My interview with MasterBasher

Me: "Joining us now is MasterBasher self-proclaimed ruler of BarterTown."

M.B.: "A pleasure to be here Engima."

Me: "Mr. MasterBasher concerning rising oil prices and the never ending tensions in the middle east what do you believe would be an effective way to insure stable energy prices for Americans?"

M.B.: "Thats easy, we should convert our oil based energy economy to one powered by pig's feces. In my home town of BarterTown I have constructed an effective means of extracting energy on demand..."

Me: "But Mr. MasterBasher it seems to me that the essential nature of the crisis is not the energy source, but power. Those that control energy in our society seem to wield incredible strength. Don't you believe that there should be governmental oversight?"

M.B.: "By governmental oversight you mean that you want the government to control how and where electricity is to be produced and distributed?"

Me: "well I, ah"

M.B.: "Listen closely, rising government interference lead to more government interference. If for example the government of BarterTown offers a subsidy to produce camels I might consider changing my factory operations. This will add to the price of electricity. For now I will be using more camel dung then pig, which means over time the government will have to pay out more money to the subsidy every year. Which in turn will require the government to put even more money into the camel subsidy. It is in your and mine best interest to have the government of America and BarterTown to not interfere with my operations other then what is needed is to maintain property rights and freedom from violence."

Me:"But wont your proposal lead to Oligarchy?"

M.B.:"Not really, you have a choose to use my electricity our use someone else's. No one is forcing you to pay me. However, when the government does something it has the unlimited power of the gun. All I have is Bashers fist's, which while large can hardly be put in the same boat."

Me:"But people need electricity."

M.B.: And Basher here needs vocal lessons, we all got needs. However, just because you claim to need something doesn't seem to me a good enough reason to steal it from me through governmental action. I built the power plant in Barter town to make my life more comfortable, not to be a slave to your demands."

Me:"Well what about Thunderdome, you don't have any criticisms to throw at that institution?"

M.B.: "All governments in the history of the world tried to offer justice to there people. To the extent that a given government has succeed is to the extent that the government was moral."

Me: "Surely, you cant believe that the system of Thunderdome whereby two men enter one man leaves is an effective way to administrate justice."

M.B.: "Well, there might be a better way to run a legal system, but you got to admit its more fun to watch then court T.V."

Me:"......"

Me: "Well were almost out of time Mr. MasterBasher can you just answer me one last question? Is Basher your real brother?"

M.B.: "Hahaha yeah right. Yeah, many 175 IQ point acne-riddled midgets have 6 foot 6 inch tall, 300 pound, half-wit brothers. Nah, man I just call him bro from our days in the BarterTown hood. You feel me?"

Me: "Sadly yes."