Monday, February 11, 2013

Liberty and Morality


Imagine that you are a good politician (don't laugh) in a country filled with good people.

These good people cover their noses when they sneeze so they don't give their neighbors their colds.

Are you tempted to pass a law requiring that people cover their noses when they sneeze?

Why bother? They're already covering their noses.

Now suppose you are a good politician in a country filled with bad people, who regularly sneeze in other people's faces.

Are you tempted to pass a law requiring that people cover their noses when they sneeze?

Hmm. Maybe so.

But now, what if you are a bad politician in a country filled with bad people? Are you tempted to pass a law requiring that people cover their noses when they sneeze?

Oh yeah! And you'll make sure the major hanky manufacturers know what you are doing. They will certainly want to make suggestions about the type of hanky that is required - a higher-end hanky, of course, with germ-killing properties that their expensive new machines can manufacture but which (sadly) their smaller competitors can't afford to buy. And, of course, in recognition of your noble campaign against the common cold they will want to contribute substantially to your campaign fund. And, of course, you will send out a press release letting people know what a champion of good health you are. Oh yes! You'll vote for that law!

Parable over.

I suspect good, moral citizens can safely live with more liberty than bad citizens, who will get more laws and more restrictions, either because good politicians reluctantly feel the need to impose them or because bad politicians gladly seize the opportunity. There is a connection between personal morality and political liberty.

As someone smarter than me said,  People get the government they deserve.