Comment by ryukafalz | Hacker News Reader

Comment by ryukafalz | Hacker News Reader

There’s a lot here that’s entirely unnecessary but I’ve wondered recently if a “network state”-like thing devoted to certain public services might be beneficial. In particular, a large enough group could likely negotiate better rates for health insurance than an individual in the same way a large employer does, and could provide a stronger social safety net (maybe even potentially a UBI?) in the same way some governments do. Doing so would require e.g. countering benefit tourism (you couldn’t have someone join when they’re laid off just for some benefits and leave immediately after they find a new one, you’d never be able to keep it funded that way), but I think that’s surmountable.

In other words, if we don’t believe the government we have right now is likely to provide many essential services, even if we ultimately believe it should, is it possible to organize privately for the same benefits? I think it might be.

We used to call those 'co-operatives' and 'unions'.

Sort of, but both are pretty industry- and purpose-specific.

Also, aren’t dues typically either fixed amounts or a flat percentage? If you’re looking to emulate a government, I’d imagine you might also want progressive dues akin to progressive taxation.

So then building them as "network states" is a recognition that nation states have lost the control they had a century ago due to advances in technology and communications. Distance and locality isn't as important when the internet makes telepresence feasible.

This is already here now in some ways. For example: tree people. It turns out that there are a lot of basic rules communities can follow that make planting and caring for trees in public spaces easier. People who want to plant trees can reach out and find what kind of trees are best for particular locations and constraints. It is usually also possible to get instructions and borrow equipment for digging holes and moving trees and soil.

You can't get regular pay or health insurance or a social safety net from the tree people, but together they plant, protect, and care for trees and spread the knowledge of how that is done and the wisdom of why it is done.

In my opinion the tree people are a good minimal example of how network states might start with small shared domains and goals and might make a big difference without even expanding.

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