Beyond Theory and Into the Realm of Practice, I

by Eric Gronseth

Of the four methods of attaining anarchy, three present fundamental problems of ineffectiveness, illegitimacy and immorality.  As such, I can only rightfully focus on the remaining approach, which possesses none of the before-mentioned ills.  

In my previous column, I concluded that individual or group secession is the most viable and sustaining option in removing bonds with the State.  By researching and ultimately implementing these measures, the individual will become as free as possible without resorting to violence, relying on national movements or living on the run (1).  

The question thus becomes, how would one go about seceding?  

Actually, there are a couple of approaches and each depends on whether or not you wish to secede as an individual or rely on the presence of others.  In addition, these approaches can be modified to suit the participant and how free he or she is willing to become.  

The Realities of Secession  

In today’s technological environment, humans have become nothing more than proficient consumers.  We are inundated with the “latest” and “greatest” products and, each several months, the remnants of the free market create newer and more efficient products, thus outdating that which we already possess.

In my personal opinion, modern consumerism is a disease.  Awkward as this may read coming from a free-market advocate, I believe that “stuff” is not beneficial to man.  Not only does “stuff” often times distract man from the essence of life, but, in this statist age, the exchange of goods and services habitually fuels the State with tax revenue.  Furthermore, excessive purchases may lead to personal debt: something that must be eliminated in order to achieve individual freedom, no matter what conduit you decide to take.

Property is indeed a natural right (actually, an extension of one); however, at some point, it may become a hindrance.  Rather than enriching you, the latest gizmos may be doing nothing more than robbing you of your greatest property: your self (2).

So before an individual even considers the move to a secessionist lifestyle, it may be worthy to reevaluate your life.  What is it that you really want?  Wealth, prestige, freedom?  If you happen to enjoy a high standard of living, fine dining or international travel, then secession is most likely not for you.  If, however, you feel that individual freedom is the highest state of humanity, then you may want to deeply consider secession in your pursuit of such.

Economic Secession

When we hear of removing economic ties with the State, we often conjure up notions of gold bullion, Liberty Dollars, or investment in foreign bank accounts.  

I feel this is too complex and unnecessary.  If you want to strike it rich through gold investments or secure your livelihood through foreign banking, by all means do so.  However, low-end (gradual) economic secession is achieved by the abolishment of economic ties with the government by the process of individual self-reliance.  While gold investment and foreign bank accounts can be an extension of liberty, they will assuredly fail to make you free of their own accord.  

To truly sever economic ties with the State, one needs to cease supplying it with money.  Since modern anarchists tirade those who support the State with their vote, they should logically and uniformly criticize those who fuel it with money.  After all, akin to choosing not to vote, the individual can choose not to pay taxes since proactive measures are available to end (or, at least, curtail) State theft.  

Income Tax  

With an IRS code written by statists who want to confuse taxpayers, and tax evasion “experts” whose “advice” will send you to jail, it may be a fruitless effort to find complete techniques to stop paying income taxes.  As a result, I am forced to present several ideas, as each method is not universal (3).  

1)     Work for yourself and not the State.  If you work for yourself or own your own business, it is possible to not pay income taxes.  Be warned, however, that participating in the “underground economy,” complete with failure to pay income taxes, is “illegal.”  But if you can provide goods or a service without a trace, then you are capable of producing un-taxed revenue.  A foreign bank account would be beneficial under this scenario.  

2)     Jobs that do not require an income tax.  If you have a job that does not require you to pay an income tax, then the State cannot steal from you. Menial jobs are available that pay for completing simple labor tasks.  For instance, when I need money, I work for a couple that pays me $10 an hour to do such tasks as mowing their grass, raking leaves, etc.  Besides working for more than minimum wage, I am not forced to allot a portion of my earnings for such scams as Social Security and Medicare.  

3)     Live off of what you produce (agriculture).  For a true individualist, this is an enticing option for two reasons.  First, it is simple.  Second, the previous methods may require one to travel off of his or her property, opening up a plethora of avenues for the State to encroach on your life.  

