The Marine Who Has Barney Frank Worried

101:  Personal Power

The distinctive principle of Western social philosophy is individualism.

 It aims at the creation of a sphere in which the individual is free to think, to choose and to act without being restrained by the interference of the social apparatus of coercion and oppression, the State.  All the spiritual and material achievements of western civilization were the result of the operation of this idea of liberty.

 – Ludwig von Mises

 

To strengthen democracy and restore freedom in America, it is imperative for every American to have the power to contemplate, believe, associate, communicate, exchange, labor and gain possessions.

 

 The Marine Who Has Barney Frank Worried

 

Sean Bielat, a candidate for Congress running against Barney Frank (D-Mass), addressed the Spindle City Tea Party and stated an essential element for personal freedom – individuals have the liberty to invest their time and money for their advancement.  James Taranto quotes Bielat in the Wall Street Journal.

 “I’m starting to think that people want to take this country back—that people no longer believe that the government has the answers for our betterment, that the government can tell them how they should use their money. People believe that they have the power to create their own opportunity, if only they are given the chance. . . . There is so much wrong in Washington, I almost don’t know where to start.”

 Yes, Americans want to take back their country.  Americans sense our Constitution, dedicated to protecting people and their property, has been corrupted by power seeking politicians and special-interest politics.  Big business, big unions and thousands of special interest groups contribute millions of dollars to Republicans and Democrats in hopes to receive bigger returns in the form of selective tax breaks or exclusive benefits.  Government is taking the property (money) of all Americans and transferring it to special interest groups restricting every American’s opportunity to create their own opportunities.

 Knowing his audience, Bielat stated the core principles of individualism, “People believe that they have the power to create their own opportunity, if only they are given the chance…,”

 The political lesson is evident.  Critical to reinstating a governance system supporting freedom is a vocal and persistent electorate demanding to “have the power to create their own opportunity.”

Importantly, the exchange between Bielat and the electorate will encourage him and other politicians to embrace two essential principles of freedom: (1) people are entitled to the fruits of their labor, and (2) are free to invest their time and money as they personally select.