Almost everyone recognizes that government can perpetrate great evils. One has only to think of the regimes of Stalin, Hitler, and Pol Pot, three of the most hideous examples. But government is also widely regarded as a potential source of great good. Even Ludwig von Mises, an archenemy of statism, declared that government is 'the most necessary and beneficial institution, as without it no lasting social cooperation and no civilization could be developed and preserved.' How can people enjoy the benefits of government while avoiding the dangers? Upon what principles must a tolerable government be built?" (written 1991; reposted 06/14/05)

http://www.fee.org/vnews.php?nid=2459

from Foundation for Economic Education, by Robert Higgs


Informant: Thomas L. Knapp