Only gradually, the damage becomes visible. Economic growth is dwindling; political conflicts over income distribution are increasing; the state becomes more and more powerful.

In 1986, eight governors threatened to veto deployments of state troops to Central America. Washington generals and politicians responded by further destroying state independence and the Second Amendment's militia clause.

Dressing up the history of the world, and its economic development, in terms of transaction costs is mostly not very helpful.

"Herein lies the key to changing society — changing public opinion or people's preferences toward government. And the only way people are likely to change their preferences is through education and persuasion; force is ineffective."