anarcho-capitalism in ME

[Finglas]

Seems strange that this thread hasn't already been started. Maybe it has and I just overlooked it. If so, let me know.

Anyways, as a libertarian, I've always admired Tolkien's Hobbit societies. The Shire and Bree seem to be prime examples of the free market in its purest form, true laissez-faire capitalism. Without any governmental entanglements, private investment is perfectly able to supply all the needs of these jovial, yet simple people. Seeing their contentment and their long tradition of liberty, then, I have worried about what the Fourth Age might have in store for Hobbits and their way of life. Will the return of the king mean a return of taxes? Of regulations? Of government coercion? Surely, if indeed Sauron's spirit yet lives on even after his final fall, this is the form it would take.

Perhaps much of what we say concerning the government of Middle-Earth is mere speculation, but if anyone has any insight into it based in the Tolkien corpus (including his letters, a copy of which I really must buy) I would love to learn more.