Top 10 favorite statist arguments

[AnCap Dave]

What really gets me, though, are the ones that aren't creationists--that join the rest of us in attacking creationism--but use the exact same fallacies and tactics in support of the state. They would NEVER accept that kind of argumentation from creationists, yet they themselves rely on it all the time.

Ironically enough, James Randi, who they idolize, says that true believers will always believe no matter what evidence you throw at them. Not only will they continue to believe, but you presenting this evidence is perceived as a direct threat to them, which is why they continue to reject the facts and downright lie to keep their precious "reality" in tact.

[evensgrey]

The big example they give is pollution: big factories run by unfeeling, uncaring, greedy fat psychopaths go out of their way to spew as much crap into the air as possible. It's an externality because they don't incur the costs of doing so, and so the price mechanism doesn't work to disincentivize the behavior.

And they conveniently ignore the fact that the only reason that there's no price mechanism is because Government declares that there not be.  If full property rights were recognized, then those who are affected by the pollution could bring suit against the polluter for damaging the value of their property, and the disincentive would be there.

[Goaticus]

What's funny to me is how many members of the "free thought" community are shocked Michael Shermer isn't a statist.