By Michael Beitler View all 9 articles by Michael Beitler Published 03/29/10  
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During the War of 1812, Francis Scott Key wrote a song about a star-spangled banner waving over the land of the free. Is this land still free? Are you free to earn a living as you see fit? More and more jobs now require a license to practice. The licensing board, made up of your would-be competitors, can block your entry because they better connected politically than you are. Are you free to enjoy the fruits of your labor? The government takes roughly half of everything you earn. In addition, the government is encumbering your future earnings (and the earnings of future generations) by amassing ever increasing debt. Are you free to use your property as you see fit, as long as you do not infringe on the rights of others? You are required to get the permission of bureaucrats before you can build anything on your own property. Even if you submit to all of the government's use requirements, your home and property can be taken from you in favor of a "public use" (such as a furniture store). Are you free to enjoy your inalienable right to life? The government can draft (conscript) you into military service to fight in a foreign war that you believe is unjustifiable. Now politicians are suggesting conscription for mandatory domestic service for every young American, following the Europeans on the road to serfdom. Are you free to live your personal life as you see fit? You must receive permission, in the form of a license, before you can get married. Are you free to invest your retirement savings as you see fit? The government requires you to participate in the world's largest Ponzi Scheme, known as Social Security. Are you free to keep your personal finances personal? You may someday have to sit and watch an IRS agent going through your personal checkbook in an attempt to take even more of your money. Are you free to travel? Americans are subjected to random search, seizure, and interrogation in airports reminiscent of Germany's darkest hours in the 20th century. If you consider yourself free, I would like to see the criteria you used to make that judgment. Francis Scott Key asked the critical question: Does that star-spangled banner yet (still) wave over the land of the free and the home of the brave? The star-spangled banner still waves over the land. But is the land free? Are we brave enough to do something about it? Copyright © 2010 Campaign for Liberty |
Also by Michael Beitler:
Cronyism 05/21/10
It's Not About Party 03/01/10
Demand an Audit in 2010 02/22/10
Thanks for Producers 12/30/09
Fettered Free Trade 06/27/09
View all 9 articles by Michael Beitler
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