The free market operates as an orderly system, where utility—defined as the satisfaction of needs and wants—is maximized when individuals can interact without interference.  Any intervention in the market inherently reduces overall utility.  Why?  Because such intervention involves coercion, forcing people to make decisions they wouldn’t freely choose.  If coercion is necessary, it’s clear that the decision being imposed isn’t in the best interest of those affected.

So, if individuals in the market don’t benefit from intervention, who does?  The answer is simple: the intervener.  They wouldn’t act unless it was advantageous to them.  In most cases, this intervener is the state, rather than a private criminal.  The state coerces individuals to make decisions against their will, often justifying its actions by implying that people are incapable of making good choices on their own.

This reveals the state’s underlying view of its citizens: it assumes you’re too dumb to make decisions for yourself.  Ironically, though, state rulers are selected through a popularity contest—something you’re apparently smart enough to participate in.  Yet, this process is quite different from making a purchase in the market.  When you buy a product, you can test its quality and decide whether to buy it again.  But when you vote for a state ruler, you’re stuck with him for an entire term, regardless of the outcome.

Political campaigns rarely focus on genuine issues because candidates often agree on fundamental questions.  Instead, elections boil down to personalities and superficial factors.  Whether candidate A or B wins, nearly half of the population is left with an overlord they didn’t choose.  And even if your preferred candidate wins, you’re likely compromising on certain issues, as voting is about choosing a package deal.  Meanwhile, some people refuse to participate at all, unwilling to compromise with evil.

In the end, a tiny minority selects a ruler who will coerce the majority for a set term.  Even if you voted for the winner, how much do you really know about him?  You probably know less about him than about the last TV you bought. Yet, our wise overlords would have us believe that without their guidance, we’d buy one that explodes.  It’s crucial to recognize these logical inconsistencies and understand the true motivations behind state intervention—otherwise, we’ll continue to be manipulated by those in power.

Reference

Murray Rothbard; Man, Economy, and State