THE LAW - By Frédéric Bastiat
Submitted by JD.B on Tue, 01/01/2008 - 14:41This is a link to an outstanding work by Mr. Bastiat (1801-1850) and is often quoted by Dr. Paul. This book is available for free at this link...
http://bastiat.org/en/the_law.html
Or it can be purchased for as little as $5 online.
The importance of the truths contained in this book are timeless. The modern day relevence is also striking as Mr. Bastiat compares the US of the mid 1800's (pre-2nd War of Indep.) to the socialism of his native country of France.
Here is one quote from the text on the issue of "legal plunder" (i.e. theft that is protected by law, though the law itself is unjust) :
"But how is this legal plunder to be identified? Quite simply. See if the law takes from some persons what belongs to them, and gives it to other persons to whom it does not belong. See if the law benefits one citizen at the expense of another by doing what the citizen himself cannot do without committing a crime."
I wonder what Mr. Bastiat would say today of the American experiment?
READ THIS BOOK... SHARE THIS LINK! You will certainly be better off in doing so.
--Josh
on Amazon
a link you might find useful:
http://www.amazon.com/Law-Frederick-Bastiat/dp/1933550147/re...
The Influence of Socialist Writers
Quote: "These socialist writers look upon people in the same manner that the gardener views his trees. Just as the gardener capriciously shapes the trees into pyramids, parasols, cubes, vases, fans, and other forms, just so does the socialist writer whimsically shape human beings into groups, series, centers, sub-centers, honeycombs, labor-corps, and other variations. And just as the gardener needs axes, pruning hooks, saws, and shears to shape his trees, just so does the socialist writer need the force that he can find only in law to shape human beings. For this purpose, he devises tariff laws, tax laws, relief laws, and school laws."
This short essay
IS INVALUABLE to understanding what is happening in America. EVERY Ron Paul supporter -- every AMERICAN -- should read this book. They will never be the same.
This book defines government in such simple terms that once you grasp it (and you will!), you will have a mental yardstick against which to measure virtually all laws. A must-read to understand how to preserve liberty, which is why you never heard about it in public school!
True
I stumbled upon it when I was 35 years old. I was really amazed that I had never heard of it until then. How could such a great book not get mentioned at all. I think it should be required reading in high school.
I agree
Unfortunately, our school curriculum is guided by those who believe in plunder, so the likelihood of us seeing this as a key piece of education is very unlikely unless things change.
Another example of the ignorant/evil forces at work.
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Freedom - Peace - Prosperity
The Law
No doubt about it, this is a great book! I highly recommend it!
GREAT BOOK
I read this over the holidays and it is an outstanding book.
A must read for any lover of liberty.
NO PLUNDER!!
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Freedom - Peace - Prosperity
It is the best!
Here is the text version:
http://www.constitution.org/law/bastiat.htm
and here is a recording by G Edward Griffin:
http://www.hearliberty.com/thelaw.mp3
My Favorite Book
It is a must read for any Ron Paul supporter. After reading this book you can never look at government the same. It explains things in such a simple fashion.