Opinion: Refuse to act as though others own you

To say I’m skeptical of the institution of government is an understatement. If individuals make bad choices, a collective of people with an incentive to do bad things and very little chance of being held accountable -- unless they anger some opposing faction within this institution -- won’t do any better.

Quite the opposite.

Organized evil is worse in every way than disorganized incompetence.

It doesn’t matter if this institution has been around “forever.” The same excuse was used to justify slavery. A long history and public acceptance can’t change wrong into right.

Eventually, humans will see little difference between chattel slavery and the belief that anyone can have the right to govern another. Some of us see no difference now.

What’s the difference between ownership and control? There isn’t one. since control is the defining characteristic of ownership. If someone controls you, the reality is they are behaving as though you are their property. If you go along, you are agreeing with their counterfeit claim over you.

Maybe you’re scared to be fully responsible for your life. Too bad. You are fully responsible anyway.

Acting like property can’t erase responsibility. If someone orders you to do something, you are still accountable for choosing to do it. You always have the option of refusing to comply, which, in many cases, is the only ethical choice.

It can be hard; it is dangerous. Not accepting responsibility for your life is dangerous, too, but the danger may be hidden from view.

Taking responsibility is good for you, even though you will make mistakes. It’s the only way to grow.

Trying to avoid responsibility by saying it’s someone else’s job harms you.

I’d rather suffer the consequences of my own mistakes, and learn from them, than watch rulers making mistakes which I know, through experience, will hurt me and others, but am powerless to prevent.

Legislation is one of the most common attempts to avoid responsibility. An attempt to assert ownership over others. It treats the population like stupid children, so how do you think they’ll behave?

I want you to exercise your liberty muscles. To take responsibility, and refuse to act as though others own you. I want you to own your mistakes and celebrate your victories.

I want the institution of government to fade away from disuse once enough of you realize how harmful it has always been to society and the individuals who comprise it.

Farwell’s Kent McManigal champions liberty. Contact him at:

[email protected]