Striking the Root

by Mark Davis

Exclusive to STR

“I heartily accept the motto, ‘That government is best which governs least’; and I should like to see it acted upon more rapidly and systematically. Carried out, it finally amounts to this, which also I believe—‘That government is best which governs not at all’; and when men are prepared for it, that will be the kind of government which they will have.” ~ Henry David Thoreau - On The Duty of Civil Disobedience (1849)  

Strike The Root is powerful imagery dedicated to battling tyranny.  The title concept is based on a prescient metaphor created by an American icon.  The genius of Thoreau, striking blows at the root of the evil state, understanding power and freedom, finding liberty in everyday life, and seeking the joy of enlightenment is quite a bit to stand for.  Strike The Root does this and more.  

Tyranny is as old as mankind and will never be eliminated as a threat to human social systems.  The same can be said for murder, rape, theft and fraud.  The fact that such evils exist is no reason to surrender to the forces that spread these evils.  Tyranny is so insidious because it institutionalizes evil.  The state is the institution that rationalizes the use of murder, rape, theft and fraud.  The state is the main tap root of tyranny.  Combating this foe requires ever-increasing levels of sophistication and a bottomless well of spiritual conviction for liberty.  Strike The Root has both.  

The understanding that most people have of the state is conditioned by powerful images inculcated into the psyche through a state-managed school system, state-licensed media outlets, state-sponsored historical monuments and a myriad of emotional state support groups radiating throughout society including our own families.  People who accept the state as “part of life” are not worthy of the term "understanding" when describing their beliefs.  Blind faith is what it is.  Education is the only way to change perceptions, elucidate understanding and diffuse ignorance masquerading as duty.  Strike The Root offers an opportunity for those seeking a better understanding of the world to get a fresh look.  

The Internet is the embodiment of anarchy as planned chaos.  Spontaneous social order emanating from seemingly disconnected personal decisions is how liberty is conceived.  Coupling central planning with the exaltation of elected representatives is how tyranny is conceived today.  Tyranny has evolved from the humble model offered by the family unit with a strong father figure to its incorporation of all humanity as “brothers and sisters” in need of guidance and control by father figures.  You know, like a “decider” or a Fuehrer.   

The evolution of society’s institutions from being based on superstition to being based on reason is still ongoing.  The myth that some person must have the final say over all questions beckons from the primal intuition that has deified rulers since the beginning of time.  The leader of the clan, tribal chief, lord of the manor, Duke, King, Prime Minister and President all have the powerful image of being the surrogate father or “Big Brother” that must maintain order in society.  Many people see anarchy as the equivalent of having a family without a father.  

As society has evolved from being bonded by common superstitious beliefs to commonly accepted “self-evident” truths, our political institutions have remained stuck in the past.  The crumbling of political institutions around us today is the result of some retreating to the solaces offered by age-old superstitious beliefs while others seek a new paradigm.  Rehashing the methods and premises that got us to this point is useful, but thinking outside the box is what is most needed.  Strike The Root is a rallying point for like-minded people who are able to think outside the box.  

Proclaiming that the emperor has no clothes by exposing the state for what it is, is significant and helps people to understand why statist political institutions simply can’t work, won’t work and never really have worked; but providing an outlet for people to discuss, debate and consider where we must go after the existing political institutions crumble is more important to the future of our societies, our cultures and our countries.  Strike The Root is this outlet.  

When, not if, the state withers before our eyes, whether it is a natural or violent end, if the root is left then we will have to start all over again in the same statist loop.  Setting up the same controls, the same political institutions and the same mindset of “Our Father Who Art in Control” will lead to the same ending.  One day soon our children will look to the Internet for their own education, seeking answers to questions they wish to know instead of being given the answers to questions formulated by their controllers.  When they do, it is comforting to know that Strike The Root will be there for them with a vision built on Thoreau’s ideal of what we will have when we are ready for it: Self-governance.  

Strike The Root is one of a growing number of sites dedicated to liberty, and I say the more, the better.  As a pioneer in this frontier Strike The Root has been able to carve out a niche that has inspired me, as well as many others whom have written me, to stand up to the state and speak truth to power.  The future of liberty in this world looks much brighter today and for the future thanks to the efforts of STR's editor and the light that he has put on the table for all to see.  Thank you Mr. Editor and those who support this great effort.  Happy Anniversary, Strike The Root.