Sunday, May 13, 2012

Anarchy in Carolina


There are few things in life that satisfy my thirst for relaxation like a day at the beach. This is probably no surprise. Who doesn’t enjoy a few hours in the sun with freshly soaked sand beneath their feet? My tastes have changed over the years of course. No longer do I crave an overcrowded shoreline crawling with underage drinkers on a Spring Break bender. No I prefer the calm of a secluded cove or scarcely visited coast, armed with only a cold brew in my hand and Bob Marley in my ear; hidden from the rigors of a regimented society.Though the seductive breeze of a summer afternoon at high tide never fails to woo me, it is the blissful experience of self-organization that wins me over.

As I walked down Kiawah Island Beach this weekend, (a short drive from Charleston, SC) I took in the seemingly chaotic nature of the scene. There was no central planning. Hundreds of strangers sorted their way along the water’s edge, until finding the perfect spot to settle in. Parents marched along carrying bags, coolers and chairs, with their kids in tow, as young couples strolled among them, holding hands. All colors, creeds and socio-economic backgrounds were co-existing peacefully; each seeking their own self-interest and yet building upon each other. 

New friendships were made as neighboring children began to build sandcastles together. Was I witnessing the beginnings of a future architect? Who knows? An elderly couple enjoying retirement gazes as young teens prance by, enthralled with youthful love and excitement; no doubt reflecting on their early years. And yet no one was directing any of this.

I finally found my place as I meandered through a maze of beach towels and smells of tanning lotion, when I noticed a sign posted just to the left with the warning:

NO GUARD BEYOND THIS POINT

At last, Freedom! I was even beyond the jurisdiction of the lifeguard, as were dozens of others. And still, no one was directing anything as children covered themselves in sand, only to brush it off and reach for a bag of chips. But who will make them wash their hands?! Who will balance out their meal with a side of broccoli?

Ships were visible in the distance, small crabs lurked under rocks, waves rushed in higher upon the shore-and still no one was regulating the amount of swimmers in the water. Birds flew in circles overhead, occasionally swooping in to scoop up some indiscernible grub, and no one seemed to harm them. But I saw no presence of the EPA. And worst of all, I was enjoying an ice cold Heineken and not a soul had bothered to ask for my ID.

How is it that I not only witnessed this apparent state of lawlessness thrive for more than two hours without so much as a baby crying, but that it occurs on a daily basis around the world among millions of people?

The fact is society is self-organizing. Some may object that it is only because of government that such pleasures as a day by the ocean is possible but of course this is absurd. Contrary to what we’re led to believe by the media and policy-makers in D.C., legislation and bureaucrats possess no magical powers. No matter how many decrees they may make, there are no incantations that can enforce them everywhere, all of the time.

 Certainly there are laws in existence that protect person and property, and indeed they should exist-but by no means must they be administered by the state. There are thousands of ‘laws’ issued by regulatory agencies such as the FDA, EPA, etc. but where were these enforcers this weekend? Why were there no gun fights and massacres instead? Because individuals have an incentive based on self-interest to cooperate with one another peacefully and respectfully.

None of us on that beach could have claimed property ownership over the particular spot we held, and yet everyone minded their own business. There was no lack of commerce, commerce flourished-not because of government-but in spite of it. The few rules that need be enforced for protection of person and property could easily be dealt with on a voluntary basis with competing private agencies.

 Consider the lifeguard; typically, a privately hired individual is hired to carry out this job. And unless someone actually needs assistance, he or she stays put on lookout. The lifeguard has far more important things to be concerned with than what you’re pouring into your plastic cup, how close you are to a neighboring family or whether or not you’re a licensed professional swimmer.
Now consider if a government bureaucracy were entrusted with carrying out the same position. Is it difficult to imagine the debilitating and obnoxious regulations and arbitrary rules that would be enforced? Virtually no one would want to go to the beach.

This is precisely why I believe so many people long for a weekend in the sun. Of course the natural beauty is a major factor but there is also an inherent desire to break free from the shackles of the structured and rigid world we’re accustomed to. Whether you’re seeking a week-long party with college students or a soothing release from your day job, guarded from the outside world-crashing waves will always provide a cure.

What keeps calling me back to that chair or towel on hot sand is not just that it’s pleasing to the eyes, but the euphoric sense of autonomy. While I love the scent of saltwater, and the slight burn of summer’s first tan, I love the peaceful and exhilarating serenity of freedom more.