If you've followed this site for any amount of time, it should be obvious that I place high value on the freedom of individuals. However, I also want to recognize that true freedom can only exist within preset limitations. And yes, this is a paradox.
A dog is free to run in the gated backyard; a baby is free to play in the nursery. Similarly, the freedoms we enjoy in this country are not boundless. Freedom of speech does not confer the right to slander or to falsely shout “Fire!” in a crowded theater The freedom to own guns does not extend to felons, mentally handicapped, or someone dishonorably discharged from the military.*
Removing these types of basic limitations on freedom would result in anarchy, which is not freedom at all. The difficulty obviously comes down to determining where the limitations should end and where the individuals’ freedoms should begin. I prescribe to the notion of, “My right to swing my fist ends where your nose begins.” The moment that the freedom of an individual infringes on the rights of others is when the freedom should be limited.
This is why I support bans on smoking in public places: I have a right to clean air that would otherwise be infringed upon by smokers. However, if people want to smoke in the privacy of their own homes, that is their prerogative.
Generally, I will rule in favor of individuals’ rights until the rights of others are at risk.
*http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/922
A dog is free to run in the gated backyard; a baby is free to play in the nursery. Similarly, the freedoms we enjoy in this country are not boundless. Freedom of speech does not confer the right to slander or to falsely shout “Fire!” in a crowded theater The freedom to own guns does not extend to felons, mentally handicapped, or someone dishonorably discharged from the military.*
Removing these types of basic limitations on freedom would result in anarchy, which is not freedom at all. The difficulty obviously comes down to determining where the limitations should end and where the individuals’ freedoms should begin. I prescribe to the notion of, “My right to swing my fist ends where your nose begins.” The moment that the freedom of an individual infringes on the rights of others is when the freedom should be limited.
This is why I support bans on smoking in public places: I have a right to clean air that would otherwise be infringed upon by smokers. However, if people want to smoke in the privacy of their own homes, that is their prerogative.
Generally, I will rule in favor of individuals’ rights until the rights of others are at risk.
*http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/922