One week to go! Today we will once again write about our simple, yet powerful Principle and Pledge, with which we hope to transform this world -- the Reduce Aggression Principle and Pledge (RAPP).
A solid definition of "aggression" turns out to be more difficult than you would think, with some including uses like "aggressive salespeople" that are not a part of what we mean. In the Mises Institute's wiki on the Principle of non-aggression, we have a definition of aggression that is close to what we mean:
We're not too sure about what fraud upon property would be.
Unlike the NAP, the Reduce Aggression Principle does not assert that aggression is inherently illegitimate. We assert that there is enough empirical evidence to strongly suggest that aggression is often counterproductive, usually unpleasant and replete with potential unintended consequences. Therefore, we desire to associate with those who also understand these drawbacks to aggression and know how to look for alternatives with less, or better yet, no aggression, when attempting to solve personal or social problems. Similarly, we want to shun and shame those who reflexively embrace needless initiation of force and fraud. We want to let them know that restitution will be required for them to get back into the good graces of the growing swarm of those who embrace the Principle and have made the Pledge.
Embracing the Principle requires you to be able first to NOTICE aggression. Maybe you don't think taxation is theft, especially if your burden doesn't seem too high. But you do need to realize it is aggression, when not paying is penalized by being forcibly put in a cage, and having your stuff "appropriated". Maybe you think it is necessary aggression, which you can believe and still embrace the principle, as long as you are willing to consider reducing the initiation of coercion. Maybe lighter sentences and reduced fines and unarmed IRS agents with actual warrants. This might make the Principle seem too watered down for most hard core voluntaryists, but we want to be inclusive enough to attract the kind of numbers that can change the world. Noticing is the first step. Considering reduction is the next step. Studying the evidence that reduction leads to positive results will then lead to actually advocating, and helping to implement reductions which will lead to positive results providing more evidence, in a virtuous feedback loop, towards a world with negligible aggression.
Embracing the Principle will hopefully lead to making the Pledge -- which is to publicly embrace the Principle and to commit to especially apply the principle when dealing with others who have also made the Pledge. In order for the Pledge to be public, we will use blockchain technology. To start with, pledgers will use Steemit to create an account and make a post with the tag #ReduceAggressionPledge which will document their commitment. Their may be versions which are stronger and weaker. Their may be quizzes like the libertarians have to put you on the Nolan chart: http://www.polquiz.com/
Making the Pledge will most likely be a requirement to joining the experimental ethical MLM discussed in the last few posts.
No upvotes please. Comments, resteems tips and emails to brindleswan@tutanota.de appreciated.