The Creed of Freedom. In any election cycle, be it local, state or national, Americans have come to find many a declarations from both pundits and politicians often times in reference to the "defining issue" of our time. From taxes and terrorism to war or energy; from education and crime to unemployment or home foreclosures, any number of these may, in any given election year, undoubtedly come front and center as political leadership from both parties jockey for the mantel and the coveted trophy upon it. Without question these, and a great many others unmentioned, affect every individual American daily. However, despite the significance of all of these issues that might define this generation or those of generations past, there is but one which shall forever trump them all. It is the preservation and protection by government to the Freedom and Liberty for the greatest minority of all, the individual.
It is only the individual to whom rights are granted. For this reason, such a thing as "collective rights" cannot exist. Because, any "collective" or group is comprised of nothing more than individuals serving their own self-interest alongside others with similar pursuits. These rights are inherent. That is, they are as much an essential part of our existence as the air we breathe. They are true and honest in that they are not compulsive, coercive, nor do they intimidate another in their attainment. As such, they extend to every man, woman, and child regardless of race, religion, gender, education, economic status, political persuasion, etc. They are bestowed upon them, not by any "state" but instead by their creator. For, were their distribution left to the state, so too would exist their revocation by the state.
The "state" (i.e. government) derives its exclusive power and authority from the governed. Therefore, the state must never presume to do anything beyond what the individual citizen can himself do. Belief to the contrary is to consent to government's ability to become a power unto itself thereby becoming the master instead of the servant to society. However, let us not misrepresent the servitude which government has to the governed.
It is my honest belief that both social and economic objectives are best achieved by voluntary action rather than by coercion of law. I believe our best prospect for social tranquility, goodwill, and unity are best attainable through tolerance, honesty, and integrity. It is by implementation of these principles that we define leadership. And, it is this leadership which spawns an environment whereby individuals are persuaded as opposed to coerced by law. Those truly in need are best served through charitable giving which is indeed heartfelt. But, let us remember, there is nothing charitable nor heartfelt about legalized plunder; taking from one to give to another. The state holds an exclusive monopoly on this practice through force; pitting man against man thus, leading individuals to question if their own adoption of the practice of force against men is just. Neither of them is.
"All men are created equal." Equality lies within the application of the law. It must be applied evenly to each and every individual. Government's role is to apply it as such without intent towards equality in outcome. Government, as an example, serves as the protector by which the individual of his own accord acquires a pot, some water, spices, and vegetables so that he may make a hearty stew without fear of its theft by his fellow citizens. The proper role of government is neither to provide the stew nor to exert its authority to ensure equality in the bounty of each man's stew. I see the proper role of government as neutral, not positive; defensive not aggressive. It exists to protect, not to provide. For, should government act to the contrary, in providing an individual with a few extra carrots or a few extra potatoes, it would thus be then serving the benefit of one at the expense of many. A government delegated such authority will have men within it who will seek the abuse of that authority. Such abuses lead to legalized plunder and the decay of individual Freedom and Liberty.
As your state Representative, I will seek to restore the proper role of government at the local level and ensure the fulfillment of government's primary obligation to protect the Life, Liberty, and property of its citizens so that they may dictate and pursue their own happiness.
This is my political cause. There is no other.
Hear more on Thursday, October 2 from 5-7 p.m. at Shout House on Sixth and Hennepin for Votesmart (Presented by the League of Women Voters).