Founders believed in open borders
The libertarian philosophy of non-aggression against non-aggressors applies in any situations, including immigration.
Whenever individuals enter into mutually beneficial exchanges, their standards of living rise, at least from their own perspective. We know this because if a person does not perceive a benefit from an exchange, he simply does not enter into the exchange. Individuals from Mexico would not take jobs here in the United States if they did not think they would be better off.
Our founders envisioned the United States as a model for the rest of the world, welcoming anyone to this country who would be a peaceful and productive individual. That is the essence of the Statue of Liberty that stands tall in New York harbor.
Free trade means no government interference in the peaceful actions of individuals (non-aggression against non-aggressors). By controlling trade, the U.S. government and all other governments regulate the actions of peaceful people, making them criminals if they do not obey. It is the equivalent of handcuffing all players on the football field in order to prevent anyone from committing the foul of holding.
Our founders experienced the same controlled trade situation we face today under the Articles of Confederation when all the states were raising tariffs against one another, causing all kinds of friction between the individuals of each state. The force of governmental trade restrictions, regulations and tariffs caused anarchy to reign in the colonies very similar to what is happening today between the United States and Mexico and other countries around the world.
The founders solution was to open the borders and allow free trade between individuals with no or very little government force in the form of taxes and regulations. The founders gave us the greatest free trade zone on the planet in the form of the United States of America where individuals, goods and services freely cross borders from Arizona to New Mexico all the way to Virginia with no or extremely little government interference.
They allowed no walls between our states or armies posted at any state border. The founders knew and understood this libertarian concept and as a result developed the Constitution in order that free trade could take place between individuals in all of the states, which also works between individuals in all countries.
U.S. tariffs, regulations and restrictions on imports and exports add to the cost of goods and services, reducing the income of both foreigners and Americans.
Even though we might not have control over what another government does in terms of trade restrictions and taxes on their citizens, the more individual freedom that is allowed here the greater the wealth for all in our country because those tariffs and regulations drive foreigners out of their country to come to America to create more wealth for all Americans and themselves.
Government force exacerbates the immigration situation. Our founders envisioned a country of 200 to 300 million free people working and prospering together because U.S. government regulations and laws would not restrict them from entering into voluntary employment contracts and those same laws and regulations would not exist to force some to pay for others.
No one is made a better person because the state takes (taxes) money from one individual and gives it to another. When free trade exists government force is only used against terrorists or any other individuals who initiate murder, rape, burglary, theft, fraud, trespass or any other act of violence against another individual.
More government interference means more government force translating into more government regulations, restrictions and taxation on people, goods and services, resulting in lower living standards, antagonism and animosity.
The issue we face is not really about immigration, drugs or any other situation. The issue is always about whether government force is to be used to achieve individual results.
Individual liberty always means that individuals must take responsibility for their own lives. Making individuals responsible for their own lives, liberty and property maximizes economic growth for everyone. In the 21st century we can choose to be free and take responsibility for our own lives or we can hand our liberty and responsibility for our own lives over to government and live in tyranny.
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Anyone can still register for the 16-week Constitution class and get an opportunity to earn a $1,000 scholarship offered by The Freedom Library. There is no charge and classes are held at both Mohawk Valley School and The Freedom Library. They begin at 6 p.m. Monday and Tuesday evenings, respectively. Also, The Freedom Library is collecting books and anything else you would like to donate to raise funds for its scholarship program at the Park 'n' Swap Feb. 7. Please stop by The Freedom Library and drop off any donations.
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Howard J. Blitz is a local libertarian and president of The Freedom Library Inc. He is also on KJOK Radio AM 1400 at 7:50 every Tuesday morning with 'On The Edge With Howie Blitz and 'A Liberty Moment."
