Laying down The Law

If you believe that the United States government (keeping in mind that it was set up as an organization by and for its people, whose sole purpose is supposed to be ensuring us all that we may live, be free, and have the ability to attain happiness in our lives) is overstepping its bounds with the latest in "bail outs" for America -- or are at least keen on/open to the idea -- then this treatise is for you:


Read the work itself in one form or another here or here (yes, it is that important that I gave you two locations to choose from). And for those of you even further intrigued, here's the gentleman's website. Pretty good for a guy who died in 1850.

Aside from the free trade that Bastiat was arguing for in his native France, this work -- written alllllllll the way back in the 19th century -- remains relevant today not only in regard to the economy and trade, but in the way we choose (or seemingly choose) to govern ourselves. Do we protect our citizens from oppression, pillage, and the deprivation of our freedoms as human beings in a civilized society in earnest, or do we allow our government to oppress, pillage, and deprive our citizens because we have made such actions just in the name of "I know what's best for you" laws and practices? If you've ever noticed an unnecessarily large hole in your paycheck or have watched your elected official (local or otherwise) screw you over big time while in office, I believe you know to just what I'm referring.

Seriously, this treatise knows no political party. If you are planning on voting in an election -- or, you know, thinking of becoming part of a democracy at any point in your life -- is it so vital to read up. I'm not just saying this because I'm studying to become a librarian. If we find ourselves sick of repeating history, we must look beyond the colors and the fray of the bodies that govern us to the ideas and concepts that our systems stand for and the great minds who have argued for their preservation and even in some instances for their destruction. Chances are these men and women had something to say. Think about it... if what those we regard as great philosophers argue for and caution is applicable still, we must have not yet listened and/or learned.