Butler D. Shaffer Quote

“It is collectivism that is the unrealistic expression of utopian belief systems.  In its worst form -- the state -- collectivism is the institutionalized exertion of violence to compel living beings to behave contrary to their natural self-interest inclinations.  So strong are the motivations for individual preferences that the state must resort to attacks upon the very nature of life to satisfy the ambitions of those who see others as nothing more than resources to be exploited for such ends.”

~ Butler D. Shaffer


Ratings and Comments


anonymous
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anonymous    10/30/13

Substitute the word 'religion' for the word 'state' and this quote becomes more valid.

Substitute the word 'corporation' for the word 'state' and this quote becomes true.

Mike, Norwalk
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Mike, Norwalk anonymous 10/30/23

anonymous, what don't you understand about the occupying statist theocracy now infesting this land. Currently the 'state' is a religion; and, currently the 'state' is a corporation; and, currently the 'state' is collectivism that is the unrealistic expression of utopian; and, the 'state' is an institutionalized exertion of violence; and, the 'state' is a despotic usurper that exists to compel living beings to behave contrary to their natural self-interest inclinations.

Cal, Lewisville, TX

Anonymous, religion and corporation are voluntary. The "state" is compulsive.

Mike, Norwalk

Collectivism's current face, that being an occupying statist theocracy, is a trifecta of religion, corporatism and state. Institutionalized exertions of violence to compel living beings to behave contrary to their natural self-interest inclinations is exampled by compelled compliance, license, victimless crimes, larceny with impunity (income / property / insurance taxes, funny money) and inalienable right non-recognition / anti-acceptance enforcement.

jim k, Austin, Tx

Can't add much to what Mike said except to say that Obama care is a perfect example of the second sentence of the quote. The "state" is requiring people to buy health insurance with thousands of IRS agents hired to enforce it. As Woodrow Wilson once said, "Government, in it's final analysis, is organized Force".

jim k, Austin, Tx

Wilson was a terrible president but the quote is right on target.

E Archer, NYC

Religion is still compulsory in some countries around the world, and the first colonial settlers risked life and limb to get away from the religious persecution of Europe and England. When religion and state are one and the same, or when corporation and state are one and the same, you always get the worst forms of oppression. That is why Sharia law and socialism/nationalism/communism are always oppressive. None can last forever.

Mike, Norwalk

Archer, a hypothetical question for you (or maybe not). Because by definition, socialism is a compulsory religion, what country may we now flee to, to once again enjoy: freedom of religion, freedom from corporatism OR, just freedom, liberty and individual sovereign rights in general ? (I know - a cognitive fly by with a heavy sigh). ;-)

watchman 13, USA

That is why we established a none denominational system !!!
So that we would not endorse any specific religion.
The Rock says if any man among you seem to be religious ,and bribleth not his tounge, but decieveth his own heart, this mans religion is vain.
Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this,
To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction , and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
Get it right!!!!!
Know your source upon which your forefathers trusted !!!
Not only is it my job to watch but the Creator looks from behind the lattice. And he says it once!!!!
If you choose to poke around the library ,Look in all the corners , your secular thought based upon the fleshly minds
will not gain salvation of the situation we are in.
You must combine the natal agent with the super natal agent.
One is heavenly and the other earthly.!!!!!
Therefore combining the knowledge of heaven and earth.
To look at the difference between oppression and liberty is confrontational , it will not solve the problem.
You must provide the agent that is the binding agent.
The Holy Spirit of Truth !!!
Is there life after death , if there is no hope then what are we doing, then all is in vain.
It is not in vain that we labor, but we must know, who ,what ,where, when, how , why ,and to what degree.
The Rock our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
Salvation is of the Jews.
If you study ancient law you will know this to be true.
Then the thirteenth apostle Paul in thirteen letters given to thirteen colonies revealing the doctrines of liberty and freedom with thirteen bars and strips and it goes on and on.
Not to mention the Thirteen points on the line of judgment concerning those that lend or lendeth to one of their on nation, those under the doctrines of financial liberty and personal freedom.!!!!!

jim k, Austin, Tx

Watchman, keep it short or no one will comprehend what you are saying. After glancing at this , keeping it short won't help.

Fredrick William Sillik, Anytown

BS this is all make believe, made-up, severe mental impairment, and BS  tuboot. Never observed an conventional individual preference in all my 63 years.

Fredrick William Sillik, Anytown
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Fredrick William Sillik, Anytown Fredrick William Sillik, Anytown 10/30/23

PS: Socialism is the challenge of social abilities to create.

Mike, Norwalk
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Mike, Norwalk Fredrick William Sillik, Anytown 10/30/23

Sellik, Socialism is the challenge of social abilities to create religions of malefactors, usurpation of rights and liberty, pain, destruction, a mentally ill dystopia and as the quote so accurately states: "unrealistic expression of utopian"

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