Death Is Easy

DEATH IS
EASY
by
Russell Madden


Freedom As If It Mattered

FREEDOM, 
As If
It Mattered
by
Russell Madden



Guardian Project

The Guardian
Project
by
Russell Madden




Random

RaNdoM
by
Russell Madden




 


 

 

GOING TO THE DOGS

by

Russell Madden

 

 





Atlanta Falcons football player Michael Vick has been accused of running a dog-fighting operation in Virginia. (See here.) He has pleaded not guilty to the charge. (Since he supposedly traveled between states to engage in this activity, he is charged with a federal crime.)

If what is claimed about his actions are true, then his behavior is disgusting, for sure. As such, his team would be justified in giving him the ol’ heave-ho. Likewise, the extremely negative reactions from the public is a good way of encouraging him to engage in less despicable pastimes.

But...! (And this is an extremely important “but” for anyone proclaiming to defend liberty.) Even if the charges are accurate in depicting what he has done, he has violated no one’s rights. If he has done these things, he has, for certain, engaged in immoral behavior. Reprehensible actions, though, should not be legally prohibited unless and until they include initiating (direct or indirect) force against unwilling human participants. Statists and collectivists, of course, have no problem outlawing what they see as reprehensible, e.g., gay sex, recreational drug use, pornography, gambling, etc. etc.

Many otherwise good libertarians falter when the subject of animal abuse is raised. They, of course, have no legitimate reasons to back up their approval of legally prohibiting animal abuse. Like unreasoning statists, they rely solely upon their emotional reaction to support their unwarranted position.

The question then is this: are you a real supporter of freedom, even when it leads to disgusting and questionable outcomes...or are you one of those who are unabashedly ready to let the camel’s nose thrust itself under the tent?

Remember: a principle once breached no longer remains a principle.


(from Don't Get Me Started!, 7-27-07)