Most preparedness-minded people put great value in life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Most want to be ‘left alone’ in their pursuit. To be independent, perhaps self-sufficient.
Thomas Jefferson wrote (while drafting the US Constitution), We hold these truths to be sacred & undeniable; that all men are created equal & independent, that from that equal creation they derive rights inherent & inalienable, among which are the preservation of life, & liberty, & the pursuit of happiness;
Unlike socialism, tyranny, fascism, or communism which uses force to deny some or all of that pursuit, the following philosophy of liberty is perhaps closely associated with that of the Libertarian mindset and is an interesting read…
The following is written by Ken Schoolland
The philosophy of liberty is based on the principle of self ownership.
You own your own life.
To deny this is to imply that another person has a higher claim on your life than you do.
No other person, or group of persons, owns your life. Nor do you own the lives of others.
You exist in time. The future, the present, and the past. This is manifest in life, liberty, and the product of your life and liberty.
To lose your life is to lose your future.
To lose your liberty is to lose your present.
To lose the product of your life and liberty is to lose that portion of your past that produced it.
A product of your life and liberty is your property.
Property is the fruit of your labor – the product of your time, energy, and talents.
Property is that part of nature which you turn to valuable use.
Property is the property of others that is given to you by voluntary exchange and mutual consent.
Two people who exchange property voluntarily are both better off or they wouldn’t do it. Only they may rightfully make that decision for themselves. At times some people use force or fraud to take from others without voluntary consent.
The initiation of force or fraud to take life is murder.
To take liberty is slavery.
And to take property is theft.
It is the same whether these actions are done by one person acting alone, by the many acting against the few, or even by officials with fine hats.
You have the right to protect your own life, liberty, and justly acquired property from the forceful aggression of others.
And you may ask others to help defend you. But you do not have the right to initiate force against the life, liberty, and property of others. Thus, you have no right to designate some person to initiate force against others on your behalf.
You have the right to seek leaders for yourself. But you have no right to impose rulers onto others. No matter how officials are selected, they are only human beings and they have no rights or claims that are higher than those of any other human beings.
Regardless of the imaginative labels for their behavior, or the numbers of people encouraging them, officials have no right to murder, to enslave, or to steal. You cannot give them any rights that you do not have yourself.
Since you own your life, you are responsible for your life. You do not rent your life from others who demand your obedience. Nor are you a slave to others who demand your sacrifice.
You choose your own goals – based on your values. Success and failure are both the necessary incentives to learn and to grow.
Your action on behalf of others, or their action on behalf of you, is virtuous only when it is derived from voluntary mutual consent. For virtue can exist only where there is free choice.
This is the basis of a truly free society. It is not only the most practical and humanitarian foundation for human action, it is also the most ethical.
Problems in the world that arise from the initiation of force by government have a solution. The solution is for the people of the earth to stop asking government officials to initiate force on their behalf.
Evil does not only arise from evil people, but also from good people who tolerate the initiation of force as a means to their own ends. In this manner good people have empowered evil people throughout history.
Having confidence in a free society is to focus on the process of discovery in the marketplace of values, rather than to focus on some imposed vision or goal. Using governmental force to impose a vision on others is intellectual sloth and typically results in unintended, perverse consequences.
Achieving a free society requires courage to think, to talk, and to act. Especially when it is easier to do nothing…
Ken Jorgustin adds: You may or may not agree with everything written above, it is food for thought. For example I find myself agreeing with most of the general philosophy, however I am not as pacifist as the hard-core Libertarian and I do feel that (some) things are worth fighting for beyond the scope written above (given the reality of the ‘bigger picture’)…
What’s your opinion?
Very good article Ken its gets people to thinking. We have given up way too many rights.
I always find it interesting which posts get people commenting here and which do not. This one should be off the charts with people chiming in based on how we’re being degraded of our liberties these days. But, alas…
One element of my personal political identity that could use some expanding is by actually being around like or similar minded folks, versus online learning or just being a news consumer in general. This post draws out the desire to network some…
That said, does anyone have any thoughts or experience on the John Birch Society, Free Masons or like-minded groups?
My take is that one should move past the opinion, beyond the history and philosophy to engage (debate?) directly with others on thought provoking topics like this.
Though, giving out my name for memberships tends to make my skin break out in hives ;-)
Quote: This one should be off the charts with people chiming in based on how we’re being degraded of our liberties these days. But, alas…
I too find it interesting which posts get people talking. Throughout the years of posting on issues regarding loss of liberties (or other similar issues), sometimes people are inspired to speak out and other times they are not. This one might simply be too ‘philosophical’ and not specifically related to a current event. Therefore it’s possibly ho-hum for most. We’ll see.
I have found that specific current-event issues will spark the most interest. That said, I thought the article above would be interesting for ‘some’…
I found it very interesting and it resonates with me for sure. Thanks for posting and for sharing who Ken Schoolland was here.
