While July 4th is called Independence Day, it is actually Secession Day. The South is largely looked down upon for trying to secede from the Union in the 1860s, but the American colonists were doing the same thing from the British in the 1770s. And even if slavery was part of the reason, the American colonists owned slaves when separating from the British. So is the motive for secession the only thing that counts on whether it is good or bad? Or is it good or bad just based on who won the war?
In economics, some people are bothered by positive externalities. It is often used as an excuse for taxation. By this logic, should everyone pay for all of the fireworks on July 4th? I don’t buy much, if any, in the way of fireworks. Yet, many people in my neighborhood set them off. I can go outside and enjoy the show without paying for any of it. The neighbors don’t seem to be bothered by the fact that I am enjoying a show at their expense.
When the colonists declared independence, taxation coming from the British Crown may have been 1 or 2 percent. Just remember this when you see the national government today spending $6 trillion or more.
If you want to spread the message of liberty, it doesn’t mean you have to be an outcast from society. In fact, you are more likely to influence others if you act somewhat normal. Don’t ruin your family barbecue by preaching about politics the whole time.
Where I live, I believe it is legal to set off fireworks during two days of the year – July 4th and New Year’s. I’m not sure if it is technically New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day, but I think the whole night counts as the day.
This is where some local civil government makes sense. Maybe it is a reason to not have total anarchy. I really don’t want fireworks going off all the time and having my dog shaking under the table. There are societal norms, and setting off fireworks on July 4th in the U.S. is one of them. It actually makes sense to allow fireworks on this day even though it would normally break the noise code ordinance.
In 2020 during COVID lockdowns, a lot of people set off fireworks even though the government-funded shows were largely cancelled. This could be seen from two angles. One angle is that people were stupidly celebrating independence and freedom during tyrannical lockdowns. The other angle is that some people were finally defying government orders and went outside to celebrate anyway.
Happy Secession Day!
One thought on “Libertarian Thoughts on Independence Day”
I’d like to see libertarianism become the Dominant paradigm sooner rather than later
I’d like to see libertarianism become the Dominant paradigm sooner rather than later