The State As An Organization

Professor Michael Rozeff explains what the state is,and why it's different than any other organization:

In fact, as we know, the state is not simply another organization, because it has power and it uses this power, when it wishes, to prevent any other group in society from being its rival. The state’s position as the maker of laws and imposer of taxes makes it different in kind. The state can coerce members of society without fear of punishment. No other group in society can use aggressive force and make others do things against their will without facing sanctions. The state can.

You can't say that about Wal-Mart or the Catholic Church.