Quote:
Originally Posted by MAXUM
I believe that Thomas Jefferson had a brilliant thought which I think is noteworthy....
Of liberty I would say that, in the whole plenitude of its extent, it is unobstructed action according to our will. But rightful liberty is unobstructed action according to our will within limits drawn around us by the equal rights of others. I do not add “within the limits of the law,” because law is often but the tyrant’s will, and always so when it violates the right of an individual.
What I find noteworthy here is that he references "liberty is unobstructed action according to our will within limits drawn around us by the equal rights of others" which is a very important distinction to point out and something that has been lost in today's society. For lack of respect and consideration for our fellow citizens is at face value a violation of the rights of others no matter which side of any argument or action you may fall on. So as a result laws are created to maintain a civilized society and to curb certain behaviors as to preserve the ideal of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all.
No society can be civilized and lawless at the same time, however creating an over abundance of laws does not equate to a civilized utopia either. This is why we must be very careful in how societies problems are addressed when it comes to any kind of legislative action for if it goes to far results in a tyrannical oppressive government. Unfortunately today everyone is all to quick to enact laws re-actively instead of considering the effectiveness of such actions and to what extent it interferes with the overall freedoms of our society as a whole.
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'nough said, well put Mr Jefferson, and excellent interpretation Maxum!