Quote from: gibson042 on September 02, 2011, 07:36:25 PM

Quote from: Hawker on September 02, 2011, 07:24:26 PM

A society that collects stamps is completely different in scope from an entire society such as the English, or the Turks or Israelis. You can choose not to collect stamps. You can't choose the nation/state/society you are born into.

I take it from this special pleading that you are comfortable with members of a society whose rules I disagree with declaring me to be a member and enforcing them upon me against my will. I take personal offense, and do not plan to continue this conversation.

Quote

Ought possessions be acquired by anything other than homesteading or voluntary transfer?

Yes of course. I've had what we call "rescue dogs" which have been confiscated from their owners, neutered and offered to people who want to offer them a better home. My right to live in a society that abhors cruelty trumps the original owners right to beat and starve his dog.

Don't you agree?

No. Shame, censure, and ostracism can reduce cruelty. Advocating "might makes right" institutionalizes it.

Shame, censure and ostracism...how would we inflict that? One possible way would be to send inspectors onto the property, haul the self-righteous owner (and they are often very sure they are only "within their rights") in front of a public hearing, have the hearing publicly condemn them and impose a penalty and confiscate their animals. That seems like a reliable mechanism to me. Perhaps you have something better in mind?