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Originally Posted by seretogis
I agree 100% with everything in this post.
I want to expand upon one of pan's points a little though -- the last line. People wait for extremes, they do not expect them as they should. The government forming a nanny-state to wall in its citizenry is accepted up to the point where its idiocy is finally made undeniably apparent. This is why principles are important. People need to think long and hard about the purpose of government and object when government powers are overreaching, even if it benefits them. If people remain blissfully ignorant or shortsightedly selfish (in a bad way) they -- we -- are giving up ALL of our individual rights.
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I think the problem here is that the citizenry, not all but a vocal enough minority, is calling for the "nanny-state". We want someone to protect us from everything and we are training the following generations to be just like us. School districts won't fail students because they need to be protected from failure. CA is or was trying to pass a law that would make it illegal for parents to spank their children because apparently kids need to be protected from even legitimate corporal punishment. We learn early that government will protect us from whatever we want.
We have reached a point with our society that rather than face an issue and do something about it ourselves, it is easier to have government pass a law. Even if that law infringes on the rights or freedoms of many citizens. We would rather cede responsibilty for ourselves to some higher power while trading in our rights and freedoms in exchange.
Very sad, actually but I don't see this trend changing anytime soon. Personal responsibility is just not something most citizens understand or want today.