Definition

An economic framework is the particular social model used by individuals in a particular group determining the extent of self-ownership to be respected by others in that group.

Discussion

Overview

The reason we use the term “economic” framework rather than, say, “social” framework is because we are referring particularly to the norms and institutions which influence economics–that is, how people intentionally choose to act and the consequences of those actions.

The two primary economic frameworks today draw from the principles of capitalism and socialism. Societies implement principles from each frameworks to varying degrees.

Between strangers, voluntary capitalism allows for win-win allocation of scarce resources.

Individuals within most family units practice a form of voluntary socialism. Trust is high among the members of a family group.

The 3L Position

To the extent an economic framework does not rely on coercion, Live and Let Live is neither against capitalism nor socialism. The movement favors any economic framework so long as that framework is voluntary, meaning people have consented to it.

In other words, Live and Let Live’s position is that under any economic framework all people must respect the Legal Principle.

No national economies today represents a consistent case study of voluntary socialism or voluntary capitalism. This supports the adoption of Live and Let Live as a means to bring justice to society and protection of the planet.

3L is not against socialism or capitalism, or any other ‘ism’ that doesn’t require aggression. Both Capitalism and Socialism can be compatible with the Legal Principle so long as they are entirely voluntary.
People who engage in either of these voluntary versions should always be left alone.
The coercive versions of both should be phased out as quickly, intelligently, and fairly as possible.
Communities that adopt Voluntary Socialism can peacefully coexist alongside communities that adopt Voluntary Capitalism.
Forcing any financial system on any person always amounts to violating the Legal Principle.

Voluntary Capitalism

At the same time, nothing in the 3L Philosophy is breached by professionals helping strangers in exchange for money; voluntary capitalism. In fact, such voluntary transactions would not occur unless they were win-win, which is one of the Live and Let Live’s suggested aspirational values. People remain free to trade or not to trade on any basis they deem worthy.

“The most important single central fact about a free market is that no exchange takes place unless both parties benefit.” – Milton Friedman

Voluntary Socialism

In the absence of other incentives, humans tend to help their loved ones in need more often than strangers. We can only give what we have, so it is not surprising that we give to the people we know and love.
As such, most families adopt ‘voluntary socialism’, where those with the ability redistribute their resources according to the needs of their loved ones.
‘Put your own oxygen mask on before helping others’ is sound wisdom, not selfishness. The overflowing cup from having our needs met spills out to our family, to our community, to our country, and eventually to the whole world.
As human flourishing and abundance expand, it is theoretically possible, and not incompatible with the 3L Philosophy, for the whole world to one day be entirely voluntarily ‘socialist’. Such abundance is made possible only by the respect for property rights, which allows people to invest in creative endeavors and voluntarily share the fruits of their labor.
In such ‘voluntary socialism’, there is alignment with both the Legal Principle (no one is being coerced) and the Aspirational Values (voluntary kindness).
Nothing is stopping those who seek voluntarily socialized healthcare, retirement benefit, charity for the poor, or virtually any other economically based purpose from pursuing these laudable goals. However, they can never be forced on others who choose not to participate.
- An example of Voluntary Socialism is the Israeli Kibbutz model.

Involuntary Socialism

Involuntary Socialism occurs when people are forced or coerced, often by the state, to contribute economically to programs such as socialized healthcare, retirement benefits, or charity for the poor.
While these may be worthy goals, attempting to achieve them by forcing others to contribute violates the Legal Principle. Forced morality is an oxymoron.

Crony Capitalism

Crony capitalism occurs when government mechanisms are used to impose laws or rules that favor one person or company over another through coercion.
In such a system, people can donate substantial amounts of money to influence politicians to change laws, rules, or regulations, or to spend taxpayer money in ways which benefit certain individuals or business.
Unfortunately, it is common for governments to create a coercive monopoly by legally permitting only one favored company to do business in a particular geographic area. This always violates the Legal Principle.

Today’s Reality

Every country today adopts a blend of socialism and capitalism that involves some degree of coercion.
The 3L Movement’s mission is clear: every country should promote entirely voluntary interactions. However, disentangling coercive practices requires careful planning to avoid unnecessary suffering for those who have adapted to the old coercion-based ways.
In particular, welfare systems that depend on coercion need to be gradually and carefully replaced with voluntary support systems.
Moving too slowly is also not a good option, given that welfare systems are vulnerable to deteriorating national finances, with inflation and recession being the symptoms of such financial stress.
Like an alcoholic going sober, the transition isn’t easy, but the rewards justify the effort.