As I passionately advocate for the path of anarchism/voluntarism, I reflect on my own journey and the questions I've encountered along the way. The first step, which I acknowledge can be challenging, is to reconsider our preconceived notions. Have you ever wondered if there could be a different way? I understand that some may dismiss anarchism/voluntarism, for now, as an unrealistic solution, but I implore you to approach it with an open mind.
But to have any shot at changing your mind, your worldview, there are some necessary mental housekeeping chores you must tend to. One in particular is so fundamental, that to skip this chore is to insure your do not progress. It is why I refer to it as Solution #1.
Solution #1: If you cannot intellectually and morally align with this solution, then any other solution I offer is meaningless. Here it is:
Consider this as the first solution: 'permanent Government, at any and every level, is evil.' This is not a statement I make lightly, but one I've come to through my own intellectual and moral journey.
Put into practice, if you find yourself taking actions to legitimize or support government, you may be betraying your own beliefs you claim to hold, like a belief in human freedom. Or that government is essential when juxtaposed against the numerous instances of government corruption, where public funds are misused for personal gain. Or the cases of government overreach, where individual freedoms are curtailed in the name of national security or some public health emergency. These are just a few examples that highlight the inherent evil of government.
Until you arrive at this destination, that government is evil, and feel it in every bone of your body, your loyalties to truth will be divided. This division can hinder any action you take, leaving you in a state of moral and intellectual ambiguity. You may find yourself trying to portray yourself as moral and intellectual, but you may not be fully aligned with your own beliefs.
So, if there is a shred of 'belief' that government is necessary, good, or reformable with just the right people, your mind is still divided and duplicitous. I understand that some may argue that government is necessary for maintaining law and order, or for providing essential services. However, I believe that these functions can be better served through voluntary cooperation and individual responsibility, rather than through a centralized authority. After all, look at where centralized authority has gotten us!
So before we can explore any other solutions, it's crucial to recognize the inherent evil of government. This is not a hidden truth, but one that surrounds us. The question is, are you ready to open your eyes to it and help others do the same?
You cannot take a shortcut on this. You must discipline yourself enough to let go of your past beliefs, beliefs you were conditioned to believe and understand that you must think anew. One practical step you can take is to educate yourself about the principles of anarchism/voluntarism and the criticisms of government. This will help you form a more informed opinion. You cannot help others if you are uncertain about your own level of conviction.
Even when Israel insisted to God that they wanted a King (a rejection of HIM as their King), HE warned them what a King would do and what he would be like. It would not matter whether the people selected the King or if God did; the King would do as God warned them. No king in history has failed to act the way God predicted. Every man, given enough power, will enslave and abuse others for his personal satisfaction.
Every SYSTEM of govt, even when ostensibly designed to avoid this inherent human inclination, has been used as a power by which the one(s) at the top enslave others for their personal benefit. (even the act of taxing is enslavement as it steals a person's time and earnings for personal satisfaction)