But, even if one were to disregard that "aberrant" instance, it reminds one that any exercise in State power can lead to death. Often? No. But it can. That entire episode occurred because he had the temerity to be selling untaxed cigarettes. Taxes so high that they inspire a flourishing black market.

Think on taxes. What happens if one doesn't pay them? You have your property taken by agents of the State. What happens if you don't consent to that happening? You and your possessions are taken forcefully by different agents of the State. If you don't comply in a meek enough manner, you could end up injured or dead. Certainly you'd have your freedom taken away for a period of time.

Any State tax or regulation could lead to this outcome. Noncompliance with the rule, tax, or regulation could lead to one's incarceration or death. Or, perhaps just having your home and livelihood destroyed.

Does death happen often? Death? No. Incarceration and/or ruinous fines? More than I'd like to see. In any case, it COULD happen.So, whenever a statist, be they of the right or left, want to pass some new law, tax, or regulation, I wish they'd think on what COULD happen. Policy misconduct (another symptom of an out-of-control State) or not, Eric Garner died because New York has insanely high cigarette taxes.

I know we need laws, regulations, and taxes. But the heavier they get, the more draconian the enforcement becomes. Why? Because people seek to evade them and the State can't have that.