A Rationing of Freedom

by Stephen A. Wait ~ 13^th of April, 2023

At best, our diminishing freedom is inversely proportional to government power. At worst, disproportionate… and in favor of the latter. It seems each an opposing force efforting to pries from the other their capitulation. Of late, and prime example, I offer the pandemic. Here we moved past the guise of protection from a virus and were left to face a plague of governmental trespass with only our volition to rely on. “This is not about freedom or personal choice,” President Biden lectured. “We’ve been patient, but our patience is wearing thin.” the same scolded. Yet in fact, it was specifically about our freedom… and whether we should allow it to be rationed.

Doubtless the vaccine was imperative for some. For others not. For all, duress was employed. As to your particular position, that may have depended on your value system and view of personal responsibility. Who is responsible for your well-being and prosperity? Who knows what’s best for you? The government… yourself? For many it became a question of benign freewill versus coerced compliance. And as well, the distinction between inadvertent and intentional harm. Once again, our measure of freedom tested the patience of governance… and it left a bad taste in their mouth.

To be certain, there are other societal crises looming on the horizon, albeit likely different in context. How our government chooses to react should be of concern to us all. Ultimately, this is the same choice we have always been faced with, limited governmental intrusion in our lives or the in-your-face version. Our elections bring about chaotic fits and starts, a loosening or tightening of the reins on governance. Without care, the perception of them as democracy in action can obscure the more fundamental – that we are a constitutional republic. And it is here that should be of greatest concern, where the insidious strategy of constitutional erosion is practiced. Indeed, the slow boiling of a frog becomes a fitting analogy for the euthanasia of our freedoms.

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