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Entry: Civil Rights and Wrongs Link: http://www.takimag.com/blogs/article/civil_rights_and_wrongs#14834 Post contents: Sid, I have a more nuanced view of the State, (in which I follow Lukacs). Of the three examples you mention, I would be wary of the Greeks and the Medievals. Greeks lived in city states which tended to go to war with one another, with disastrous results for all of Greece, adn the governmetn of such city states could be quite tyrannical (actually, the word tyrant is Greek, to describe the behavior of quite a number of their rulers) Not a model to imitate. The medievals had the same problem. Internal warfare between nobles in the absence of a central authority who could keep the peace. And nobles could be quite tyrannical towards their peasants, for that matter. As for Rome, the absence of the State meant tht conquered lands tended to be plundered for the good of Rome... Not a cheering thought. Much as men yearn for freedom, in fact they have to choose between tyrants, to find one who is bearable enough and can protect them from other prospective tyrants. As for Libertarians, I agree they have their good points, but I distrust people who do not pay attention to histor. Sent at: 2008 11 21