STAR WARS - Great pro-liberty tale.

The Star Wars (1977, 1980, 1983, 1999, 2002, 2005)  - Create the Heavens.

The ambitious Star Wars films tell of the rise, fall into evil & ultimate redemption of Anakin Skywalker through his son Luke. Set against the decline of the Old Republic into an evil Galactic Empire and the rebellion against that Empire, this tale has profound relevance for our time. Here's the top reasons why the Star Wars saga, in addition to being an epic action-packed adventure is a great pro-liberty tale:

• The films claim to be pro-liberty! From the scrolling-off-into-the-distance intro text: "...restore freedom to the galaxy" (Episode IV), "a group of freedom fighters led by Luke Skywalker..." (Episode V), "the small band of rebels struggling to restore freedom to the galaxy" (Episode VI).         
• The theme of the Republic declining into an evil empire is an ancient libertarian theme going back to Cato's resistance to the onset of empire in Rome. The portrayal of the bureaucratic/military empire vs. the "ragtag" people's resistance is right on target.         
• "War does not make one great." (Yoda)         
• "A Jedi uses the Force for knowledge and defense. Never for attack." (Yoda) How many other movies can you think of that have such a clear presentation of the libertarian doctrine on the use of force?         
• In the grand old Anglo-American tradition of continuing to provide goods even when the government stupidly gets in the way, we have the heroic smuggler Han Solo who specializes in outfoxing the Empire to do business. And don't forget that Lando Calrissian is originally running a black market mining operation when he is introduced.         
• No conscription for these freedom fighters! When the valuable pilot Han Solo plans to leave the Rebellion his decision is respected: "He's got to follow his own path, no one can choose it for him." (Leia)         
• Empire, accurately, is portrayed as a mass murderer in the destruction of the peaceful planet of Alderan and everyone on it. As a symbol to represent this past century of the killer State, I propose the dreaded Death Star. 

That two generations have grown up with these films teaching them to hate the "Empire" and it's plans to "bring order to the galaxy" bodes well for our future.

See these reviews of Episode I, II, IV, V, and VI. Also, on Mises.org, see Mark Thornton's review of Episode I and II.

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