Security is one of the most fundamental human needs. We all want protection for our lives, liberty, and property. Most people assume that only government can provide this protection, but this belief raises an unsettling contradiction—if peace and prosperity depend on nonviolence, why do we entrust security to an entity that claims a monopoly on violence?

Governments justify their control by arguing that without their authority, law enforcement would be powerless and society would descend into chaos. Yet, we see growing crime rates in major cities, businesses shutting down due to unchecked theft, and communities losing trust in the institutions meant to protect them. Chicago’s rising murder rate and San Francisco’s epidemic of shoplifting reveal a troubling trend—despite massive government funding and increasing laws, security is deteriorating.

The problem isn’t just bad laws or lax enforcement. It’s deeper. Our reliance on government as the sole provider of security has removed personal responsibility, allowed corruption to thrive, and created a culture where law enforcement is often more focused on enforcing compliance than serving communities. Police militarization has blurred the line between protectors and enforcers, leading to increasing cases of brutality. The shocking death of Kelly Thomas, a mentally ill homeless man in California, is just one example of how unchecked power can turn those meant to protect into aggressors.

We are told that more government intervention is the solution to crime, but history shows that giving more power to a monopolistic force only leads to greater inefficiency, abuse, and loss of freedom. Real security doesn’t come from coercion—it comes from trust, cooperation, and accountability. When private communities and businesses take responsibility for security, they prioritize the well-being of those they serve, rather than serving bureaucratic interests.

A new approach is needed—one that shifts security away from state monopoly toward decentralized, voluntary solutions. If we want true safety and justice, we must challenge the idea that only government can provide them.

Read the full article on Substack.

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