I believe in freedom, complete freedom for all. It’s easy to say, but what do I mean? I mean to live my life in such a way as to be completely free from the direction and rules of any person or entity, and I likewise mean to allow every other person to live as they decide without any direction or rules imposed on them by me.
The pleasure one derives from the enjoyment of sex, cigars, booze, coffee, and laughter is one’s own concern and no one else’s.
I believe there should be no laws governing the sexual conduct between consenting adults.
I believe there should be no laws governing the sale and use of tobacco or alcohol by adults, or any other substance for that matter.
The fact that laws now exist governing sex, cigars and booze will not deter, or hinder, us from the use of them for our pleasure. Have sex, smoke or drink if it gives you pleasure. You, and you alone, have absolute authority over your own body. I look forward to the day when there are no laws against the right to life, liberty, or the pursuit of happiness.
Personal Responsibility
Giving everyone freedom means that each person is responsible for his own well-being—no ‘nanny’ to tell you what you can or cannot do. As long as you are a responsible ADULT: smoke if you want to, drink if want to, and have sex with anyone who consents to have sex with you.
Choice
Why do Americans meekly stand by and allow their government to limit or eliminate their choices? Almost every thing in life involves some risk and we make choices whether to accept those risks or not. In America, more than anywhere else, you would expect people to have the right to make their own choices.
More than anything, America is an idea. America is an idea founded on the belief that man was born with fundamental rights—not privileges given to us by government. All personal decisions should be the complete responsibility of the individual. If we are adults, we, and we alone, should make our own choices about any and all ‘potential’ risks. Patrick Henry said, “Give me liberty, or give me death!” He did not say, “Give me complete safety, or give me death.”
Tyranny vs. Freedom
“Every variety of tyranny rests upon the belief that some persons have a right—or even a duty—to impose their wills upon other people. Tyranny may be fastened upon others by the mere whim of one man, such as a king or dictator under various names. Or tyranny may be imposed upon a minority “for their own good” by a democratically elected majority. But in any case, tyranny is always a denial—or a misunderstanding—of the mandates of an authority or law higher than man himself.” ~Rev. Edmund A. Opitz (1914-2006)
Self-Ownership
In contrast to tyranny, the philosophy of liberty is based on self-ownership. “Every man is a self-owner, having absolute jurisdiction over his own body. In effect, this means that no one else may justly invade, or aggress against, another’s person.” ~Murray N. Rothbard (1926-1995) Economist and Free-Market Philosopher
If you’ve never heard of, or been introduced to, the concept of self-ownership, it can be hard to understand—even though the concept is quite simple. By conditioning, many people erroneously believe we have a master. The first thing everyone must do to be free is to truly understand the philosophy of liberty—to become fully freedom conscious.
“Liberty is not a goal; it is a way of life. Liberty is not a battle that requires the conversion of others in order to win. Liberty is won when you accept the idea that you are the sole mater of your life, when your life is subordinate to none, and no other life is subordinate to yours. When you accept that idea, you are liberated. There will always be those who will claim to be your master but you will know otherwise.” ~Louis E. Carabini, Author
The following short (8 minute) embedded video is a simple, but elegant, hard-hitting animation that will explain exactly what the philosophy of liberty and self-ownership is all about. It’s a great tool anyone can use to educate children and adults alike about our right to life, liberty, and property – and our responsibility to think, speak and act.
I encourage you to watch this short video and recommend it to everyone who wants to understand the philosophy of true personal liberty. Remember: “None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe they are free.” ~Johann W. Goethe (1749-1832) Writer and Philosopher
“To be governed is to be watched, inspected, directed, indoctrinated, numbered, estimated, regulated, commanded, controlled, law-driven, preached at, spied upon, censored, checked, valued, enrolled, by creatures who have neither the right, nor the wisdom nor the virtue to do so.” ~Pierre-Joseph Proudhon (1809-1865) Politician and Philosopher, first person to call himself an “anarchist.
By David M. Voth