Torbay weblog davecathy

Feb 24, 2005 at 17:24 o\clock

Freedom to act responsibly

by: davecathy

Thanks for your responses Jamryn, and I take your points.

I suppose what I am thinking is that total freedom only exists where there is only consideration for your own needs, not others. Before civilisation, we did just as we wished, but civilisation means acting in a way that is for the common good, eg, we agree to drive on the left, to not expose our bodies in public (normally), to not go round taking anything we see that we want.  What society accepts as reasonable restrictions on freedom alter continually. For instance, it was once acceptable to spit in pubs and on buses, but not now. Smoking is going the same way, while swearing in public is now becoming more acceptable, as are displays of homosexuality.

All I am saying is that those who stand up and demand freedom for themselves would not be happy to give me freedom to drive away their car or sleep in their beds.

Keep making me think, your contributions always welcome .

Dave  

Feb 24, 2005 at 11:54 o\clock

NOTHING FREE IN THIS WORLD

by: davecathy

There is a great deal of rubbish being talked about at the moment concerning government attacks on freedom. Every law that any government ever passes is a restriction on freedom in one way or another.
If hunters should have the freedom to foxhunt, should they not also have the freedom to engage in dog-fighting, cock-fighting, bull-fighting, or bear-baiting? 
If I need to access my own money from the bank, I need a bank card. If I need a library book, I need a library card. If I need a government service, why should I object to a government identity card? If I have a car capable of travelling at 120 mph, why should I not have the freedom to travel though town at that speed? If MI.6 know a man is likely to engage in terrorst activities, but has not done so yet, should he be allowed to roam free until he kills a few hundred people?
Every restriction of freedom is for the protection of the majority of people, and is only brought in with the will of parliament, and then tested by the courts. Total freedom equals absolute anarchy. What do YOU think?