Nonarchist theorist Roderick Long, philosophy prof at Auburn, is bold. He's so bold that he and 282 other brave souls are petitioning the government – to abolish itself! And be replaced with...nothing.

Always one to prefer constructive criticism, Long might want to consider broadening his "demands" out a bit. Why limit his petition to the United States? If Marx can cry out: "Workers of the world, unite!" why can't Long exclaim: "Governments of the world, dissolve!"

Of course, all the stockpiles of munitions will need to be disposed of, but why get wrapped around one's axles about such minor details?

Long is technically correct when he states, "...few if any of those over whom you claim authority have ever consented to such governance...." After all, did you sign a contract with the government that gives them authority to do what they do? I know I didn't. I'm quite sure I'd like government to do less, a lot less in my dreams. I've even toyed with moving to the stateless area formerly known as Somalia, but I've become accustomed to my inside-the-Beltway oasis and its creature comforts. And, while a time machine has yet to be invented, it might be cool to teleport back a thousand years to Iceland. This way, I can validate the historians who claim to've read the records scratched on bogs that suggest that perhaps that isolated tundra of an island was an anarcho-paradise. Of course, that even Iceland could not maintain its nonarchic utopia might -- just might -- give pause to the Long 283.

Or, like the sun rising and setting, we just might accept that some sort of State seems likely for the foreseeable future and beyond. Call that a "constructive contract" if you must, but unless the 283 swells to tens of millions, I'm making book on some semblance of government continuity. And, near as I can tell, 99.9999% seem to accede to the terms, more or less.

Still, it seems we should have compassion for the 283. What to do? My modest proposal: Nonarchy Pods. If someone really, really, really wants to opt out of the state's authority to keep the peace, we should let them. They can buy a pod that envelopes them on their property. The pod is impenetrable – nothing comes in or out. They become autonomous little Lichtensteins, except they cannot leave, as the 283 have stated they refuse to abide by the rule of law here amongst the governed.

OK, OK, we allow them to trade through a small hole in the pod, I'm feeling generous. And if someone wants to go in the pod, they may, so long as the understand that there is no exit.

And now back to our regularly scheduled program, "Roll Back the State."

-RC