Whenever I discuss my ideals with people, one thing they always bring up, is the notion that while they do agree that our current system of governance is vehemently unethical, it is the only system we have, and anything else would result in a worse outcome. This ideal is typically melded together with being cautious towards reform, or even being against reform altogether, as the uncertainty of the outcome of the reform may lead to a worse outcome than the current situation. I do not believe that a system has inherent value, that non-existent entity’s such as firms, governments, or other bodies, should be held above the people that they were designed to serve. If a system is malfunctioning to any degree, it should be corrected. If it cannot be corrected, it should be discarded for a different system.
There is no reason we should have to be held prisoner to any functions that we ourselves created, but are ultimately abusing us. It always astonishes me, whenever I see government, corporate, or any other form of nonbeing entityship, malfeasance or abuse, it is always brushed aside as a minor bug in the system. Some people do agree that reform is an appropriate response. However, in some cases, reform is not possible. I’ve heard many arguments that, despite the abuse, it would be better to continue the system, rather than discard it. The main reason behind this is the uncertainty of absence, and that is held as a worse outcome, than allowing the abuse to continue. A classical argument I’ve heard, to illustrate this line of thinking, is getting rid of abusive taxes that only accomplish enriching corrupt government bureaucrats. Typically, whenever I argue that we should more or less get rid of all taxes, because the tax system overall is abusive towards the taxpayer, is the phrase “But how will we fund X project?” Roads, public water systems, emergency serves, etc, are all used as an excuse as to why we should continue an abusive tax system.
I’m not here to argue about taxes, at least not in this musing. I’m trying to demonstrate how people cope for their abuser, rather than consider an alternative way to accomplish their desires that does not include using an abusive system to accomplish it. Instead of coming up with alternative solutions to fund those systems, people get caught in a thought-loop where they fight for something that would never fight for them. Specifically with the abolition of the current tax system, I’d find local ways to fund local projects and infrastructure. I do not believe that people would just continue living life without finding a way to fund the services that they need to continue their lifestyle.
The problem is the thought-loop. We live within a system for so long, we forget that there were always other options available to us. There are always a choice that could be made. It’s just whether or not we consider that it is even a possible choice is where the problem lies. We need to reform our thinking, to reform ourselves to give ourselves agency again. We need to take responsibility for ourselves back.