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Ill Logic
3:10 a.m. nov 01, 2009

Anthony asserted that the parent's moral ability to initiate force on their children is affected by their duration in ability to do so. Anthony's last quote on the subject, I believe, serves as a fair summary (and Anthony, if you disagree, feel free to chime in right away):

"To the point I make about duration, I do not assert there is any positive license granted specifically by limited duration. Instead, I am trying to establish how parental initiation of force is incompatible and distinct from government because government is effectively unlimited in duration. In other words, to say 'parents can' does not imply 'governments can' because of the differing duration characteristic."

David, I open the floor to you to respond.

David A. Harding
5:17 a.m. nov 01, 2009

I agree that parents and government are distinct and should be treated differently according to the ways that they differ, but I think they must both respect property rights, including individual will.

Anthony
7:20 p.m. nov 01, 2009

Since we are talking about duration, is there a homesteading factor for children that parents should respect? Other than the self, which does not require homesteading, what other property can children have control over with their individual will?

David A. Harding
8:30 p.m. nov 01, 2009

If my family is any indication, young children and infants provide a significant entertainment service. Entertaining infants tend to receive in return entertainment from adults, e.g., funny faces and strange noises. Entertaining young children may receive in return material property, e.g., food and toys.

I don't think this is what you're arguing, but let me say it anyway: since the rights gained from homesteading are permanent, parents can never homestead their children. The gift of life must be just that, a gift.

Anthony
8:33 p.m. nov 01, 2009

I agree parents cannot homestead their children. But is it possible that children homestead certain property that would prior to this be formally owned by the parents through homesteading?

Anthony
8:36 p.m. nov 01, 2009

As for children providing services, I say no. They cannot enter into an agreement as to the value of their services. If they did, it is surely offset by the resources being afforded to them by parents. I would say the transaction is a wash, if all goes well.