Freedom Flyer May 1990 Cover

Freedom Flyer 16

the official newsletter of the
Freedom Party of Ontario

May 1990




Article electronically reproduced from:
January 31, 1990


Society knows the danger of unbridled freedom

Marc Emery's passionate defence of freedom, Blind obedience sometimes worse than going to jail (Free Press, Jan. 20), is seriously flawed.

He forgets a basic principle - in order to be truly free, individuals within a given social organization must each give up a portion of their freedom, for the common good. In serving the common good we aim at achieving a kinder, gentler nation.

Alexander Pope described "life in the state of nature" as "nasty, brutish and short." Animal rights activists get caught in the same trap as Emery. The reality of life in the wild is harsh, short and violent. Domestic animals live a mundane, shackled and regimented life. However, they are spared the pain and violence their wild cousins, particularly the less dominant, go through on a daily basis.

Life without a social safety net is not very free. Unbridled capitalism is not very kind to the less fortunate. Unrestricted capitalism tends toward monopoly and oligarchy. Canada is a prime example. With no real inheritance tax, by global standards, we are very much an oligarchy, with a few families dominating our commerce and industry.

Elimination of state education and medical svstems would condemn too many citizens to illiteracy and bar access to basic health care. Thirty-seven million Americans do not have the luxury of basic health care: many millions more, with private health insurance, are a serious illness away from bankruptcy.

At face value, Sunday shopping appears to be a simple freedom issue. However, Sunday shopping laws do allow shopping at more and more convenient hours, six of the seven days of the week. Allowing total shopping freedom on the seventh day takes away the freedom of those who will be asked to give up their family day or day of rest. Sunday shopping is an assault on the family, the very basis of a free society.

Democracy is a great balancing act. Leaders of the day must decide what is the common good. More often than not the common good and compassion are one and the same. Stronger individuals might consider an enhanced, more prosperous lifestyle in a more stateless society. Yet, even the strongest can be stricken with personal tragedy.

Freedom is a precious commodity we Canadians do take for granted from time to time. The Marc Emerys of the world are important contributors for that very reason. However, the sacrifice of a little of our personal freedom, helping weaker members of society, is preferable to "life in the state of nature."

ALLAN SPICER
Port Burwell




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