"It is important to grasp the difference between laws and commands. Laws are impersonal rules, general, disinterested, usually negative in form ('Thou shalt not kill'). As Oakeshott says, they don't specify what substantive actions we are to perform, but merely attach 'adverbial conditions' to whatever courses of action we may happen to choose. Commands, on the other hand, are positive expressions of will. They leave no alternatives. ('And the king said, Bring me a sword.') Laws are 'observed,' commands are 'obeyed.' To live under the rule of law is to be a citizen; to live under commandment is to be a subject or even a slave."Joe Sobran
Pensees1. Use the Constitution (Remembering the 10th Amendment, please - and yes, we can keep the 16th Amendment).
2. Eliminate commands disguised as laws and regulations and their commensurate taxation.
3. Taxes are maintained for common infrastructure (safety, roads, bridges, water, sewer).
4. We hold true to some higher, simple rules or common law (well-demonstrated by
Richard Epstein):
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Self-ownership or Autonomy - The universal recognition that we own ourselves.
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First Possession - In thriving economies, property rights are held as one of the highest principles.
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Contract Rights - Once we recognize individual right of ownership, we understand that all individuals have equal contract rights.
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Torts - "keep off" or the power to protect our things.
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Necessity - To protect against imminent threats to life and liberty. We don't sell water to a person dying of thirst.
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Coordination - For matters of divorce and damages.
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Just Compensation - To address awards in disputes and torts.
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Take and Pay - Adequate compensation for property needed by the government for transportation or infrastructure needs.
Problems? Sure. But imagine these principles taught in our schools, espoused by our leaders, promoted in society. The proposal will allow a generous timetable for smooth transition. We have land to distribute in an orderly manner, regulations to roll back, government deals to change.
But I predict that conditions and the general welfare would improve.