This was a very interesting listen. Michael and Bret are debating the values of government vs anarchy. Bret is of the opinion that some touch of socialism like the fire department are best provided by the state, Michael is of the opinion that there is no proof that a fire department run by the state is in any way better or cheaper than a private one.
They reach the conclusion - not fully shared but understood - that the main difference between a government and any other institution is that it can impose things on their members. Without the voluntary association and potential withdrawal from an organization.
Bret and Michael also debate whether it's possible to build a government that doesn't devolve into a toxic institution.
I have a strong opinion that the latest is impossible. When you pool together the monopoly on violence, the possibility to define rules and to enforce them the incentive to abuse the system is way to high and over time it will be abused.
