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• Rent Control is Theft? (Score:2)

  by Ovid (2709)

  While not generally a fan of Mises, I rather agree with the professor's central tenet that rent control is theft. However, he does himself no favors by actually saying "theft". When trying to be persuasive, calling people thieves -- particularly when they don't realize they are -- does nothing to win them over. I've met far too many Libertarians who don't seem to have the basic social skills to understand that they are doing themselves no favors. They merits of an argument can be useless when the other
  • Re: (Score:2)

    by pudge (1)

    While not generally a fan of Mises, I rather agree with the professor's central tenet that rent control is theft. However, he does himself no favors by actually saying "theft".

    It's a loaded word. Strictly speaking, it is true, depending on context and definitions. In criminal law terms, it is not true, as it is only theft if the gov't says it is theft according to the law. In economic terms, it probably is theft. But the word is loaded and unuseful.
    
    A better thing to say is that the property owner, by virtue of owning the property, has the right to charge whatever he wishes. And the government by enforcing rent control therefore takes away some of his property rights. Laws
    • Re:Rent Control is Theft? (Score:2)

      by jdavidb (1361) on 2008.06.05 6:46 (#63190) Homepage Journal

      It's a loaded word. Strictly speaking, it is true, depending on context and definitions. In criminal law terms, it is not true, as it is only theft if the gov't says it is theft according to the law. In economic terms, it probably is theft. But the word is loaded and unuseful.

      I agree it's loaded and often particularly unuseful. It has been useful for me in religious discussions, however, as I attempt to persuade people who share my religious convictions that supporting such actions means they are supporting theft and therefore engaging in something they believe to be a sin.

      But that's not generally useful in intra-geek discussions. :)

      The question is whether that "theft" of property rights is justified.

      Since the ends never justify the means, then if you prove something is theft or infringement of rights, then I'd have to say the answer to that question is "never." But then, I'm one of those "strong libertarians" you mentioned. :) [But please don't apply it to me with a capital L, as that implies Party membership, which does not apply to me. You can call me "strong" all you want, though. Or "loony."]

      --
      J. David works really hard, has a passion for writing good software, and knows many of the world's best Perl programmers

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