Indeed, nothing but smuggling kept the poor from starving to death under that Government monopoly, benevolently planned for their good.
The quote highlights the dire circumstances faced by the lower classes under a government that claimed to act in their best interests. Despite the government's well-intentioned monopoly, it fails to address the basic needs of the poor, leading to starvation. Smuggling emerges as their only means of survival, illustrating a significant disconnect between government policies and the realities of everyday life for the disadvantaged.
This statement from Rose Wilder Lane's "The Discovery Of Freedom: Man's Struggle Against Authority" critiques the effectiveness of governmental control. While the authority may hold a paternalistic view, the harsh truth is that such regulations can exacerbate poverty rather than alleviate it. The reliance on smuggling underscores the resilience of those marginalized by systematic oppression, showcasing their determination to resist and survive against the odds.
