Road To Serfdom By Rothbard: An Analysis

Is the state a power for good protecting the people of a nation or a parasitic villain feeding from the wealth produced by the people under its rule? In many ways the state is neither and both. The state is a champion of the people; however, it is also the people’s oppressor. “War is a Racket,” written by Butler defames war and the people who profit from it. He presents the staggering profits gained by war profiteers and condemns the treatment of soldiers by their own government. “The Anatomy of the State”, by Rothbard, discusses the abuses suffered by the public in order for the state to maintain control. Rothbard’s work also discusses the state’s ability to self-regulate. Finally, Hayek’s “Road to Serfdom” warns against the rise of a despot

The easy answer is the state creates and enforces laws that protect its citizens. Safety regulations prevent workplace accidents and force employers to accept liability for the worker’s health. Building codes guarantee that buildings are constructed to meet safety and structural standards. Laws protect consumers and ensure products meet minimal quality. These services provided by the state protect the nation’s people from the deprivations of businesses. The state does guard the people under it, but it also is subject to corruption. Sadly, elites often have an interest in the workings of the state using their wealth to influence the law to favor themselves. The elite classes are able to act with the authority of the state at their command. The state is a champion of the people; however, it is also the people’s

The socialist system described in the “Road to Serfdom” describes a system in which the state gains increased authority until the citizen is little more than a slave to the authority of the state. The state controlled economy is another troubling concept. The passing of the Affordable Care Act has had a similar effect of forcing an increase in the market of health insurance. So people view the law as a social benefit. I see it as another forced expense. A choice has been removed and a service inflicted on the citizens of the state. The only clear beneficiary is the insurance company that provides the state required health coverage. The consumer is forced to paid for insurance or suffer a