What Does History Tell Us About "The State"?

Let me start with a direct answer to that question. History tells us that States, regardless how "noble" they may start, ALWAYS become corrupt and even more so the larger they become.

So my second question is, then why do people believe that States must exist because that does seem to be the consensus throughout most of history? It seems to be something that just "is" and the vast majority never seem to ask themselves, "why do we need the state; why must "the state" exist?"

Many believe that government, i.e. the state, is necessary to restrain evil; make laws and punish law breakers. Some even say that it is "ordained by God" based on some bible verses in Romans chapter 11. (It seems an unlikely interpretation since the offices of government are filled by corrupt humans full of vices, greed not being the least of them) Most, I believe, have simply never thought about it and just accept that this is how it's always been and so it must always be and so the idea that there is an alternative to Statism never crosses their mind.

Many people can't see how some things would work without the aid of a state government even though there is some historical evidence, Ireland for example, where there have been societies that functioned fairly well without the aid of centralized government. They did it for about 1000 years believe it or not.

While it can be easily seen that everything the government touches turns to crap, people still seem to think that it would be worse without it but I believe that governments, in general, are nothing more than extortion rackets where, by use of force, the fruits of the labor of individuals and groups, in a given territory, are owned by the state which, in effect means that people are owned by the state. If the government can take, by force, what it wants from you and give it to someone else then they own you - period.

There was a time, before 1913, in the US in which income taxes did not exist and so it is quit possible for the state to exist without directly taxing the income of it's citizens but since government is to evil people what shit is to flies, it attracts the worst society has to offer and ultimately it will take it's toll. Of course I'm not saying that before the income tax that America was a utopia of liberty and freedom. That vision had long since perished. Nonetheless, the income tax and the creation of the Federal Reserve the very same year, was the impetus that propelled the US government to become the largest crime syndicate the world has ever known, strapping the American people with $20 Trillion in debt and $100-$200 Trillion in unfunded liabilities. It's and insurmountable sum that will never be paid.

So can anyone show me a state, in all of history, that didn't ultimately eat it's citizens? I don't think so. States always fail just like fiat currencies always fail. The US is no different and it will fail... actually it already has, it's really just a walking corpse at this point and it's only a matter of time before it's a third world county. It's bankrupt - it just hasn't been declared.

When the automobile came along the horse and buggy became obsolete. No one had to start an "anti-horse and buggy" NPO or start a campaign to end them, it just happened naturally because the market, i.e. people preferred automobiles. I propose that as people discover a better way for societies to operate, the state and it's coercive governments will simply become obsolete but just like the horse and buggy industry there will be those who cry foul! "Look at all the people that will be put out of work?" they'll say or they'll claim that volunteerism; private contracts and freedom of association won't work because AB and C but hey, could it really be any worse than "THE STATE" running (ruining) things? I mean, after all, they've done such a stellar job don't you think? Yes, my tongue is planted firmly in my cheek!

The state will not end quietly to be sure. I fully expect WWIII is just around the corner as the bankers are trying to overt the inevitable.