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Re: "If the roads were private property, the Amish situation would be a simple property rights issue."
Mary Anne — (archived)

We have tried this system. It was called "feudalism".

What ho, Robin!
Hast thou seen the Magna Carta and how it dost deliver unto the barons the right not to be taxed without their right consent? How lucky for the gently born that they may demand from their serfs the sweat of their brows withal, for the upkeep of their private lands, in return for protection from the other gently born. Yea, verily, what a racket!

At least the Charter granteth to the least freeman the right to be tried in a court of law for his accused crimes, though there would be those who would curtail that right except that the accused could afford his own legal counsel and a flock of troubadours to sing his tale in the Court of Public Opinion!

--The Lady Marian

Post Scriptum-- On the other hand, toll roads, privately owned, do greatly reduce the movement of merry men throughout the kingdom, and so make less the amount of horsepower used thereon, and reduceth the amount of their noxious emissions. This could be seen as a benefit, except by those who wish to move freely. It is well, for the travellers are often the bringers of plague, and even heresy! If yeomen are made to stay at home, they will be content. Thou canst not keep them on the farm once they have seen Paree.

Private property held in the hands of the few can give us that great boon, less freedom for the churls who cannot afford the tolls in such great numbers. Ah, well. Let them eat lupins!

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