I was reminded, today, of an anecdote about a rescue. It seems that this man swam out to rescue a swimmer, but was unable to calm the drowning man enough to save him. He decided to punch the swimmer. This knocked him out long enough for his rescuer to get him back to shore. The hero had to use an otherwise evil solution to get a good result.

We constantly see people apply solutions to social problems which involve an evil means to achieve a good ends. They decide on a course of action which will better society and forget that funding that project will require forcing people to pay for it.

In the regular world where we usually live this is called theft. Taxes are collected by force. Many people say that is not so bad. Look at all the good things which government does which aids society. Without government there is no law and order. Without the rule of law there is no protection of rights. Not paying your “fair share” is not patriotic and irresponsible.

I do not believe anyone have the ability or aptitude to decide how much or how little money I should contribute to society. If government is truly something society needs then responsible members of society will voluntarily pay for it. There is no need to put a gun to anyone’s head. The only reason for the gun is when government wants to collect more than a fare share.

If the ends rarely justifies the means then we need to find another solution to governing. Something beyond democracy. Something which involves good means as well as good ends. For we can not better society by first robbing it.