian Values: Challenging the Border Fetish Brigade

(5:47) The appeal of libertarian philosophy

(7:45) Breaking the framing of political conversations

(10:37) The Anatomy of the Statist: 10 characteristics

(17:47) The utilitarian perspective on government

(23:17) The theocrat and Christian involvement in politics

(31:41) The risk mitigator and government regulation

(53:57) The megalomaniac and power dynamics of government

(56:24) The heart of the statist: intolerance

(59:52) Taxation as theft: beyond metaphor

(1:03:43) Free market principles and conservative inconsistencies

(1:05:31) Conclusion and resources

 

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