Great Moments in Anarchy

Somalia -- An ongoing experiment in anarchy:

Somalia has not had a functioning government since 1991 and foreign vessels are frequently seized for ransom by armed pirates, making it difficult and expensive to deliver aid to the impoverished region. (AP) Story at http://tinyurl.com/6h6s6f

Nepal -- My wife's native land:

Much of my wife's native country beyond the urban areas has been largely beyond the control of the central government. No rule of law. Lots of corruption. Thugs form a militia. Rob banks. Buy guns. Declare themselves Maoists. Kill enough people to break their will. Now the Maoists rule the country.

Pakistan's autonomous tribal areas:

See northwest Pakistan, where autonomous rule has resulted in local tribal warlords forcing their oppressive theocracy on people. It's a safe haven for authoritarian theocrats and terrorists.

Summary:

Anarchy leads to authoritarian control by brutal and powerful warlords, crime syndicates, or others who suppress liberty. There is no accountability over disorganized gangs, thugs, and invaders within a null system. With limited government, however, there are elections and other methods of recourse. It ain't perfect of course -- far from it. Better to decimate government, not eliminate it. In the total absence of government, there is no practical way to stop the tribal and criminal thugs. Anarchists seem to be imagining that all tribalism, plunder, and oppression will spontaneously disappear when the government falls and their anarchist paradise is achieved. Kumbaya y'all.

Crustacean property rights

SoCal school opening delayed after shrimp find

SAN DIEGO - San Ysidro school officials have delayed the construction of a new elementary school after the discovery of shallow basins harboring the endangered fairy shrimp on a vacant lot in nearby Otay Mesa. ... Tom Silva, the district's coordinator of construction, says the delay will increase the school's $27 million price tag.