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The libertarian sees the State as a giant gang of organized criminals, who live off the theft called "taxation" and use the proceeds to kill, enslave, and generally push people around. Therefore, any property in the hands of the State is in the hands of thieves, and should be liberated as quickly as possible. Any person or group who liberates such property, who confiscates or appropriates it from the State, is performing a virtuous act and a signal service to the cause of liberty.
Murray Rothbard
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote critiques government taxation as theft and advocates for the liberation of state-held property.

Murray Rothbard presents a libertarian viewpoint, asserting that the State operates as a criminal organization that unjustly extracts wealth from individuals through taxation. He argues that the appropriation of property from the State is not only permissible but a moral imperative, framing such actions as virtuous contributions to the pursuit of individual freedom and liberty.

Themes

LibertyTaxationStatePropertyTheftFreedom

In practice

Example use cases

In a debate about taxation policies, this quote could emphasize a radical libertarian perspective.

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Quote by Murray Rothbard | QuoteProject