To Test Freedom

How can you tell if you are voting correctly as far as it pertains to freedom?

Let us consider the proper way to evaluate each ballot measure…..

Pretend you are part of a 9 house neighborhood and the role of Sheriff is a rotating honor that each head of house assumes each week.

Now it is your turn to be Sheriff. One of your neighbors has been reported to be in possession of stolen goods.

How would you feel about going to your neighbor and telling him he is under arrest for suspiscion of possession of stolen goods? I am sure most of us would be able to feel justified in making that move.

Now, suppose you are told that your neighbor has been observed not wearing his seat belt and there is no law against it at this time. Would you feel O.K. with going over to his house and telling him he “must” wear his seat belt for it clearly is harming others?

No, I wouldn’t and I don’t think you would either! You see, the test of when to use government, (force), is when it is clear that you would feel comfortable doing it because it is clear that your neighbor is infringing upon others rights.

Would you feel comfortable going to your neighbors house and saying, "give me some money because the widow Jones is broke, and if you don't I will take you to jail?"

Is taking from those who have earned it, to give to those who haven't, really justified by the above test?

If you would not feel comfortable doing it, then you should not vote to make it a law.

Stealing is clearly infringing upon others rights. Not wearing a helmet or seat belt does not infringe upon others.

Some would claim that their death from not wearing a seat belt or helmet would “impose” upon others, but the key is it would not “infringe” upon others.

The classic definition of freedom to act is…”My freedom to swing my fist ends where your nose begins.”

Let us be cognizant of how our vote can take away others freedoms when we vote because the purpose of passing laws is almost always to take away freedom.

“Government is not reason; it is not eloquent; it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master." - George Washington