Dateline: 15 April 2017
This essay is a continuation of an ongoing examination of Ralph Borsodi’s book, Inflation is Coming And What to Do About It. Click Here to start from the beginning.
In a previous installment of this series, we learned that Ralph Borsodi believed everyone should have the opportunity to access land. He considered private land ownership, especially by large entities and investors, to be detrimental. This viewpoint is reflected in his earlier statement about a “God-given right of access to land” as a fundamental human right.
The idea of universal access to land as a divine right is a novel concept to me, and I’m not entirely convinced. However, I’m not completely opposed to Borsodi’s perspective. His vision wasn’t rooted in socialism, as he strongly advocated for individual ownership rights regarding anything built or produced on the land. He simply envisioned greater access to land for everyone, recognizing the potential for security and freedom it could offer.
The current state of affairs in America, with extensive government assistance programs, resembles socialism, and this trend appears to be gaining momentum. Historically, socialist systems haven’t yielded favorable outcomes for the general population, particularly those heavily reliant on government aid.
If I’m interpreting Borsodi’s ideas accurately, he envisioned a government-led restructuring of land ownership that would establish a fairer system of land tenure. This system would grant all citizens access to land, enabling them to lead more self-sufficient and less dependent lives. The ultimate goal was to render government social programs unnecessary.
Land, if utilized effectively, has the potential to provide a more stable and sustainable foundation for families and communities compared to government assistance. With land, individuals would possess the means for self-support, shifting the burden of responsibility from the government back to the people.
However, this concept remains theoretical and unlikely to be implemented. Governments tend to gravitate towards expansion rather than simplification and reduction. Additionally, very few citizens prioritize self-reliance, as it’s far easier to elect officials who promise more benefits.
Therefore, those who recognize the pitfalls of relying on an oversized government, and the potential for its eventual collapse, should prioritize acquiring and developing productive land. This is the crucial first step.
Achieving a self-reliant lifestyle without land is impossible, and lacking land significantly reduces the likelihood of weathering any major economic crisis.
To continue to Part 8 of this series.