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Originally Posted by Tipsy "Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither Liberty nor safety."
This, of course, is the incredibly overused quote of Benjamin Franklin that has been used quite a few times in our history whenever the government takes away a freedom. The question I pose to you is, for you, what exactly would you consider your 'essential Liberty.' Gun control? Warrantless wiretapping? Welfare (taxes supporting financial security of others), National Health Care? The list goes on.
I myself have been moving towards support of smaller and smaller government with what I have studying and through conversations/debates with people in college with me over the last year. Of those listed I listed, I'm pretty much against (or wanting massive reforms of) of the ones I listed with the exception of some very minor limitations on gun control. I'll probably explain my reasoning in coming posts, but I'd like to know what your stances are on your 'essential Liberties.' |
wtf...the quote has been used whenever the government takes away freedom?? have the people considered the second part of the quote? the temporary security bit. government has the right to take away liberties as long as they dont infringe upon the citizen's rights to defend themselves.
i consider essential liberties as: the power to defend oneself and communicate. gun control etc is an example of 'taking away essential liberty'. people have the right to defend themselves and gun control just means that people wont be able to defend themselves against criminals, who get guns regardless of gun control.
a smaller government would be much better than a bigger government. the government is essentially for the people. not people for the government. also, a smaller government wont be able to take away rights or freedom as freely so there would be less controversy.