Thursday, May 14, 2009

What Laws Are For in Todays Government

I have been racking my brain lately. I have been trying to figure out why the government would want so much control of the minutia of our daily lives. From controlling the electricity in our homes, to how much cola we can drink to which doctor we can see. If you break one of their laws, look out!.

But why? Sure there is that abstract idea of power, but power to what end?

As I am currently reading "Atlas Shrugged" by Ayn Rand, I have come across a quote from a character named Dr. Ferris that brings some clarity to my concerns on this subject. When I read them, I imagine Barney Frank, Chris Dodd, Nancy Pelosi or Rahm Emanual speaking them. Please read below:

"Did you really think that we want those laws to be observed?" said Dr. Ferris [government]. "We want them broken. You'd better get it straight that it's not a bunch of boy scouts you're up against - then you'll know that this is not the age for beautiful gestures. We're after power and we mean it. You fellows were pikers, but we know the real trick, and you'd better get wise to it. There's no way to rule innocent men. The only power any government has is the power to crack down on criminals. Well, when there aren't enough criminals, one makes them. One declares so many things to be a crime that it becomes impossible for men to live without breaking laws. Who wants a nation of law-abiding citizens? What's there in that for anyone? But just pass the kind of laws that can neither be observed nor enforced nor objectively interpreted - and you create a nation of law-breakers - and then you cash in on guilt. Now that's the system, Mr. Rearden, that's the game, and once you understand it, you'll be much easier to deal with."