The State
Max Weber defined the "state" in a 1919 lecture in German entitled "Politics as a Vocation" as that which "has a monopoly on the legitimate use of violence." That definition has been highly influential in political science since then, but it is a very European concept, not one that works for the United States or other constitutional republics. See, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monopoly_on_the_legitimate_use_of_physical_force
In our tradition, it is not the state but the law that authorizes violence, and we the people make the law. Weber used the term "state" to refer collectively to government officials, but in Anglo-American usage the "state" is a people in effective possession of a territory, which may or may not have a government. The primary mechanism for law enforcement is militia, not government professionals.
Tyranny can be built on such seemingly subtle distinctions. The Nazi regime was built on the Weber concept.
-- Jon
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Constitution Society, 2900 West Anderson Lane C-200-322, Austin, Texas 78757
512/299-5001 www.constitution.org jon.roland@constitution.org
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"But the state lies in all the tongues of good and evil;
and whatever it says it lies;
and whatever it has it has stolen." --Thus Spake Zarathustra
A Book for All and None By Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche
Marc Stevens
The Constitution of No Authority by Lysander Spooner
Lysander Spooner
PERSON by The Informer
What manner of person are you?
State created office of person
Political union or political chaos?
Memorandum on the present government of America
Do you know where you really live?
U.S.A. The Republic How You Lost It. (Study the whole site.)
U.S.A. The Republic is the House
that no one lives in. by Lee Brobst
Are we a Democracy or a Republic?
PUBLIC SERVANT QUESTIONNAIRE
When you look around the web, you'll find a public servant questionnaire, but not like this one. I converted it to a single page so you can get a multi-part NCR form made up at Kinkos, Staples, Office Depot, etc.. Keep some by the door to your house and in your glove compartment to give to [any] law enforcement officers who want to ask you questions. Before answering theirs, I can make them answer mine. You'll find supporting law in 5 U.S.C. 552a. By Bob Hurt
Specialty Areas
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