Dangerous Tool, Deadly Master

When people allow the government to make up the rules, regulations and taxes that govern the most personal aspects of individual behavior, from diet to sex, it should come as no surprise that personal decisions suddenly become political flashpoints.

The result is toxic to civil society. While my neighbor and I may differ in our diet, we can peacefully co-exist, until we attempt to deny one another a choice. Then, we are no longer neighbors. We are political combatants locked in a struggle only one of us can win.

The great strength of business is that it labors to give people a choice. The great strength of government is that it can demand obedience. A healthy society encourages the former, and keeps the latter in reserve, knowing it to be a dangerous tool and deadly master.