Comparing what is said, with what the purpose of government is.
Some enjoy the excitement, debates, and speeches of elections, some dread the inundation of information and the ugly attacks on individuals and groups, but whatever your personal feelings about this season of civic engagement, how do you know who and what to support?
How do you get some real value out of the circus surrounding elections to decide who to support?
THE FIRST, AND EASIEST, STEP IS TO LOOK THROUGH THE LENS OF THE PURPOSE OF GOVERNMENT.
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that
all men are created equal, that they are endowed
by their Creator with certain unalienable
Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and
the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these
rights, Governments are instituted among Men.”
The purpose of government, and all public functionaries, is to secure Individual Rights to each individual.
Every claim should be filtered first through this purpose. Any advocacy for government doing something beyond this scope is an obvious Red Flag. Even if it is a claim or proposal from your favorite candidate or organization, this Red Flag should immediately put you on your guard.
What about those areas where reasonable minds may disagree about whether the service fits the purpose of government?
THE SECOND STEP IS TO FILTER OUT THE NOISE WITH A QUESTION ABOUT WHAT GOVERNMENT ACTORS WOULD NEED TO DO TO ACCOMPLISH THE PROPOSED ACTION(S) OR OUTCOME.
If Individual Rights have to be abused to accomplish the proposed outcome, it is an immediate Red Flag! In this “greater good” scenario, it is often claimed that the ends justify the means. The reality is that the means determine the ends. If the government is permitted to violate Individual Rights now, THERE WILL BE NO END TO THE VIOLATIONS.
Be sure to think critically this election cycle and share your thoughts with your friends and neighbors.
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