I went out and found that he posts out on isil.org , not to be confused with the ISIL/ISIS bad guys. Interesting site and looks worthy of more reading and learning…
I have a disagreement about good people empowering evil people. I would not call them “good”. The kinds that support evil people are done so intentionally or with ignorance. It is their freedom to be these type of people, but in the long run, they are responsible for their actions that may have dire consequences.
@Stardust, I hear you… I’ll ‘bet’ that many in the general public are ignorant (not talking about most who visit this blog!).
Blame it on ‘the system’. Not sure who’s fault it is though – probably a shared fault amongst those who contributed to their ignorance in addition to the individual.
The ‘cushy’ life has enabled most people to sleep through the realities of what’s really going on. When an issue rises to the level of actually negatively affecting the individual (badly enough), then many may start to speak out or act out. Otherwise, it’s complacency. I believe that’s just the way it is regarding the human being in general.
Being responsible means also holding ones self to a higher degree of accountability throughout life. It starts with quality parenting and builds from there, which seems to be lacking these days – except for one mom in Baltimore.
The liberal and progressive left does not even acknowledge being responsible, much less ever holding themselves accountable to their actions (sometimes evil?). On the flip side, I do think that there are people who are conservative and inherently “good” who were not being responsible as well as they could have in life situationally. Call it ignorance, bad parenting or lazy or whatever.
My point – I will give a conservative the benefit of the doubt and a second chance to learn from their mistakes any day. But, I refuse to give a liberal the same trust given where our liberties are any more…
Somewhat narrow viewpoint of good vs evil, but look where we are these days with our freedoms :-(
You must be from Baltimore or some other liberal city Satori. Living the dream in a police state under the democratic leadership just like Bush and Cheney designed it. It was all their fault is probably on the tip of your tongue too.
ummm yeah
like I was saying
McConnell pushes for Patriot Act extension with no NSA reforms
http://dailykos.com/story/2015/05/06/1382870/-McConnell-pushes-for-Patriot-Act-extension-with-no-NSA-nbsp-reforms?detail=hide
and sorry Dogma
but it is a FACT
that “conservative” support was absolutely necessary for the Patriot Act,the NDAA
and other equally odious laws to be passed
wake up !!!
Daily Kos is your source? Just write liberal on your forehead and let that crystal ball of yours keep on churning out the truth.
I will figure out my own sources thank you. And, way to sneak in a broken link from a liberal rag like Daily Kos. Genius!
happy now ???
Patriot Act extension bill introduced by Sen. McConnell
ht tp://www.istockanalyst.com/business/news/7284075/patriot-act-extension-bill-introduced-by-sen-mcconnell
facts are FACTS
be the source “liberal” or “conservative”
oh look
DailyKos posting the same thing as FOX News
gee
how did that happen ???
KOS must be lying about McConnell supporting the Patriot Act
BUT
FOX News is telling the truth
McConnell Bill Authorizes Patriot Act Until 2020
ht tp://radio.foxnews.com/2015/04/22/mcconnell-bill-authorizes-patriot-act-until-2020/
happy now ???
McConnell Bill Authorizes Patriot Act Until 2020
htt p://radio.foxnews.com/2015/04/22/mcconnell-bill-authorizes-patriot-act-until-2020/
golly gee
I guess FOX NEWS and DailyKos are one in the same !!!
Alan Colmes Quarters on the Fox News Radio is not exactly the conservative corner of their website. He is a token liberal on Fox and you know it. Like I said I can do my own research and come to my own conclusions when it comes to researching a political topic.
But people did get to see some political science in their midst with you throwing out a one sided story from both a liberal and conservative website. Good lesson for those paying attention and not benefiting from your extra special hand hold. Dunno what they would’ve done!
yeah
you do your own “research”
You do realize that the Bush/Cheney administration created the USAPatriot act, the Military Commissions act, and the Continuity of Government act. While I argue the foundation for american fascism started in 1913, Bush/Cheney laid the cornerstone for the building itself.
Then came our friend Obama who signed the continuation of these into law and added the NDAA.
The moral of the story is that republicans/democrats, liberals/conservatives (in government) are all on the same page of closing down this society.
I think you mean republicans, not conservatives.
I do not believe socialism and liberty are mutually exclusive. I still cannot wrap my head around why conservatives and libertarians view socialism as a four letter word. One only has to look at world statistics to see how well socialism works. In all areas, overall happiness, success of citizens, education, opportunity, crime, etc. the socialist countries always are at the top of the list. While America sits way down the list. A recent study showed America is the worst place to be a mother in the western industrial world. Do you really think the Fins, the Dutch, the Swedes, The Danish feel they are living in despotic, totalitarian regimes?
I love liberty and don’t trust our government at all. That is why I’ll be voting for Bernie Sanders in at least the primaries. Sorry to say if Hillary Clinton wins the Dem ticket, I will not vote. Sorry if this leaves a bad taste in your mouth, but my opinions are based on evidence and not rhetoric.
And sorry to really piss you off, but if you really, truly believe in liberty, you must support gay marriage. If you fight against gay marriage you are trying to use the state to deny liberty and the pursuit of happiness to others.
If you fight against gay marriage you trying to use the state to deny liberty and the pursuit of happiness
I give you a question then, would you deny liberty and pursuit of happiness for bestiality marriage? And Incest marriage? Multiple marriage partners? hey if a child wants it, why not have 8 year olds marry adults? Just wondering how far liberty and the pursuit of happiness goes, idealistically.
Sorry, while a valid question, I don’t see how they equate in any way. Gay marriage is a marriage between two consenting adults just as heterosexual marriage is. The slippery slope argument is a logical fallacy. The only one that can possibly apply is polygamy. I think the evidence is in that these relationships can be very damaging and I wouldn’t endorse them. But should polygamy be illegal? The bible is all for it. Isn’t that what we’re basing the traditional marriage claim on? Any LDS members here that want to chime in on that one?
If you really support liberty, you will fight against the socialist government theft from individuals in the form of taxes. Also, gay marriage should not even be an issue. Our tax happy elected thieves secularization a religious institution to steal more money. The government has no business in any marriage. Period. How is that for libertarian? Finally, any thinking person knows we are already a socialized fascist nation: SOCIAL security, WELFARE, disability, unemployment, “free” health care, military industrial complex, big business controls congress. Oh, 40% of my income is taken from me. If that is not enough, come look at my gun safe and I will show you stock pictures of the guns I am not allowed to own. Land of the free my a$$.
The government we are supposed to have is one that is of the people and for the people. So if we have the government we’re supposed to have no one is stealing from anyone. By paying taxes, you are supposed to be paying yourself. Citizens in the socialist countries are paying the same taxes and getting free healthcare and free education all the way through college. And guess what, they are crushing us in standard of living. My high taxes go to the federal reserve and the military industrial complex. The U.S. is not a socialist country. We are an oligarchy run by billionaires. However agree 100% we are a fascist police state.
On the point of marriage, it pre-dates any religion. The bible, Koran, and Torah did not create marriage.
Lastly, I am independent and a free thinker and no matter what Diane Feinstein says I support the 2nd ammendment 100% We should all have guns and never rely on someone else to come to our rescue. So you keep those in your cabinet.
Don’t forget that those european countries which you claim to be socialist paradises spend very little on military defense. They count on the US to spend hundreds of billions of dollars per year to provide for their defense. Let’s see how well they would do without “free” security.
Mack: Shame what this town’s come to.
Charley Waite: You could do something about it.
Mack: What? We’re freighters. Ralph here’s a shopkeeper.
Charley Waite: You’re men, ain’t you?
Mack: I didn’t raise my boys just to see ’em killed.
Charley Waite: Well you may not know this, but there’s things that gnaw at a man worse than dying.
From the movie Open Range (2003)
I agree with you, somethings can gnaw at a man. You look at John Wayne movie’s it was about being a man and doing right thing whether you liked it or not. being polite and taking your hat off when you eat ( don’t see much of that when you go to eat with the wife). Somethings are worth fighting and dieing for you have to make that choice. Either be a man or a sheeple.
I’m with you brother. Human decency values and respect for others have diminished to the gutter. People just don’t give a shit today, except about themselves. The values and behavior of most today’s men compared to those portrayed by John Wayne and times gone by are not very close at all.
They Thought They Were Free
http://press.uchicago.edu/Misc/Chicago/511928.html
another book of interest
Arendt’s BANALITY OF EVIL
http://www.openculture.com/2013/01/hannah_arendts_original_articles_on_the_banality_of_evil_in_the_inew_yorkeri_archive.html
America’s Main Problem: Corruption
http://www.washingtonsblog.com/2015/05/the-main-problem-in-america-corruption.html
America
America
I hardly know you……
Noticed that Greece, Italy, Portugal, or Spain were not mentioned as good examples. Milton Friedman said it best when he said that ” There’s no such thing as a free lunch.” Is it not more compassionate to teach a man to fish so that he can feed himself for a lifetime, than to give him a fish for a meal? In our system he can obtain an education and become one of the best fisherman. He can start his own fishing business. And he can teach others to fish. The man who simply received a fish is in trouble if the guy with the fish runs out of fish, or decides that he no longer wants to give them to him. Charities, and philanthropists have a place in society to help the less fortunate, those who are truly down and out, and those with a genuine need for help getting reestablished. George Guilder said that ” Giving is the vital impulse and moral center of capitalism”. There are no perfect people. And since imperfect people run government, there is therefore no perfect government. I do believe that the Founders bequeathed to us the best imperfect system thus far. The Founders were ” idealistic realists”. About which Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. said ” The test of an ideal, or rather an idealist, is the power to hold to it and get one`s inspiration from it under difficulties. When one is comfortable and well off, it is easy to talk high”.
Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely. The more power a government has, the more corrupt it becomes. I point you to DC for evidence. Watergate was an abomination 40 years ago. Now we have multiple illegal government operations and the bought and paid for media barely reports on them. Hope you are ready because this government is more concerned with status quo than We the People. Don’t believe me? How bout those several billion rounds of ammo for practice?
Randy,
After reading your post I had to respond. Socialism can not exist until it has in depth control of the people. I have lived in 2 socialist countries, there the people were squashed by the government. I spoke and had indepth knowledge of the language and listened carefully to what the people said. Randy, try living in Russia for an extended time, speak the language and you will come to understand the misery of socialism. From your comments I can see you have enjoyed the blessings of this country and never suffered much. I do not say this as a put down. I have lived in Russia ( I am American – Texan).
does ANY country have a government in a pure form ???
China is “communist”
but yet MANY of their economic policies are capitalist as hell
crony capitalist to be exact
and is the US a democracy or a republic ???
I think not
corporate oligarchy is a MUCH more accurate description
is Cuba a communist country?
I think not
it is a dictatorship pure and simple
they can call themselves anything they like
but Castro and his brother rule the country
labels are irrelevant
Just so we’re on the same page I am neither endorsing marxism or communism. I know China, Cuba, the former Soviet Union, et al have always called themselves socialist, but we all know that’s a load of crap, right? I’m talking Scandinavia where real socialism seems to be working very well. Socialism doesn’t even need to be antithetical to capitalism.
gotta agree
people in the Scandinavian do report being the happiest
and I think their overall quality of life far surpasses that of the United States
at least that is what virtually all of the statistics say
Why do people from these countries (and so many others) still immigrate here to the US then? Why leave such paradise?
We are a nation of the dissatisfied, disenfranchised, and malcontent. A nation of minds that have never been happy with the cards they were dealt from birth. That is why people still come here in search of something better, a life they can have control of. The people who immigrants leave behind are the content sheeple who are too afraid/lazy/heartless to enact change in their own lives. Thus their reported “happiness” in survey, is just a form of denial.
Every friend I have, who moved here from other countries around the world, they think I’m a little nuts for thinking my liberties are being reduced. And you couldn’t PAY a single one of them to move back to their country of origin. They know how much better they have it here, and would never give this up. I think they are a little blinded by such new freedom to discern the fine differences between true liberty, and our nations currently degraded state.
oh look
a politician actually standing up for the Constitution !!!
A CONGRESSMAN WITH PRINCIPLES & BALLS
http://www.theburningplatform.com/2015/05/06/a-congressman-with-principles-balls/
and a Democrat no less !!!
Liberty is an ideal that most people, who read this website and others like it, cherish. The “problem” is the other people, the ones who couldn’t care less about Liberty and would prefer comfort and complacency.
It’s a trending attitude that the younger generations are also falling prey to. When I was a kid we all knew what freedom was, it was being able to go “out” and do whatever you wanted to. At least until the street lights came on then you had to get back home to the dictatorship. And even as kids we also knew freedom wasn’t free, we had chores to do, homework, etc., but that was all fine because then you knew you could go out and do “stuff”.
Most kids today would be miserable going outside to play with sticks and their imagination, they have to have their video games hooked up to HD TVs, microwave snacks on the counter at their beckon call, computers, cell phones, gadgets, gadgets, gadgets. I wish they would wake up, because no matter how much “society” dresses it up, a guilded cage is still just a cage.
Their freedom has been usurped electronically, just like they did to Malcolm McDowell in A Clockwork Orange, only now the kids aren’t tied down and forced into it, they do it willingly, blindly. If they ever do wake up, it’ll be interesting to see how very very pissed off they will be.
Ignorance abounds.
Just as I rekindle a little hope for the future of Mankind…it is crushed out of me by current events…and how these betray the horrid mentality and confused ethics of my fellow citizens.
I have just decided to stop prepping, and accept a quick and timely death, when TSHTF.
Ignorance abounds filling the void of truth`s absence. Truth is the foundation of civilization. Without wich mankind is as a sailor lost at sea without a compass. ” We hold these truths to be self-evident tthat…” Truth and freedom go hand-in-hand. America`s freedom and prosperity are commensurate to the degree of truth she espouses. The long, slow march through the culture has been the removal of truth in every step. No truth, no freedom. Know truth, know freedom. Just thought the conversation might benefit from a fresh perspective!
Well Ken, you were concerned on getting comments on this article. :-)
I’ll save my 10,000 words for something else.
Good comments everyone, but please let’s not make it personal and vindictive.
NRP