LIBERTARIANS- FREEDOM AND PRIVACY: Blog # 177; April 3, 2015

THE MESSAGE:

FREEDOM FROM BIG GOVERNMENT?

Don't use drugs; however, if you do I don't care.  
Stay out of my private life!
I can look after myself and so should others.
Free love. No censorship required!
.......

 Modern day Libertarianism
 

Is a political philosophy that upholds liberty as its principal objective. They 'stand on guard' to protect, maximize and enjoy the right to self-determination, freedom of speech, freedom of choice, freedom of voluntary association and of religious belief and freedom from 'command and control government. 

In a search for a fulfilling existence, libertarians identify themselves as economically, fiscally and politically very Conservative. Generally, they believe in minimal government involvement in economics but tend to be extremely Liberal when it comes to social and cultural mores. 

It is fair to say that Libertarians are in favour of private property rights for the individual; however, they tend to be against the capitalistic, individual ownership of the means of production and big governments. 

Libertarians aspire to exist in a perfect world. But we know from history and even our own experiences that humans are imperfect. Is it possible for imperfect beings to create and live in a perfect society?

PRIVACY AND FREEDOM IN CANADA

Some Canadians have voiced their concern over the newly proposed Anti Terrorism Bill. The critics complain that this law will infringe upon individual freedom and is another example of excessive  government interference. 

THE HARPER GOVERNMENT

Argues the proposed new provisions are needed to combat the threat of homegrown terrorism in the wake of two murders of Canadian soldiers in October, 2015.The bill would also make it easier for police to limit the movements of a suspect, expand no-fly list powers and take aim at terrorist propaganda. In addition, it would allow much greater sharing of federally held information about activity that “undermines the security of Canada.”

THE DANISH MODEL

The following is excerpted from an article designed to attract foreign students to study in Denmark

Individual Freedom A safe and balanced society. In Denmark there is a strong regard for the common good. Freedom for the individual, equal opportunities, respect and tolerance are core values. This is also reflected in the way we organize our workplaces and educate our youth

Equal opportunity Denmark is one of the most egalitarian societies in the world. The Danish welfare model ensures a healthy work-life balance as well as free education and healthcare for all. 

Equal rights Danish law guarantees freedom of religion and prohibits discrimination based on gender, race, religious belief or sexual orientation. A large majority of Danes are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, supported by the Danish state. Nonetheless, most Danes view the church as a cultural institution and religious discussions are not very predominant in the public debate.

A safe and family-friendly society Denmark is a family-friendly society where children and their parents enjoy plenty of cultural activities and easy access to nature, beaches and sports facilities. Danish cities are bicycle-friendly and green. And with Denmark’s low crime rate, children can roam freely and even walk themselves to school.

SINGAPORE

LEE QUAN YEW,  the nation’s founding father and first Prime Minister, died March 23, 2015 at the age of 91.

HIS DECLARATION:

“We don’t have the ingredients of a nation; the elementary factors: a homogeneous population, common language, common culture and common destiny.” Yew's determining factor was leadership. He possessed, conviction discipline in the pursuit of a goal, adaptability in the interest of the general good, and far-sightedness. He prized opportunity, meritocracy, the work ethic of immigrants and education.

What we find in Singapore is that it has a combustible ethnic and religious hodgepodge of Chinese, Malays and Indians gathered in a city-state with no natural resources.

Yew's style was authoritarian, harsh when necessary. Free speech and political opposition were generally suppressed; the only liberalism was of the economic variety. He tapped into an Asian and Confucian inclination to place the communal good above individual rights; he also cowed Singaporeans into fear. Overall, it worked. Singapore became a booming commercial and banking center. Prosperity elided differences, even if the yawning gap between rich and poor is a growing issue, as it seems, throughout the world.

THE QUESTIONS:

Have security cameras in stores been an asset in preventing and solving crime?

Should there be cameras and microphones everywhere?


How much individual privacy and freedom are you willing to sacrifice in the name of public safety?

THE LAUREL:

Awarded to:
RONALD REAGAN FOR LIVING HIS WAY 
There are no constraints on the human mind, no walls around the human spirit, no barriers to our progress except those we ourselves erect.

TWEET TWEET

THE QUOTE:

"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty." - JOHN F. KENNEDY

THE CLIP: