My $1.5 million middle finger
My left middle finger is tattooed with a single line, running from the knuckle to the proximal interphalangeal joint (the one in the middle). It is a lasting reminder for me of the human ability to draw lines in our lives and to make choices, sometimes with permanent consequences. My left middle finger is also now available for sale, along with a video of it being removed, preserved, packaged, and shipped, at a price tag of $1.5 million.
I first conceived of offering this body part for sale following the election of Javier Milei as president of Argentina and the subsequent debate regarding his view that there should be a free and open market for human organs. In his view, “market mechanisms” should be utilized, and the regulation of bodily freedom is inappropriate. He’s right, and that principle of self-ownership and inalienable rights is the (now warped) foundation of American law. It is a topic also currently up for a vote in the form of New Hampshire’s House of Representatives, though HB1482 is limited to the sale of human blood and organs.
The debate on this topic in America is spirited. At its heart, the question is simple: do you own your body and have decision-making power over what consensual activities you engage in, or does a government official get to decide for you? I certainly do not and have never consented to the latter. Each person owns their body and the product of their mind, and government officials do not have just power to interfere in or limit peaceful consensual activities.
While it is morally impermissible to initiate violence against others or to diminish the wealth of others through theft, fraud, or destruction of their property, that leaves an infinite number of actions and exchanges between consenting persons that are permissible. That is part of what makes the Principle of Human Respect a desirable and functional premise, it’s a minimally restrictive and maximally beneficial place to draw a line when interacting with others. In a free society, all consensual exchanges of value are allowed, even those that are unadvisable or disagreeable to the outside observer.
How much is my second kidney worth? My blood? My bone marrow? My left foot? I give away blood regularly and the value I receive in exchange is not money; it is far more precious. A human body is worth, ostensibly, between $550,000 and $45M. The value of human life, love, and lived experience is incalculable and can only be determined by each individual for themselves. I can’t tell you how much your health, happiness, and prosperity are worth – but I know they hold value.
In America, 90% of people support organ donation, and 60% of adults are registered organ donors. 88,000 Americans are waiting for a kidney right now, an organ, like part of the liver, and certain other organs or tissues, that can be safely provided by a living person. Fear of coercion and force in this marketplace has led to restrictive laws limiting voluntary exchange and costing 6,205 American lives every year. Ironically, these numbers come from Organdonor.gov, a branch of the entity restricting the practice under penalty of law and preventing the immediate remediation of most organ needs.
I am not being forced to sell my left middle finger, there is no violence or coercion involved. I want it gone to an individual or group of buyers so the funds received in exchange can be used for improving literacy in my community, affording locally sustainable energy production, and continuing my nonprofit work to improve journalism in America.
How I prioritize my time and resources will change with time. These are not permanent lines. I also have my left and right ring fingers tattooed, signifying lines in my life (my marriage and children) I would not give up for anything, at any time. Those fingers, like the promises they symbolize, stay. Distinguishing permanent and temporary lines is a choice for each person to make for themselves, and an important part of functioning in this sometimes uncertain world.
To be clear, this is quite serious. You can literally buy my middle finger or contribute to that cause. If you’re in favor of using force and violence to limit self-ownership and self-determination, however, you can get used to getting middle fingers for free.
Potential buyers can inquire by emailing valuableacts@gmail.com
