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To: irish_links
But the existence of a law is the imposition, though I grant the imposition may be wholly justified and moral(law against murder, for instance.)

Therefore, it's really the laws and those that support them that are imposing on the rest of us. The case is even stronger when one discusses laws against drug possession. There are a host of issues associated with criminalizing possession of a substance, but that's for another day.

The fact is, through demagoguery a couple of these laws were passed and the government worked so hard to propagandize the populace that people commonly believe the law to be just. Anyone who really believe marijuana should be illegal and alcohol legal is an example of this phenomenon.

I do not trust the government as you do.
174 posted on 06/27/2003 7:38:19 AM PDT by Skywalk
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To: Skywalk
"...I do not trust the government as you do...."

I have no faith in government. But, I abjure my right to complete freedom in order to live in a society governed by the rule of law and not the tyranny of men.

One of the pillars of our society, ruled by law and not men, is the concept of Federalism. Federalism allows each of the several states to work out on its own the nitty, gritty details of what body of laws makes for a good society.

Some of the states will lean toward a libertarian approach that you seem to prefer. Others will opt for a body of law that deems to guide the moral behavior of its citizens. Still others, like my State of Ohio, will search for something in between.

As a citizen of these UNITED STATES, I can choose which type of laws I wish my behavior to be governed by. That is, if I don't like the laws in the state in which I reside, I can act politically to change them or move to a place in greater harmony with my will.

In your world, I would be obligated to live under a set of laws that the powerful elite believes are good for me. I would have no say, through the power of my vote acting collectively with others who share my views, in the determination of the laws that govern me.

You may call that freedom. I don't.
181 posted on 06/27/2003 8:09:33 AM PDT by irish_links
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