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Politics : Foreign Affairs Discussion Group -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Machaon who wrote (12661)	12/4/2001 12:37:26 PM
From: bela_ghoulashi	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 281500

Maurice has a history of making some pretty peculiar claims. The distance from his summit to the valley below tends to spread a haze over a plethora of detail. I think what he means is that we are not free to sell addictive drugs to children, which I take it is the measure of any truly free society.

To: Machaon who wrote (12661)	12/4/2001 4:21:30 PM
From: Maurice Winn	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 281500

Robert, you are quite right that those are nice to have and many countries don't allow people such freedom. But compare yourself with what's perfect rather than those in the gutter. Those same freedoms are available here, there and all over the place. I actually feel more free in NZ than I do in the USA which is actually a very strict, controlled place. Almost teutonic! [As are most countries]. But keep in mind that your "free" health care and free "state indoctrination" are actually paid for by those who are forced, against their will, to pay for your benefits. The fact that the majority [more or less] gave the government power to take property from some and give it to others doesn't make it right and it certainly isn't freedom. Are you allowed to grow, buy and sell dope, cocaine and other recreational drugs which compete with tobacco, alcohol, coffee and tea? Are you allowed to clone yourself? Are you allowed to decline to pay taxes for an education you disagree with or a war you find abhorrent? Are you allowed to decline the draft? Freedom is a very dull flower, even in the USA. Yes, it's better than that of USSR, Mao, Taleban and Jerry Falwell, but that's not exactly a big deal. Incidentally, the courts only protect your freedoms if you can afford it. If you can't afford the extreme legal costs, you don't get the protection. My sister-in-law has learned about that. Are you free to take anti-cancer drugs if you choose, if they have not be approved by the FDA? No, you are not. Provided you stay on a straight and narrow track, complying with the edicts of the state and paying them the taxes demanded and salute when ordered to, yes you are free to do those things you said, and even more! Oh, that's unless you look kinda middle eastern! Or the military tribunal decides you oughta be terminated [by a 60% majority]. Mqurice