Pubdate: Sat, 01 Apr 2000
Source: Dallas Morning News (TX)
Copyright: 2000 The Dallas Morning News
Contact:  P.O. Box 655237, Dallas, Texas 75265
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Author: Joe Schneider

ABOUT THOSE 'RIGHTS'

I couldn't help but notice that so many of the recent letters to the
editor are on the topic of the potential loss of a "right." The right
to bear arms, the right to free speech, the right to be born, etc. But
I'll bet those same people who are worried about their right will turn
around and call for more legislation to take away someone else's right.

To have your freedom, you need to be tolerant of other people's
concept of freedom. You may like shooting a gun. Another person may
like smoking marijuana. The legislation that makes it possible to take
away their marijuana will one day be twisted to take away your gun. Be
careful what you ask for. You may get more than you bargained for.

Notice how the legality of seat belt laws is used as an argument to
justify almost every other intrusion of the government into our daily
lives. The price of freedom is that it allows people to sometimes do
stupid things.  I'd rather suffer the occasional fool than feel Big
Brother's boot on my neck. When you protect "rights" you find
objectionable, you are actually protecting your own rights. Let's help
each other remain free!
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