Tom Woods’s new book Nullification, due June 29, looks like the right message at the right time. He could have another bestseller on his hands.
Source link: http://archive.mises.org/12281/nullification/
Nullification!
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I find it interesting that the left seems enamored with jury nullification, but when it comes to federal government power grabs nullification is racist, even if it has nothing to do with race.
Please read my 2 vols., Nullification, A Constitutional History,
1776-1833, University Press of America!!!
I give nullification and secession as solutions when I talk to people that are socialists and social democrats. I usually give an imaginary example of California and New York seceding or nullifying the federal income tax over the Iraq war. They think it crazy at first but then, grudgingly and with some reservations, accept it as a possible useful tool to prevent stupid federal policy. Whether or not the two get implemented in the future, I don’t know. It’s probably unlikely in the short term, but the idea is out there and spreading. Regarding nullification, one benefit to talking about it in this way is those that are exposed to it and understand it no longer view it as some stupid racial plot.
I look forward to the book. I have no doubt it will be full of good history, good information, and entertaining prose.
But who gets to pick who will serve on a jury?
The timing is great, the message is great, and the needs of these times are great!
I am extremely pleased to hear that a book will be coming out on this ever-so-important topic! I have been a fan of the concept of nullification and secession ever since I learned, many years ago, that Northern abolitionists campaigned for secession as a means of fighting slavery. I loved DiLorenzo’s treatment, brief as it was, of the topic of nullification in his Hamilton’s Curse. It’s tragic that so few Americans today know of the important, radical tradition embodied in this form of civil disobedience.
I only hope that the term “states’ rights” is not used, since (1) the tenth amendment refers to state powers, not state rights, and since (2) only individuals can possess rights, not governments.
(I also hope that the book does not erroneously associate libertarianism or free-market capitalism with “the right.” As a matter of both historical fact and marketing strategy, I prefer to completely and totally separate libertarian viewpoints from the right-wing, going so far as to point out that the so-called “Old Right” weren’t even on the right, properly understood.)
I look forward to this!
Best,
Alex Peak
I don’t think “states’ rights” is a problem. Jefferson used the term, as did everyone in his tradition. All of them understood that only individuals had rights. It is a shorthand term that seems unobjectionable to me.
Mr. Woods,
Jefferson may have understood that the term does not actually imply that governments can possess rights, but how many modern Americans would? In the very least, those who use the term should preface their usage by making it crystal clear to their audiences that the term is shorthand, and that only individuals truly possess rights.
Regards,
Alex Peak
Congrats for Thomas Woods’ new book. Before Tom, there was Prof. Kirk WOod,
author of Nullification, A Constitutional History, 1776-1833 in 2 vols., 2008, 2009,
University Press of America. Vol. 3 planned for late 2010.
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