More and more people are realizing that their freedoms are being taken away by government at all levels, and more and more people are starting to do something about it. Some of the actions are a little misguided; some are a bit random. The fact that these things are being done at all proves there is a growing unrest. It would be nice if this unrest began to coalesce into a real change.
On one hand there are the grumpy "conservatives" who have no problem with coercive government as long as it is their side wielding the coercion. That Obama was coronated instead of their zombie sticks in their craw like a block of chalk. This is what I see in a lot of the TEA party activists. I would like to be mistaken about this, but even the acronym TEA ("Taxed Enough Already") seems to indicate a willingness to have some amount stolen from themselves and others. That is just wrong. If you wish to hand over your own money to the state, go right ahead. If you wish to force others to do the same you are advocating theft.
Then there are those who are only concerned about their particular "pursuit of happiness" being regulated away by government. They are fine with "laws" that harm others as long as they are left alone. Unfortunately, many gun owners fall into this category. There are some shining exceptions, however. There are plenty of examples from the other side of the authoritarian end of the stick as well.
A majority of people don't consider the stupidity of having a standing army occupying our cities, towns, and countryside until one of their friends is the target of a power-crazed abuser. This may be changing. More people are beginning to awaken to the fact that the policeman is NOT your friend. Ever. The evidence is overwhelming and shocking. Cops are the new "stranger with candy", and much more of a real threat than your mom's mostly-imaginary boogeyman ever was, since almost every incident is "justified" or found to be "within department guidelines". Not a smart policy at all, but their conscious choice.
Even as the number of aware people grows, so does the devotion and fervor of the worst state worshipers. Many statists just can't imagine that anyone would really not buy into their "safety net" metaphor. Ask the fish how "safe" that net really is. These statists fear freedom more than anything else, and will do anything to crush it while preaching that tyranny is "freedom". Maybe their delusional numbers are shrinking even as government grows bigger and more intrusive. Time will tell.
In the meantime, many are through backing up!
Comments
Indeed. Count me as one of the 3 percent...
We're all done backing up.
ML- You are where I got the phrase, but you knew that!
No non-specifics in this article. a really good article.My latest hot-button issue is the appointment of Czars.I didnt think I could be schocked over what government does, but this one shocked me.This brazen move by Obama is the most telling of his agenda to date.Leaves no doubt as to what his ultimate aim is as far as I see it.Dictionary definition states Czars have absolute power.And already 30 in position. Barely a ripple in the news about it. While every-ones attention is on the health fiasco and Michael Jackson, he has appointed a team with power over all of us.The coup de tat. Anne Cleveland
What Mama and Kent said. :) And thanks to all of you for populating my blog with prolific and thoughtful commentary.
I think it might be more accurate to say people are becoming more aware of oppressions they were formerly unaware of (or in denial of). Freedoms do not originate, nor are they distributed by governments, therefore governments cannot take them away. They can only threaten to injure you or something/someone you care about should you choose to behave free. Your freedom exists despite the deepest wishes of anyone who wants to control you against your will and their willingness to do harm.
I think "rights" can't disappear, but that "freedoms" can. I have the right to strap on my six-shooter and go to the grocery store, but in Texas I do not have the freedom to do so, as I would be killed by LEOs if I did. At least this is how I define and understand the terms.
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