MichaelMatulef on Nostr: The highwayman doesn't pretend he has any rightful claim, or that he intends to act ...

The highwayman doesn't pretend he has any rightful claim, or that he intends to act for your benefit. He doesn't pretend to be anything. He hasn't acquired impudence enough to profess to be “protector” & that he takes money merely to enable him to “protect”. Furthermore, having taken your money, he leaves you. He doesn't persist in following you on the road, against your will; assuming to be your rightful “sovereign,” on account of the “protection” he affords you. He doesn't keep “protecting” you, by commanding you to bow down & serve him; by requiring you to do this & forbidding you to do that; by robbing more money as often as he finds interest or pleasure to do so; & by branding you as a rebel, traitor & enemy to your country, shooting you without mercy, if you dispute his authority, or resist his demands.

In short, he does not, in addition to robbing you, attempt to make you either his dupe or his slave.


- Lysander Spooner