Evidently, this technique requires the individual to own (or have access to) a piece of land, which, in turn, mandates that the individual possess money in order to purchase that land: a paradox that may require you to succumb to the income tax, thus negating the effectiveness of such a method.  

Sales Tax  

1)     Purchase only what you cannot produce yourself.  The sales tax is the least intrusive of the various forms of armed theft.  However, this can be avoided by buying only what is absolutely necessary.  I am not suggesting that individuals hand-sew their own underwear (unless they so desire), but one can produce or provide such consumables as food and water.  How?  Purchase a sustainable piece of land that possesses arable soil and potable water.  You do not need land the size of a commercial farm in order to produce food for yourself.  Initial purchase cost aside, you can create the necessities of life while denying the State additional revenue.  

2)     States without a sales tax.  Five states ( Alaska , Delaware , Montana , New Hampshire and Oregon ) do not collect a sales tax.  Furthermore, certain county sales tax rates in other states are at or near zero.  

3)     Purchase on-line.  Purchasing items from on-line, out-of-state businesses allows you to buy what you want, without paying a sales tax.  

Property Tax  

1)      Stop paying property taxes.  How?  Alaska. Fortunately for the American anarchist, the 49^th state is divided into approximately 160 municipalities, the majority of which do not levy any property tax (4).  

For those living in other states, a solution to property taxes is more difficult.  If you are not pleased at the prospect of residing in Alaska , the move to a county or municipality where low property taxes are levied may pose a concession between modernity and freedom (5).  

Does Economic Secession abolish the State?  

Simply, no.  

But this is why economic secession works.  While it will not destroy the government per se, it provides the individual the opportunity to establish his or her natural rights, independent of any national movement.  Simultaneously, if many individuals were to undertake such a task, one that would guarantee them personal freedom (at least on their property), then an ad hoc regional movement would develop.   

Unfortunately, most anti-statists adhere to a “top-down” blueprint for freedom.  While noble, they nonetheless are required to rely on the masses to effect change.  In order to elect a Libertarian to the Presidency, approximately 61 million voting Americans will have to convert to libertarianism.  Indeed, an uphill struggle.  

Since we cannot logically rely on the masses to free ourselves, we must take individual action in a “bottom-up” approach of personal secession.  This process begins with severing economic ties with the State.  If individuals, even in isolated instances, cannot commit to and gain freedom for themselves, what is the likelihood for any national success?  

If, for whatever reason, you cannot secede and attain freedom, then hopefully you will at least limit the extent to which the State interferes with and regulates your income and property.  If you are forced to provide money to the State, you might as well be a thorn in its side, all the while looking for and pursuing avenues to liberty.  

Conclusion  

In this statist age, self-sufficiency spawns freedom.  And the only way to attain this pure, natural independence is through secession.  Private land ownership is, therefore, essential, as this provides the resources for life, and, if done properly, independent of any (or, at least, significant) governmental taxation.  

I believe self-reliance to be the origin of happiness: not only of the ecstasy of true freedom that I hope all libertarians will experience, but of the knowledge that, economically, secession starves the very entity that would like nothing more than to take everything from you – life, liberty and property.  

Footnotes

(1)   I wrote this column from the perspective of an individual residing in the United States .  Secessionist movements in other countries may or may not be more difficult, depending on how statist the laws are.

(2)  This is my opinion alone and has no direct impact on the effectiveness of any individual secessionist effort.

(3)  Not universal in the sense that they will not work for everyone.  Programs are available dedicated to educating people about how they can stop paying income taxes; however, I am unaware of their effectiveness.  If anyone knows of a concrete method to stop paying income taxes or a particular program that actually works, please contact me.

(4)  Most municipalities do not levy a sales tax either.  In addition, Alaska has no state income tax.  A significant secessionist movement exists in Alaska , with the ultimate aspiration of attaining independence from the United States .  Western states such as Montana and Wyoming generally levy lower property taxes than their eastern brethren.