by Roger Ream

Foundation for Economic Education

Personal freedom of choice is an important aspect of the case for limited government. To the extent that responsibility for self is surrendered to or usurped by government -- to the extent that one loses freedom of choice -- the individual is thereby diminished. The freedom to choose is part of the very essence of man. An assault on the peaceful exercise of free choice has been the consequence of most government programs. Whether advocated by conservatives, present-day liberals, or doctrinaire Marxists, all government activity rests on the power to coerce. It removes decision-making power from the individual and vests it in the hands of the state. This is an awesome power, best left in the hands of the many, acting voluntarily, than concentrated in the hands of those few who would compel obedience. (1981; reposted on 03/21/05)

http://www.fee.org/vnews.php?nid=936