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Liberty Corner

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Why Would We Want to Do That?

Ilya Somin asks "can we make the Constitution more democratic?" His answer seems to be "why would we want to do that?" Right answer. Here's why:
Democracy vs. Liberty
Something Controversial
Liberty, Democrarcy, and Voting Rights
More about Democracy and Liberty
Yet Another Look at Democracy
Conservatism, Libertarianism, Socialism, and Democracy
If Liberty Depends on Democracy, We're Doomed to Slavery
Democracy and the Irrational Voter
The Ruinous Despotism of Democracy
Posted by Loquitur Veritatem at 10:55 AM
Categories: Leftism - Statism - Democracy, Liberty - Libertarianism - Rights
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On Liberty

John Stuart Mill opined that "the only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others." But who determines whether an act is harmful or harmless? Acts deemed harmless by an individual are not harmless if they subvert the societal bonds of trust and self-restraint upon which liberty itself depends. Which is not to say that all social regimes are regimes of liberty. Liberty requires voice -- the freedom to dissent -- and exit -- the freedom to choose one's neighbors and associates. Voice and exit depend, in turn, on the rule of law under a minimal central government, such as the one envisioned by the Framers of our Constitution. Liberty, because it is a social phenomenon and not an innate condition of humanity, must be won and preserved by staunchly and unflinchingly defending the nation and through the swift and certain administration of justice.

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