What does it mean to have a Right? What is Liberty?
The answer to that question is fundamental to our nation; to how we see ourselves not only in this world, but in this creation.
What is it that we have a Right to? What thing, what state of being, do we own simply by being alive? What is it that is ours BEFORE the state? What is that thing, or group of things, that belongs to us not because of the state, but in spite of the state?
For me, that answer is simple. It’s me. My own self. THAT is mine before the state.
And who would argue that defending myself, legally or forcefully, is not my right?
I am sovereign to myself. I belong to me and my labor belongs to me.
Men erect governments not to reduce this natural or divine state of being, but to protect it. We create relationships to assist in that protection. We do not enter into a bond to reduce those things, but to enhance those things. In short, it is the role of the state to maximize my sovereign right to myself; my Liberty.
In that context, I do NOT have a right to running water. Rather, I have the right to expect water to be provided in the event I enter into a legally binding contract to procure that water for an agreed upon price.
So, know that we know what the state Ought do, does this make better sense?
Continue reading →