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The object of this Essay is to assert one very simple principle, as entitled to govern absolutely the dealings of society with the individual in the way of compulsion and control, whether the means used be physical force in the form of legal penalties, or the moral coercion of public opinion. That principle is, that the sole end for which mankind are warranted, individually or collectively in interfering with the liberty of action of any of their number, is self-protection. That the only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others. His own good, either physical or moral, is not a sufficient warrant. He cannot rightfully be compelled to do or forbear because it will be better for him to do so, because it will make him happier, because, in the opinions of others, to do so would be wise, or even right. These are good reasons for remonstrating with him, or reasoning with him, or persuading him, or entreating him, but not for compelling him, or visiting him with any evil, in case he do otherwise. To justify that, the conduct from which it is desired to deter him must be calculated to produce evil to some one else. The only part of the conduct of any one, for which he is amenable to society, is that which concerns others. In the part which merely concerns himself, his independence is, of right, absolute. Over himself, over his own body and mind, the individual is sovereign....
If all mankind minus one, were of one opinion, and only one person were of the contrary opinion, mankind would be no more justified in silencing that one person, than he, if he had the power, would be justified in silencing mankind.
Nice Chomsky quote:
I have often thought that if a rational Fascist dictatorship were to exist, then it would choose the American system." -- Noam Chomsky, Language and Responsibility
Vincent H. Miller and Jarret B. Wollstein at Serendipity - New Declaration of Independence: another winner!
WE SUBMIT that the government of the United States of America has abrogated its sacred covenant to protect the life, liberty and property of the people of this nation. With the collapse of major foreign threats, our own government has emerged as the greatest menace to freedom, prosperity and peace, both here and throughout the world.
Harry Browne at DRCNet - Interview with Libertarian Presidential Nominee Harry Browne: The Week Online with DRCNet interviewed Harry Browne on Thursday. He reiterates the reasons we all know that prohibition is evil. He doesn't say that the main reason for it is $$$, however.
University of California at Santa Cruz - Human Genome Project Working Draft Sequence: Downloadable (over a fast net connection) copies of the human genome. I wouldn't know what to do with it, but maybe you do. [/.]
Lewis Napper at KeepAndBearArms.com - The Bill of No Rights: This is hanging on my office wall underneath a bunch of newer stuff, but it's nice to see that it's still floating around the net. Worth a read if you haven't seen it or a re-read if you have. [kaba]
KeepAndBearArms.com puts a quote at the bottom of each page, likely randomly selected from a long list. This one caught my eye:
Gun bans don't disarm criminals, gun bans attract them. -- Walter Mondale
Ron Paul's Texas Straight Talk - Last-Minute Supplemental Spending is Dangerous and Unnecessary: $20 billion in new fiscal year 2000 spending hidden in a 2001 Military Construction appropriations bill. Sueeeey!
Joseph R. Keezer at Sierra Times - The Separation of Powers Restoration Act of 1999: good commentary on Ron Paul's H.R.2655, which removes the power to declare emergencies from the president, forces him to justify all executive orders with a reference to a statute that gives him permission, and gives individuals standing in court to challenge executive orders. [sierra]
