The Cost of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty was a gift to this country symbolizing international republicanism. Republicanism asserts that people have inalienable rights that cannot be voted away by a majority of voters. A democracy. When we say The Pledge of Allegiance, we say "and to the republic for which it stands", not to the democracy. We live in a republic. Although we believe in democratic law, the Rule of Law and clearly defined constitutional principles dictate the actual administration of government. "With Liberty and Justice for all." Websters dictionary defines liberty as, a: the power to do as one pleases, b: freedom from arbitrary or despotic control, c: the positive enjoyment of various social, political, or economic rights and privileges, d: the power of choice.

We enjoy our liberties and freedoms purely through the limitations of our government, and not through the powers of the government.

An inscription on the Statue of Liberty written in 1883 by Emma Lazarus reads "Give us your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free....". This poem reinvented the statue's purpose, turning Liberty into a welcoming mother, a symbol of hope to the outcasts and downtrodden of the world.
Our elected officials now want to impose a surcharge or duty for the privilege of residency in this country. The proposed health care bill requires each citizen to enroll and pay the premiums, or opt out and still pay $1900 per year just to be left alone.

The plaque on the Statue of Liberty should now read "Give us your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to be free, your $1900 per year, and if not paid in full, face up to $25000 fine and one year imprisonment." Where is choice and freedom now? This is the new cost of liberty.

We would be best served if the interstate restrictions placed on insurance companies were removed and the free market system was allowed to flourish as other industries do. Regulation is also needed to keep insurance companies honest and fair.

Keep in mind that free people can treat each other justly, but they can't make life fair. To get rid of the unfairness among individuals, you have to exercise power over them. The more fairness you want, the more power you need. Thus, all dreams of fairness become tyranny in the end.

Our constitution guarantees us equal opportunity not equal results.