09/13/2008 Human Observations
There are far too many laws, on the federal and state books; laws that are ill-conceived and undemocratically quickened. In a nation of free individuals, the notion of a "complete" republic is not only unnecessary; it is redundant and wasteful. 200 years ago a small town in Oregon needed a person to represent the will and voice of its citizenry in legislative matters, due to the impracticality of travel and limits to communication. Such is not the case in this new millennium. With the aid of computers and the internet, the idea of "one person, one vote", for or against every piece of proposed legislation, is more than possible; for free citizens it is necessity. Concerning matters of national security where exposure of information could compromise our safety, the Congress should be utilized. However, we no longer require them to make our national legislative decisions for us. Each individual must exercise his and her use of education and judgment in determining what manner of legislation is to be accepted as law within our American version of modern civilization. Practice, practice, practice.
Second, yet just as important, Each citizen is responsible for his and her lifestyle, living in responsible freedom to do as they please; as long as that activity does not impose upon or negate the freedom of another citizen. What happens in a man's home is his business; not that of government. However, he has no more right to harm those under his authority than does the very government that defends his right to live within its territorial boundaries. So, the abuse of children, the weak, or the vulnerable must be met with the same swift judgment that man determined against his victims. Where responsible freedom is practiced is where American democracy flourishes.